Urban Dreams: Stories of Hope, Resilience and Character - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0761838430 ISBN 13: 9780761838432

Publisher: Hamilton Books, 2007

Synopsis

Urban Dreams: Stories of Hope, Resilience, and Character is a collection of essays written by students in an urban community in New Jersey. The essays are the encapsulated life stories of their authors, writers from urban elementary, middle, and high schools were given a chance to reflect on their own lives and articulate their Laws of Life: strong values and principles that guide them in everyday decision and actions. Their stories allow the hearts of children to speak and gives adults the opportunity to listen, learn, and act.

About this title

About the Author:

Maurice J. Elias, Ph.D. is Professor, Psychology Department, Rutgers University, Director of the Rutgers Social-Emotional Learning Lab, and Academic Director of The Collaborative Center for Community-Based Research and Service at Rutgers. He is Past President of the Society for Community Research and Action/Division of Community Psychology (27) of APA and has received the SCRA Distinguished Contribution to Practice and Ethnic Minority Mentoring Awards, as well the Joseph E. Zins Memorial Senior Scholar Award for Social-Emotional Learning from the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL), the John P. McGovern Medal from the American School Health Association, and the Sanford McDonnell Award for Lifetime Achievement in Character Education. Prof. Elias lectures nationally and internationally to educators and parents about students emotional intelligence, school success, and social-emotional and character development. Among Dr. Elias numerous books are ASCD s Promoting Social and Emotional Learning: Guidelines for Educators, the Social Decision Making/Social Problem Solving curricula for grades k-8, the new e-book, Emotionally Intelligent Parenting, and a book for young children: Talking Treasure: Stories to Help Build Emotional Intelligence and Resilience in Young Children (www.researchpress.com, 2012). He also writes a blog for on SEL-related topics for the George Lucas Educational Foundation at www.edutopia.org. With colleagues at the College of St. Elizabeth, he has developed an online credentialing program for Direct Instruction of Social-Emotional and Character Development (SECD) programs in classroom, small group, and after school settings (sel.rutgers.edu), and for School-Focused Leadership and Coordination of SECD and School Culture and Climate (SELinSchools.org).

Review:

Urban Dreams is a remarkable book, capturing the words and values of children and adolescents, many from challenging backgrounds. It reflects the insight, spirt, love, and resilience of youth rather than their despair. It also demonstrates that youngsters are willing to share their thoughts and feelings when encouraged to do so. This book will serve as a powerful catalyst for discussions among youth and adults. (Robert Brooks, Faculty, Harvard Medical School and co-author, Raising Resilient Children)

To learn, a child must have a bond with a teacher and believe in the possibility of a dream, however simple or grand. Read these stories and you will be reminded of the wisdom and possibility of young learners. Consider the authors and you will realize that dreams are sometimes strongest when they emerge from a struggle. Hang on the words and you will be reminded of your own belief in a better world. (Tim Shriver, Chairman, International Special Olympics and Chairman, Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning)

This book is a must read for every superintendent, principal, guidance counselor, teacher, parent, adult and child. The stories will make you laugh, cry, fill you with joy, and inspire you to make a difference in your own schools and community. (Peggy Sweeney, Vice President of Programs, National Liberty Museum, and Former Director of the Laws of Life Essay Contest, John Templeton Found)

About this edition

• Publisher: Hamilton Books
• Publication date: 2007
• ISBN 10: 0761838430
• ISBN 13: 9780761838432
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 130
• Editor: Elias Maurice J., Ogburn-Thompson Gina, Lewis Claudine, Neft Deborah I.