From Library Journal
Building on the African proverb "It takes a village to raise a child," Benson, director of the Search Institute, a national youth research and education organization, calls for a new vision to support child and adolescent development. Although not ignoring basic needs for shelter, food, and safety, Benson concentrates on building development assets in young people based on the categories of support, empowerment, boundaries, constructive use of time, commitment to learning, positive values, social competencies, and positive identity. The first part of the book focuses on defining these assets, and the second part deals with the community's role in developing these assets among youth. Appendixes support the recommendations. Appropriate for collections supporting community leaders and those who work with and advocate for young people.?Kay L. Brodie, Chesapeake Coll., Wye Mills., Md.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Review
"This highly readable and engaging book encourages school leaders, families, and community members to unite in providing kids with building blocks for success." —The American School Board Journal
"In this sweeping and imaginative treatise, Peter Benson addresses the most pressing question of our day: How can we make our society into a more wholesome environment for raising young people? Benson takes us several giant steps toward finding a workable solution for the problem of how to restore community for youngsters throughout our society. Everyone interested in the future of youth in our society should read this valuable book." —William Damon, professor, Brown University
"At a time when too many are criticizing students, families, and schools, this volume redirects attention to students' skills, talents, promise, and possibilities. Peter Benson provides a useful vocabulary--developmental assets--and a comprehensive blueprint to strengthen families, schools, and communities." —Joyce L. Epstein, director, Center on School, Family and Community Partnerships, Johns Hopkins University
"This thoughtful book should be read by anyone--parents, youth workers, ministers, community leaders, and policymakers--concerned about the future of America's children and the vitality of communities which they love." —Emmy Werner, University of California, Davis, author of Overcoming the Odds
"Peter Benson presents a compelling and creative vision for promoting the positive development of youth and, in so doing, provides decision makers with a powerful means to develop new policies and programs that can enhance the life chances of young people across the diverse communities of our nation." —Richard M. Lerner, professor and director, Center for Child, Family, and Community Partnerships, Boston College
"Peter Benson presents a compelling vision for child and adolescent development. It represents a national call to action and offers a prescription for the kind of social change needed to implement the vision." —Karen Pittman, director of programs, International Youth Foundation, Baltimore, MD
"An essential guidebook for every community--Peter Benson show us how to create positive and responsive environments for today's young people--involving parents and a wide range of community resources in a rational research-based approach to planning and implementation." —Joy Dryfoos, author of Adolescents at Risk (1991) and Full-Service Schools (1994)
"This well-documented title details how members of a community working together can create a more positive environment for raising healthy children....This title is a valuable asset to any library reevaluating their role within their community or for those creating their mission statement for the first time." —Voice of Youth Advocates
