I have found this book very informative with some great exercises that can be used by teenagers and adults alike. Thanks net galley for this free read.

I grabbed this book with the intent of reading to assess whether or not it would be a beneficial text to incorporate in my classroom. I teach a 6:1:1 middle school classroom at an alternative school. I am passionate about mindfulness and sharing it with my students. This book caught my eye because it is specific to teens.
When I began reading this book, I instantly saw the benefit it would bring to my students. Many of my students worry and struggle to cut through that. This book will be an excellent tool to share with them.
I also really enjoyed the "try this" and the real life scenarios that aren't "dumbed down" for kids like I have seen in other mindfulness texts for youth.
I am hoping to speak to my principal about getting a classroom set of 7 for my 6:1:1 classroom that we could use as a tool in our social emotional learning class. It would not only benefit them to use in school, but it would be a wonderful takeaway when they "graduate" from my classroom and have it to reference when struggling.

New Harbinger Publications produces numerous books related to self-help; I especially liked The Grit Guide for Teens. Another recent title is MINDFULNESS FOR TEEN WORRY. Written by Jeffrey Bernstein, it is filled with "quick and easy strategies to let go of anxiety, worry, and stress." Bernstein talks directly to teens, often quoting those he has interviewed and offering visual cues like a section where he suggests using your hand to visualize how your brain works. He talks further about how worry often gets in the way, wastes energy and even makes people ill. He acknowledges that teens already know how to be mindful (listening to music, walking outside) and encourages them to practice "the power of the present moment" with intention, attention and attitude. There are entire chapters titled "the beginner's mindfulness toolkit" as well as "getting back in control by letting go." Throughout, there are numerous "try it!" sections with suggested activities; some of them (like the body scan), we have already used in advisory. MINDFULNESS FOR TEEN WORRY is another helpful look at an important topic. 4.5 stars

Links in the live post: http://treviansbookit.blogspot.com/2017/07/the-grit-guide-for-teens.html

Although the idea of this book is a good one, and there are some helpful ideas, there is something a little repetitive and almost patronising in the tone used at times. It is a good attempt to engage teens and give them some practical tips in order to cope with anxiety and general worries in life, but there is nothing really new provided and it does tend to rely on repeating the same things over and over, whilst presenting ideas as if they are different - the discerning reader will spot that they are not and this is something of a deterrent to face when reading the book.
On a more positive note, the book is easily accessed by both teenagers themselves and parents or carers, or indeed anybody who has a vested interest in people of this age group; the techniques themselves could be applicable to anybody, not just teenagers, but don't expect to be blown away with the methods suggested. In the modern age where the word 'mindfulness' is becoming more and more familiar, you are likely to have come across these suggestions previously - you might even already incorporate them into your daily life. In addition to this, the book relies heavily on 'the words of teens themselves', which takes up a large part of the text -another thing that makes the pace and style feel a little disjointed in my opinion.
Taken in the spirit it is surely meant, the book might provide some ideas about coping with stressful situations and, hopefully, it will help people to refocus their thinking, but you will have to persevere with the style of the delivery along the way.

<b>5 stars for an approachable, highly readable teen book on Mindfulness</b>

I loved that this was not only written <i>about</i> teens, but that it was written <i>for</i> teens. From the beginning, the author makes it obvious who the audience is, but I think parents would get something out of reading this and discussing it with their kids.

The focus is not on anxiety disorders, but on typical daily worries and how to most effectively manage them. Every few sections, there is a "try this" activity, where the reader is asking to reflect. There are also sections where Bernstein uses teens thoughts in their own words (in quotes), which adds to the approachability of the book for its audience. The author quickly notes, "You already know how to be mindful," and gives examples helping the reader feel engaged and ahead of the game right off the bat. The most helpful section was the mindfulness toolkit, with several activities to work on, such as breathing exercises, eating awareness, and more.

Overall, this is quite a resourceful, user-friendly, and supportive guide for mindfulness strategies for teens.

Thank you to Jeffrey Bernstein, New Harbinger, and Netgalley for the complimentary copy.