Stay Strong: Simple Life Lessons for Teens

The owner of a public relations firm tells the amazing story of her career and shares the secrets of her success to offer inspiration and help teens achieve their dreams.

Gr 6 Up-This upbeat handbook offers advice on a variety of topics such as lying, money, manners, being popular at any cost, and feelings. Each chapter contains scenarios/stories about an issue. Williams then recounts her philosophy/life story as well as similar ones from famous people. The effect is strong and positive. Quotes from teens are scattered throughout. From the introduction by Queen Latifah, it is clear that the author cares about her readers and hopes that she can help some of them make appropriate choices. The writing is direct and the format is bold and eye-catching. Jay McGraw's Life Strategies for Teens (Fireside, 2000), Jack Canfield's Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul (Health Communications, 1997), and Richard Carlson's Don't Sweat the Small Stuff for Teens (Hyperion, 2000) approach similar topics, but Stay Strong presents itself to a wider ethnic population. The overall message of being true to one's self is much needed and it can't be repeated too often.

Jana R. Fine, Clearwater Public Library System, FL

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Teens looking for inspiration and advice may appreciate Stay Strong: Simple Life Lessons for Teens by Terrie Williams. The author, an African-American entrepreneur with her own public relations agency (representing high-profile entertainers, athletes and corporations), shares key principles for getting what you want out of life. For instance, in explaining the importance of being honest and standing up to friends and family for what you believe in, she writes: "A wise man once said, `If I won't lie for you, I won't lie to you.' " In her examples, she also uses quotes and stories from teenagers.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Gr. 6-10. These "simple life lessons" come from Williams, a publicist who has worked with Chris Rock, Eddie Murphy, Johnnie Cochran, Boyz II Men, Sean "Puffy" Combs, and many other celebrities. Drawing on her own success in public relations, the author gives straight-from-the-hip advice to teens on a range of topics. Most of her guidance deals with ethical situations, manners, and personal relationships. Anecdotes and success stories illustrate key ideas, while quotations from teenagers and instructive raps emphasize her point of view. Starting with an introduction from Queen Latifah, the book also draws on personal insights from successful celebrities. Williams is a shameless name-dropper, but these are names that may attract kids. Stay Strong breaks no new ground as a self-help book, but it does provide good, solid advice from someone who clearly cares about kids. Linda Perkins
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