Mailbox Monday is where other bloggers write about the books they received the previous week. The Mailbox Monday is now going on a blog tour with the host for the month of January being  at At Home With Books. Visit the blog to see what books made it’s way and check out the others who are participating like me in the Monday Mailbox Meme.

 Keiko the Koala by Jill Ann Storti –  Everyone shares one thing in common. We are all different from each other and it is our diversity, which makes each person unique. “Keiko the Koala” is so much more than a book. It’s a powerful tool for parents to teach their children how to build strong relationships and self esteem. Young children will cherish Keiko in their formative years because he is comforting and entertaining. This exciting story is immediately rewarding to children, as they hear about the adventure of a koala bear, who finds himself lost in the forest. As he meets other animals, he quickly learns that he is different from other bears. You feel the anticipation as Keiko searches for a way out of the forest. While on his journey, he meets a young boy named Cody and they become friends. Cody is sad because he is different from other kids. Keiko teaches him that being different is what makes us special.

Six Ways To Keep The “Good” In Your Boy by Dannah Gresh - When bestselling author Dannah Gresh was body-slammed by her 12-year-old son, she was hit with reality: raising a boy is a whole new ballgame!

A boy’s relationship with his mom during the formative age between 8 and 12 is vital to his future well-being. So how can moms teach sons to be honest, confident, and respectful when the world and situations encourage them to make bad decisions and grow up too fast?

Dannah’s practical experience and research, along with advice from her husband, Bob Gresh, provide a mom with six proactive ways to help her son:

• honor his body in a healthy way
• get outside to play unplugged
• live out his faith

All summaries come from Barnes & Noble book overviews.

Is your pre-teen daughter ready for more—more excitement, more adventure, more joy? Then dare her to discover the secret to a life that sparkles for God. Show her she’s got what it takes to make an impact on the world. Ann Margret Hovsepian’s newest book, Truth and Dare: One Year of Dynamic Devotions for Girls, is designed for girls 9 to 12 and filled with powerful wisdom on everything from godly friendships to worshipping God.

It can be easy for young girls to neglect their Bible reading. Perhaps they feel Scripture doesn’t directly relate to them. Maybe they may lack encouragement or accountability, or they may just have too many distractions in their everyday lives. This lack of spiritual food can stunt girls’ spiritual growth and make them vulnerable to the temptations and ungodly influences around them. It can also prevent them from developing a love for Scripture early in life, making it even harder to get into God’s Word when they get older.

Truth and Dare encourages tween girls to discover how exciting God’s Word can be. They will see it make a difference in their daily lives and experience the blessings that come from doing it and not just hearing it. Daily challenges (dares) based on Scripture (truth) will provide opportunities for them to make their faith come alive as they learn to serve others, build character and make a difference.

Scripture will be transformed from something learned to something lived. Girls will delight in discovering how God’s Word can become real in whole new ways as they learn to apply it with each day’s dare. It ideally suits anyone looking to inspire a young girl to boldly live out her faith. So encourage the tween girl in your life to take the dare and discover the truth! It’s her time to shine as a girl who knows what it means to live a fierce and fearless life of faith.

• List Price: $14.99
• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
• Paperback: 432 pages
• Publisher: David C. Cook (October 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1434702081
• ISBN-13: 978-1434702081

Visit the author’s website.

FROM THE BOOK FAERY REVIEWS…An EXCELLENT devotional for pre-teen girls. My 12 year old who is very involved with her church and enjoys reading the Bible and learning new things absolutely loved this devotional. While she has not yet completed going through the devotional, the days she has gone through she’s enjoyed. Each day she’s given a Bible verse, a Truth relating to life, the Triple Dog Dare to do something, and a journaling space to write about the outcome. The weekend’s have a little more activities to do. It’s a really good devotional to go through with your daughter each day to discuss what she’s learned from the passage and the activities. I highly recommend this devotional.  The book back says for ages 9-12 but I think it would be good for any girl up to 13/14.

Our Book Rating: 4 out of 4 stars

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old…or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!

AND NOW…THE FIRST CHAPTER (To enlarge, click on the images):

***Special thanks to Audra Jennings, Senior Media Specialist, The B&B Media Group for sending me a review copy.***

Boys want action. They don’t want to sit around and talk—that’s for grown-ups and girls. They engage life and relationships by doing something: skateboarding, playing games or re-creating favorite movie scenes. So why should faith be any different? That’s why Jeremy V. Jones created Triple Dog Dare: One Year of Dynamic Devotions for Boys—to provide the action boys need in order to grow their faith.

The Bible is full of action. Remember how David slew Goliath, Daniel faced those lions, Paul survived a shipwreck and Jesus stood up for a woman about to be killed? God made boys to take His truth and do something with it, to man up and change the world. These action-packed devotions for boys ages 9 to 12 are filled with godly truth and bold spiritual challenges that transform time with God into the adventure of the day.

Triple Dog Dare connects God’s Word to boys’ hearts and hands with real-life scenarios and activities. Each day is filled with short Scriptures, concise biblical truth and a daily dare, all challenging them to put their faith into practice. Scripture readings from every book of the Bible open up the action-packed Word of God. Whether it’s drawing comic strips of biblical battles, dreaming up a life list of goals, making snack packs for the homeless or producing Bible-based movies, boys will go on daily dynamic experiences with God, taking faith off the page and setting it into motion. Themes cover the daily realities of pre-teen males, including bullying, peer pressure, girls, sibling rivalry, honesty and more.

These exciting devotions will inspire boys’ hearts toward godly characteristics such as integrity, generosity and kindness. Parents will appreciate watching Christ-like traits emerge as each dare is undertaken. It is a manual that will deepen boys’ friendships with Jesus as they look forward to spending time with Him every day. So if you know a boy who is up for the challenge, triple dog dare him!

• List Price: $14.99
• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
• Paperback: 432 pages
• Publisher: David C. Cook (October 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0781404576
• ISBN-13: 978-0781404570

Our Rating: 4 out of 4 stars

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old…or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!

AND NOW…THE FIRST CHAPTER (Click on images to enlarge):

***Special thanks to Audra Jennings, Senior Media Specialist, The B&B Media Group for sending me a review copy.***

Visit the author’s website.

FROM THE BOOK FAERY REVIEWS…EXCELLENT book for families in need of a healthier lifestyle change. They say that it takes 90 days for something to become a habit so this is the perfect book to go through each of those 90 days with the kids. LOTS of tips on food, exercise, and even talking points about life and our health. Each chapter is a day and each day is broken out into sections: “Something to Think About”, “Something to Talk About”, and “Tip of the Day”. I highly recommend families pick up this book to read and act through together. Now that I’ve gone through it initially, you better believe I’ll be doing it with the kids very soon.

***Special thanks to FIRST Wild Card Tour and Harvest House Publishers for sending me a review copy.
All opinions stated above are my own and no compensation was received for this review.***

and the book: 

52 Things Kids Need from a Mom

Harvest House Publishers (September 1, 2011)

Bestselling author and mother of four Angela Thomas delivers a helpful, encouraging gathering of 52 inspiring ideas for moms who, in the whir of busyness, long to connect with their kids. Moms will learn to lead with God’s love in the small moments that make up an abundant, intentional life.

• List Price: $12.99
• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Harvest House Publishers (September 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0736943919
• ISBN-13: 978-0736943918

Each chapter in the book is a road sign which calls the reader to be aware of elements we face in life, and ways to deal with them. The book also provides the reader with useful tools to overcome daily problems, and live a better, more spiritual life. From dealing with the problem of lying, in the chapter Dead End Roads, to providing useful tools in the chapter Roadside Assistance, the reader explores life’s journey from a new prospective, knowing he or she is not the only one struggling, and trying to find a higher purpose in life.

The unique format of this book cannot be found in other spiritual books. Also, given the fact that teenagers and young adults are constantly in a stage of doubts and confusion, I was surprised to see how little spiritual guidance is available to them. The book’s format makes it easy to follow, and gives the reader useful tools for spiritual growth. This book was written from personal experiences, and it is my hope that it will serve as a lighthouse for many souls. – FROM B&N

• Pub. Date: June 2011
• Publisher: Bat-El Publishing
• Format: Hardcover , 72pp
• Age Range: Young Adult
• ISBN-13: 9780983202509
• ISBN: 0983202508

ABOUT THE AUTHOR…Tal Yanai was not happy with his reality. What he was creating in his life was not in alignment with what he wanted in his heart or what he knew and deeply felt was possible.

Bringing two wonderful children into the world gave him a new sense of urgency to share and teach everything he’s learned about God and spirituality. Today, Tal teaches Hebrew and Judaic Studies in Temple Beth Hillel in the San Fernando Valley as he continues his quest to explore the meaning of soul and achieve his full potential as a spiritual teacher.

Author Website: www.talyanai.com

Author Blog: http://www.talroadsigns.com/

THE GIVEAWAY…The Book Faery Reviews children are giving away a copy of Life Is Not A Candy Store over at their book blog BookSnatchers. All you have to do is read their review and leave them a comment over THERE!

FOLLOW THE WORLD OF INK TOUR WITH TAL YANAI

August 1^st: The World of Ink Network – Author Spotlight

August 2^nd: Families Matter Blog Book – Interview

August 3^rd: American Chronicle – Author Spotlight

August 4^th: MomnBaby Network – Book Spotlight

August 5^th: The Writing Mama – Interview

August 6^th: Mom Perfers on BlogCritics – Author Spotlight

August 7^th: The Writing Mama – Book Review

August 8^th: The Maggie Project – Guest Post: Helpful Tips on Writing & Back story

August 9^th: Roth’s Inspiring Books & Products – Interview

August 10^th: The Crypto-Capers Review – Book Review

August 11^th: Writers On The Move – Guest Post: Relating to YA Readers

August 12^th: Stories for Children Magazine FG Interview

August 13^th: Writing to the Hearts of Children- Book Review & Giveaway

August 14^th: Utah Children’s Writer Blog – Guest Post: Tips to Writing Engaging Nonfiction

August 15^th: BTR’s World of Ink Network: Stories for Children show.

Live Radio Interview at 2pm EST at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/worldofinknetwork or call in to listen or ask questions (714) 242-5259.

You can also listen on demand after the show airs!

August 16^th: Rambling of a Coffee Addicted Writer – Book Review

August 17^th: BlogCritics – Book Review

August 18^th: Roth’s Inspiring Books & Products – Book Review

August 19^th: Literal Exposure – Book Review & Giveaway

August 20^th: Health, Beauty, Children and Family – Book Review & Giveaway

August 21^st: Bless Their Hearts Mom – Book Review

August 22^nd: Strands of Thought – Interview

August 23^rd: Rambling of a Coffee Addicted Writer- Guest Post: How to Talk to Teens http://ramblingsofacoffeeaddictedwrter.blogspot.com/

August 23^rd: Interview on From My Mama’s Kitchen Radio Show at 11am EST

From My Mama’s Kitchen® - “Personal Success Begins at Home” Host: Johnny Tan

www.blogtalkradio.com/fmmk-talk-radio

August 24^th: The Writing Mama Show on BTR’s World of Ink Network

On demand interview: Families Matter Blog – Book Review

August 25^th: Home School Blogger – Book Review

August 26^th: Mymcbooks Blog – Spotlight & Giveaway

August 27^th: Children’s and Teen Book Connection – Interview

August 29^th: BiblioReads.com – Book Review & Giveaway

Salary Tutor by Jim Hopkinson (Non-Fiction – Career) - Jim Hopkinson details a novel way to get the the raise you deserve. Using these ten steps, you will be able to confidently and effectively negotiate your salary. With helpful tips and questions throughout, this book gives readers the tools to conquer “the evil HR lady.”

While other books or websites might list a few standard bullet points on the subject from an expert in the HR field, Jim takes a “novel approach,” weaving interesting stories, case studies, graphs, humor, and personal experience to make the topic come alive. The book also educates the reader on:

• Discovering the two simple – but vital – questions you need to answer for success
• Harnessing your social media network to gather valuable information
• Mastering successful FBI negotiation techniques to your advantage
• Creating a one-of-a-kind document to secure the highest salary range
• Using Jim’s “Right back at Ya” Method to regain control of an interview

52 Things Kids Need from a Mom by Angela Thomas (Family / Women’s Non-Fiction) - Bestselling author and mother of four children Angela Thomas brings her trademark storytelling and biblical teaching to this book of encouragement for moms who, in the daily whir of busyness, long to connect with their kids in new ways.

With compassion and creativity, Angela presents 52 inspirations to help moms experience intentional mothering, intentional living, and intentional joy as they:

• talk to their child as though he is fascinating
• learn to play one video game
• plan activities that set a child up for success
• be the groovy mom once in a while
• make memories and savor them

Moms at all phases of parenting can adopt one idea a week or try several at once. This is a fun, guilt-free resource to help every mom lead with God’s love and delight in the small moments that make up an abundant life.

A Christmas Secret by Candace Hall (Children’s Fiction) - When Santa’s reindeer discover a lost kitten named O’Malley, they have no choice but to rescue him and bring him back to the North Pole. Soon all the residents of the North Pole are doing their part to save O’Malley, including Broome, the head elf, and Wilma the mouse. Because only those who were born in the North Pole can live there, everyone decides to keep O’Malley a secret—until O’Malley goes missing. Will O’Malley be able to stay in the North Pole? What will Santa think about A Christmas Secret?

Hot Chocolate With God by Camryn Kelly w/Jill & Erin Kelly (Juvenile Non-Fiction, Christian Resource) - Written for young girls 8-12, this brand-new series combines the writings of the Kelly girls with journal/activity elements in an engaging, exciting companion book to every girl’s walk with God. Each book in the series includes scriptures, fun facts, journal writings, and fun personal quizzes. Girls will be able to express their deepest thoughts and feelings, as well as share everything from their favorite ice cream to the things that make them cry.

In this first book, it’s all about the reader. Finding out who you are can be a fun process that will take you a lifetime-and this book gets girls started out in style! A self-guided tour through every area of a girl’s inner life, this book encourages girls to find the answers to small questions (What’s your favorite color? Your favorite ice cream flavor?, etc.) as well as large ones (What makes you sad? What makes you angry?)

A section on dreams and special gifts will also be included. All little girls have dreams of what they want to be when they grow up, and this book will help them discover which of the special gifts talked about in the Bible they have been given.

With activities ranging from word searches, create-your-own story fill-in-the-blanks, true/false questions, journaling space, a companion web site, fun facts, and scriptures, this first volume in the HOT CHOCOLATE WITH GOD series promises hours of fun and self-discovery!

Lady Sophie’s Christmas Wish by Grace Burrowes (Historical Romance Fiction) - All she wants is peace and anonymity…

Lady Sophie Windham has maneuvered a few days to herself at the ducal mansion in London before she must join her family for Christmas in Kent. Suddenly trapped by a London snowstorm, she finds herself with an abandoned baby and only the assistance of a kind, handsome stranger standing between her and complete disaster.

But Sophie’s holiday is about to heat up…
With his estate in ruins, Vim Charpentier sees little to feel festive about this Christmas. His growing attraction for Sophie Windham is the only thing that warms his spirits-but when Sophie’s brothers whisk her away, Vim’s most painful holiday memories are reawakened.

It seems Sophie’s been keeping secrets, and now it will take much more than a mistletoe kiss to make her deepest wishes come true…



The Virtuoso by Grace Burrowes (Historical Romance Fiction) - The highly praised trilogy of Regency romances by award-winning author Grace Burrowes concludes with gifted pianist Valentine Windham, youngest son of the Duke of Moreland. Val retreats to the country after an injury robs him of his musical ability, only to learn from impoverished widow Ellen Markham that he can be loved even when his music falls silent.

The Highlanders Heart by Amanda Forrester (Historical Romance Fiction) - Fleeing into the wilderness to escape an abusive marriage, Lady Isabelle Tynsdale would sooner face down a wild boar than spend another night with her wretched husband. Battered by the elements, desperate to elude a band of attackers, and defending herself against, as fate would have it, a wild boar she is rescued by the handsome Laird David Campbell.

Campbell knows holding Isabelle captive for ransom is his best chance to temper the storm threatening to destroy his clan. The ransom of an English countess should be more than enough to pay off his debts to England and save him from an unwanted marriage. But Isabelle didn’t escape her husband just to become another man’s captive and Laird Campbell is seriously misguided if he thinks she’s going to go quietly.

The Storm That Is Sterling by Lisa Renee Jones (Paranormal Romance Fiction) - Sterling Jeter, Renegade Super Soldier, is fearless, powerful, and wildly unpredictable. His life-threatening mission is to save the beautiful, brilliant astrobiologist Rebecca Burns from ruthless villain Adam Rain. But their immutable mutual attraction threatens to put them in the path of death… or worse…

All book summaries come from Barnes & Noble.

The back story of Tantrums, Troubles, and Treasures is actually quite simple. My wonderful wife had watched how I interacted with children for years as a house parent at St. Joseph Children’s Home, and then as a teacher, and finally as the father of our two boys. Over the years, she’s even thrown parenting scenarios my way just to see how I would react. I used to think she did this to amuse herself. Well, as it turned out, she was impressed with the answers I would give and why I felt the way I did.

It was also my wife who convinced me to write a book in order to share with others what I’d learned through working with children over the years- specifically what has worked for me and what hasn’t. I also remember telling her about how I wanted to frame the chapters (Inspiring quote- Body of the chapter- and short assignments to reinforce what I was teaching) and she really liked the idea.

Brainstorming the book turned out to be a lot of fun. Stories of working with children came rushing back. The stories are entertaining; but each of them contain a teaching point.

One of the things about this book is that it can be read like a reference book. For example, if a parent is having trouble with children who are argumentative, they can jump immediately to Chapter 16. The subject of bullying is clearly laid out in Chapter 19 for those who want to know how I’ve handled it.

As is the case with many authors, writing the book was mostly allowing the book to write itself. My base of experiences is the strongest attribute. Many of the topics were chosen based on questions parents have asked me over the years and based on tremendous people I have worked with- and learned from over the years as I watched how they’ve handled difficult situations.

My hope is that anyone who reads the book is entertained but also develops some additional solid ideas they can use with their child. If anyone has questions after reading the book, I can be reached at tantrumstroublesandtreasures@yahoo.com.

Tantrums, Troubles, and Treasures is a book meant to help great parents become even better. The book covers a variety of topic such as presence with children, handling arguments in the home, bullying, and reflection. Each chapter starts with a quote that sets the tone and end with a small assignment to reinforce the point of the chapter. By the time the book is finished, the reader will have a lot more tools to use at their discretion in their parenting tool belt.

• Publisher: LuLu.com – self published
• ISBN Number(s): 978-1-257-05609-5
• Publication Date(s): April 2011

BUY THE BOOK… LuLu

ABOUT THE AUTHOR…Clayton Paul Thomas has worked with kids for about 16 years from three different settings. The first was at St. Joseph Children’s Home. This was a place abused kids went after being permanently separated from their parents. Most of his parenting skills were developed here. The kids Clayton worked with ranged from ages 3 to 15.

Afterwards, Clayton became an elementary public school teacher. He taught for 7 1/2 years from 1st through 4th grade. Finally, Clayton has two boys (Cameron age 7 and Luke age 3). He has been married for 9 years to his beautiful wife Lauren. Though his parenting skills were learned at St. Joseph, his wife’s has been the inspiration to writing the book and sharing insights with all of you. To her, Clayton is eternally thankful.

Author Website | Twitter | Facebook | Facebook WOI Tour Event Page

FROM THE BOOK FAERY REVIEWS…We’re giving away a copy of Tantrums, Troubles, and Treasures: A Parent Guide to Parenting in the 21st Century now through the month of August and selecting a random reader of The Book Faery Reviews September 1st. This giveaway is open to US/Canadian Non-PO Box mailing addresses.

ANSWER THIS QUESTION for an entry:
What’s a trick you learned raising kids (babysitting or your own) that gets them to stop the tantrums. 

EXTRA ENTRIES…

• Follow @farrah1230 on Twitter and tweet this giveaway (click the button on the top of this post or down below on the “Share This Post!”.
• “Like” us on Facebook (see sidebar)
• Subscribe to our RSS feed & monthly newsletter (see sidebar)

GOOD LUCK!

Stories for Children Publishing will be touring Author Clayton Paul Thomas and his book, “Tantrums, Troubles, and Treasures: A Parent Guide to Parenting in the 21st Century” all month long in July 2011.

You can find out more about Clayton Paul Thomas’ World of Ink Author/Book Tour schedule at http://storiesforchildrenpublishing.com/ClaytonPThomas.aspx. There will be giveaways, reviews, interviews, guest posts and more. Make sure to stop by and interact with Clayton Paul Thomas and the hosts at the different stops by leaving comments and/or questions. Clayton Paul Thomas will be checking in throughout the tour and is offering an additional giveaway for those who leave comments throughout the tour.

In addition, come listen to Blog Talk Radio’s World of Ink Network show: Stories for Children at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/worldofinknetwork. The hosts VS Grenier, Kris Quinn Chirstopherson and Irene Roth will be chatting with Clayton about his book, parenting tips, writing, the publishing industry and experiences with virtual tours. Clayton will also be sharing writing tips and trials, and tribulations of the writer’s life.

The show will be live July 4, 2011 at 2pm EST (1pm Central, 12pm MST, and 11am PST). You can tune in at the World of Ink Network site at http://www.blogtalkradion.com/worldofinknetwork. You can listen/call in at (714) 242-5259. (Note: if you can’t make the show, you can listen on demand at the same link.)

To learn more about the World of Ink Tours visit Stories for Children Publishing at: http://storiesforchildrenpublishing.com

I received a copy of this book for review as part of the WOI Virtual Tour.
No money was received for compensation.

Parents, coaches, teachers, counselors – any one dealing with teens and adolescents need to be mindful of behavioral changes; and the possibility that their could be physical reasons behind them.

For example – maybe a boy has developed breasts and will not take his shirt off – won’t go to the beach with his friends; declines summer camp and warm weather vacations. Maybe he argues with his coach or gym teacher when asked to take a shower after practice. Maybe the pediatrician noticed the development but said nothing because the teen was indifferent about it because of embarrassment. All this slipping between the cracks can lead to behavioral issues unless someone is on the alert and can open up a dialogue maybe a girl with overly large breasts is embarrassed about behind her back sexual innuendos or about fitting into clothes or playing sports – so she retreats into a diminished social life maybe a child with “stick out ears” is called dumbo and is tormented daily by so called friends.

All these issues would benefit from open communication regarding the possibility of corrective surgery. Just offering the openness of communication and understanding and the opportunity for consultation with a pediatric plastic surgeon can go a long way to making a teen feel listened to as opposed to dismissed Once a decision is made to go forward the real homework begins so as not to compound problem by a poor solution. Careful research is needed to choose the right surgeon and the right setting at the right time for optimal results. My book The Safe and Sane Guide to Teenage Plastic Surgery goes into detail on the communication and selection process in getting to “yes” for plastic surgery. No patient or family should go unprepared into such a serious decision.

- Dr. Frederick Lukash

His latest book is The Safe and Sane Guide to Teenage Plastic Surgery. You can visit his websites at www.drlukash.com and www.teenageplasticsurgery.com.
The Safe and Sane Guide to Teenage Plastic Surgery, by Dr. Frederick N. Lukash, is the only complete guide to this ever-expanding phenomenon. Written by the American Society of Plastic Surgery’s acknowledged expert and official media spokesperson on pediatric and adolescent plastic surgery, this book answers those tough questions parents of potential teenage plastic surgery candidates have: Will surgery increase their child’s self-esteem and help them fit in better? Or is it a dangerously easy solution to deeper issues? When is surgery right, and when is it not?Interviewed in The New York Times and featured on Discovery Health among many other media outlets, Lukash guides families through every step of the process, from finding the perfect-fit doctor and applying for medical insurance to surgery and finally to recovery and a changed life. A virtual, free consultation with a renowned expert in the field, the book doesn’t just offer easy solutions to teen’s body-image problems but helps parents understand the emotional, psychological and social dilemmas involved. Complete with action plans, real-life stories and pictures, The Safe and Sane Guide to Teenage Plastic Surgery offers advice on what can, can’t and shouldn’t be done—and on how to spot the doctors who will exploit a teen’s fragile sense of self-esteem as well as his or her parent’s pocketbook. Most important, Lukash provides a useful red light/yellow light/green light guide for considering teen plastic surgery. - From Barnes & Noble

• Paperback: 246 pages
• Publisher: BenBella Books (November 2, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1935618091

BUY THE BOOK FROM… Amazon | Barnes & Noble (I am a B&N affiliate.)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR…Dr. Frederick N. Lukash, M.D.,FACS, FAAP, has consistently been voted one of “America’s Top Doctors,” by the Castle Connolly guide, and by the Consumer Research Council of America (www.bestdoctors.com). A board-certified cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgeon in practice in Manhattan and Long Island since 1981, he is an Assistant Clinical Professor of Surgery at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine.

Dr. Lukash received his college and medical degrees from Tulane University. His post graduate training in surgery and plastic surgery includes Emory University, State University of New York, and Harvard University, where he held the position of Instructorin surgery.

The high standards that Dr. Lukash lives and works by have gained him admittance to all the major plastic surgical societies, including:

• American Society for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
• American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
• American Association of Plastic Surgeons
• Plastic Surgery Research Council
• International Society of Microsurgeons
• American Society of Maxillofacial Surgery
• American Society of Head and Neck Surgery
• Northeast Regional Plastic Surgical Society
• American Cleft Palate Association
• American Association Hand Surgery
• American Association of Pediatric Plastic Surgery.

Dr. Lukash achieved board certification by both the American Board of Surgery and theAmerican Board of Plastic Surgery. He is a Fellow in the American College of Surgeonsand the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Dr. Lukash’s landmark article “Children’s Art as a Helpful Index of Anxiety and Self Esteem with Plastic Surgery” (Journal of Plastic Surgery: 109: 6, May 2002) is still regarded as path-breaking in the field, and remains widely cited in the literature. His authorship of the paper led him to write the position paper on teenage plastic surgery for the American Society of Plastic Surgeons; he is currently the spokesperson on the subject for that organization.

In addition to serving on many of the societies’ committees, Dr. Lukash has authored questions for the Plastic Surgery In-Service Examination and has recently completed his term as president of the New York Regional Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. He founded that organization’s magazine and served for many years as the editor-in-chief.
A strong sense of service to the community here and worldwide has motivated Dr.Lukash to volunteer his expertise to organizations such as Surgical Aid to Children ofthe World and Operation Smile. He has been honored by the Chief Executive of Nassau County for his service in reconstructing children from war torn Afghanistan. His giving also includes surgical service to local adoption agencies where correction of physical deformities has enabled unplaceable children to find homes. The United States Olympic Committee has recognized Dr. Lukash for his volunteer service at the summer Olympic Games.

In addition to writing and speaking, Dr. Lukash has an exhibit called “Operation Art” that has been featured at many Children’s Museums around the country. This exhibit depicts emotions through non verbal medium of art in children before and after undergoing plastic surgery.

Dr. Lukash holds staff appointments at Long Island Jewish Medical Center / Schneider Children’s Hospital, North Shore University Hospital, Winthrop University Hospital, St. Francis Hospital and Lenox Hill Hospital. He has also served as a plastic surgical consultant to the New York Islanders hockey team and the New York Jets football team.

Is Autism really that bad?

What are the symptoms?

How are people diagnosed with Autism?

Is Autism a life changing diagnosis?

No matter what the question, there are some definite facts; almost 1 in 110 children are diagnosed with Autism. Some cases of Autism are severe, whereas others are less severe.

There are some good qualities that autistic individuals have, they are many times very artistic and intelligent and many have a knack of mathematics. Being diagnosed with Autism for many parents may seem like a God send, it means that there is finally a name for what’s been going on with their child or children.

I myself work with Autistic children on a daily basis in my office in New York City,  and I know from experience that individuals with autism  can be a tremendous people. Don’t get me wrong, autism can manifest itself in many ways, and although I have a fairly positive outlook not everyone feels the same way that I do.

Ultimately, we should understand that autism can be treated, but not cured. Some popular forms of treatment are ABA (Applied Behavioral Analysis), Floortime and Verbal Therapy. Many of these therapies are geared towards helping develop social and emotional skills for these children and can be tremendously helpful. One thing I want to stress as heavily as possible is that autism treatment and diagnosis will change the lives of everyone in the family. In order to see real improvement you should not limit that child’s/person therapies to only the therapists office, you should implement the therapies and suggestions given by the therapist to the best of your abilities in the home so that they aren’t forgotten. The goal is to turn the therapy(ies) into routine activities.

One website that I personally use is the www.autismspeaks.org website. They have tons of information about different therapies, autism insurance acceptance and more. Autism Speaks stands alone in terms of online resources, but when looking for an offline resource like a therapist, or advocate to work with you to help your child receive the services he/she needs, you should consider several thinks like how much you like the person, their credentials and licensing and how helpful you feel they would be to your family. If you are considering working with your child yourself, you may want to look into becoming certified or licensed in one of the therapies that are geared towards assisting autistic children (some of the therapies allow parents to become licensed or certified).

Other resources that you may find helpful are books. When I wrote my book “Is My Kid Stupid? Avoiding an Educational Disaster”, I was sure to list many tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your child’s education including free resources, information for free private school tuition paid for by the state and information of how to advocate for your child. Many other authors and practitioners will offer up advice and explain what autism is and give their own theories on what causes autism (I say theories because no one really knows for sure).

Nevertheless, you should arm yourself with as much information as possible, and seek the assistance of a qualified professional if you are unsure about something.

Happy National Autism Month!

Nzingha West

ABOUT THE AUTHOR…Nzingha West, the author of Is My Kid Stupid Avoiding an Educational Disaster has worked in education for 10 years. Nzingha owns and operates Urbane Academics where she provides special education advocacy services, educational evaluations and private and small group instruction. Nzingha has worked with the American Museum of Natural History, Harlem Children‘s Zone, University Settlement and the City College of New York among others. Nzingha firmly believes in the fair education of all children, and continues to work with children all over the United States. Nzingha currently lives and works in New York City.

Follow her and Urbane Academics on Twitter and on Facebook.

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Is My Kid Stupid? was written to fill a need for all parents of children who are struggling in school, or who have been diagnosed with learning disabilities. Is My Kid Stupid? Addresses concerns like: • How to get a free private school education for your child • How to choose a practitioner for your child • How to choose the best advocate for your child, or how to advocate for your child yourself • Special education laws and how you can make the most of them • How to significantly lower the cost of college for your child Is My Kid Stupid? also offers letter templates, and additional websites that may be helpful during your search.

• Paperback: 124 pages
• Publisher: Amazon.com (March 7, 2011)
• Language: English

FROM THE BOOK FAERY REVIEWS…As a parent of a child with a learning disability, this was a book I was looking forward to reading and hopefully utilize to help my son as he learns. Though he’s improving everyday in his skills thanks to the special program he’s in at school, our vision doctor (We tossed our old pediatric neurologist to the side who said he had torretz and put him on LOTS of meds. We ditched the drugs and replaced him with a chiropractor and he’s MUCH better with the body ticks, in fact they’re near non-existent), and the work we do at home, there’s always this need as a parent to keep looking for better ways to make learning easier and more fun for them.

Is My Kid Stupid is broken out into 16 VERY SHORT chapters with questions for the reader at the end of each. At the end of the book West also includes a resource section with links to multiple sites that readers might find useful. The author prefaces the book  with a statement that she wanted “to get right down to business and give you the tools to get what your child needs”. That she did. The book is not meant to diagnose but to help you understand what you should be doing and how to get the best education for a child with learning disabilities. She offers tips throughout the book of what to do and what not to do.

As a parent and not an educator, I personally found Is My Kid Stupid to be resourceful and as I switch my son from his current school to his new one in the fall, I will be better informed on how to go about getting him new assistance within and out of the school system. There were many things I hadn’t realized I was doing that could essentially hurt his learning process and those are now on my radar. Though my son’s disability are not included in this book (he has a reading disability due to no eye focus in one of his eyes thus making reading very difficult and words to be jumbled or blurred even with the highest prescription strength), the tips and suggestions were still very helpful. For my friends who have children or know a child with a learning disability, I will be recommending it.

My Book Rating: 3 out of 4 stars