Melvin D Levine

Social interactions are often the most stressful aspect of adolescent life. In [this book, the author] teams up with fictitious eighth-grader Jarvis Clutch to offer insight and advice on the middle school social scene. Jarvis's spy notes provide a bird's eye view of the often traumatic social experiences that middle school students are bound to encounter. His wry perspective is alternated with commentary and wisdom from [the author], who provides...

A nationally known pediatrician and author addresses the question of why some youngsters make a successful transition into adulthood while others do not. Parents and schools often raise children in a highly structured world, leaving them unable to cope on their own. Dr. Levine urges that schools teach "life prep," equipping adolescents with what they will need to succeed as adults. He identifies these skills as "the four I's": inner direction, or...

Looks at how students feel about their performance in school and shows children and early adolescents struggling with negative feelings in classroom and home situations. Explores school situations that may generate negative reactions--such as humiliation, low self-esteem, loss of motivation, helplessness, anxiety and withdrawal--and offers practical strategies that teachers and parents can use to help children deal with their negative feelings relatied...