Stick Up for Yourself: Every Kid's Guide to Personal Power & Positive Self-Esteem (Revised & Updated Edition) [Paperback]

Gershen Kaufman (Author), Lev Raphael (Author), Pamela Espeland (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 8 and up | Grade Level: 3 and up

First published in 1990, this perennial best-seller has helped countless children build self-esteem and assertiveness skills.

Newly revised and updated, it’s the ultimate resource for any kid who’s ever been picked on at school, bossed around, blamed for things he or she didn’t do, or treated unfairly—and for any kid who sometimes feels frustrated, angry, powerless, or scared. Simple words and real-life examples show how children can stick up for themselves with other kids (including bullies and teasers), big sisters and brothers, even grown-ups.

Kids learn how to build relationships, become responsible, manage their anger, grow a “feelings vocabulary,” make good choices, solve problems, set goals, and “store” happiness and pride. Questions from real kids are paired with answers about how to handle specific situations calmly, confidently, and effectively. A special note to parents and teachers explores the “self-esteem backlash” and explains what self-esteem really is—and why kids today need it more than ever.

A wealth of practical, encouraging, realistic advice, this empowering little book is also recommended for parents, teachers, and counselors.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

A self-help guide to positive thinking, high self-esteem, and responsible personal power. Based on a program originally developed for adults, the book's premise is that all young people can and should be taught the skills necessary to face common issues, such as making choices, liking themselves, and solving problems. Exercises guide readers through learning about their own feelings, dreams, and needs--while stressing that they are responsible for their own behavior and happiness. Written in manual form, Stick Up For Yourself is similar in format to the many adult titles of the same genre. Situational anecdotes used to enhance the discussion are age appropriate and relevant to children. Of particular value are the "Getting Personal" sections that encourage writing and keeping a journal, which makes the guide more interactive and meaningful. The highly motivated will use this book independently, but it will be most effective within the classroom, family, or guidance group. --Pamela K. Bomboy, Chesterfield County Pub . Schools, VA
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

“Sensible, inviting, never condescending or preachy. . . . A well-crafted book.”—Voice of Youth Advocates

“Provides the stepping-stones that lead to positive choices and self-confidence.”—KLIATT

“A great resource for classroom exercises, as well as for any group that works with teens.”—National Parenting Center

National Parenting Center’s Seal of Approval

Parent Council® Selection

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Free Spirit Publishing; Revised & Updated Edition edition (October 15, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1575420686
• ISBN-13: 978-1575420684
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,808 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #18 in Books > Children's Books > Social Situations > Self-Esteem & Self-Respect

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

158 of 159 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Breakthrough in identifying my own ADULT feelings & needs!, March 23, 1999

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Stick Up for Yourself: Every Kid's Guide to Personal Power and Positive Self-Esteem (Paperback)

I bought this for my 12-year old daughter, but once I glanced through it, I couldn't put it down! Especially helpful for women with stoic upbringings, martyre complexes, or rescue tendencies. This book actually lists, describes and illustrates the emotions and needs we all possess. Yet, being written for 9 to 12 year olds, can be quickly and easily read, understood and put into practice.

166 of 168 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars an excellent read for any human being, regardless of age, March 24, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Stick Up for Yourself: Every Kid's Guide to Personal Power & Positive Self-Esteem (Revised & Updated Edition) (Paperback)

Self esteem is absolutely essential in dealing with the challenges of life. Feeling good about yourself because of who you are rather than who your friends think you should be is what will help your child (and you) deal with peer pressure and making positive decisions. This book offers examples and suggestions that will help you develop a healthy and secure sense of yourself and your world. I bought it for my kids, but found it a great read for myself and a great resource for helping my children feel good about themselves and easing the pressure they often feel from their peers. It tells you not only how to take responsibility for your feelings, needs, and behaviors, it explains why that's important. A great find. Our whole family will benefit from this book.

60 of 63 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars BEST SELF-HELP BOOK FOR KIDS ..., October 8, 2005

By 

Betty L. Dravis "BETTY DRAVIS, author/reviewer" (Silicon Valley, CA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Stick Up for Yourself: Every Kid's Guide to Personal Power & Positive Self-Esteem (Revised & Updated Edition) (Paperback)

A teacher at school recommended this book to a neighbor. Her son was having trouble with bullies, and with guidance from this book, he learned a lot about self-esteem, self-confidence, and the power gained by sticking up for himself.

What a joy to see the change in this young man. I recommend it for every parent. It's not only helpful in handling school-yard bullies, it also trains the children to have the confidence to handle bullies in the workforce and other situations throughout their lives.

This author is to be highly commended for the help she's giving children, enabling them to have better, happier, more productive lives.