A Winner by Any Standard: A Personal Growth Journey for Every American Teen [Paperback]

Rob Garofalo Jr. (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 2004

A one-of-a-kind life manual consisting of 52 one-per-week challenges. It promotes among teens such ideals as optimism, gratitude, self-belief, a strong work ethic, a sense of wonder, originality and humility. All the ideals upon which future success is built...success by society's standards and success as a human being.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 7 Up-A wealth of on-target advice in an upbeat and encouraging guidebook. Fifty-two entries, one for each week of the year, describe rationales and methods for accomplishing "personal growth challenges." Each one begins with quotes relevant to the topic at hand. Chapters discuss strengthening relationships; embracing differences; taking risks; body image; making goals; leadership; appreciating the benefits of sports, music, and art; handling money; and even being patriotic and appreciating pets. The author's frequent referral to readers as "my student" is bothersome, and some of the suggested retorts to unwelcome peer challenges sound rather awkward, but in general content and sincerity make those faults easy to overlook. Teens hoping to discover positive ways to improve and enhance their lives will appreciate this book. It complements Peter L. Benson,Judy Galbraith, and Pamela Espeland's What Teens Need to Succeed(Free Spirit, 1999) and Carol Weston's For Teens Only (HarperTrophy, 2002). Garofalo includes a Web-page address where teens can share their experiences and learn more about the author and the book.-Diane P. Tuccillo, City of Mesa Library, AZ
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Review

A brilliantly inspiring book. Chapter on Being More Patriotic is downright moving. Great cover matches "Life is an Adventure" theme. -- Eric Dondero, Independent Publisher Review, January 11, 2004

Growing up just got a little easier...Garofalo's straight talk, unbridled enthusiasm and eternal optimism are both refreshing and contagious. -- Fearless Reviews

I truly hope this book receives the attention it deserves. It’s not just advice—it’s inspiration and empowerment. -- Suzie DeFelice, Graduate Student, February 1, 2004

Truly an amazing book. It wouldn't hurt most adults to pick it up and learn a thing or two. -- Leann Arndt, Buzz Review News, January 15, 2004

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 244 pages
• Publisher: Teen Winners Publishing (January 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0974035645
• ISBN-13: 978-0974035642
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,474,356 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A ROAD MAP FOR SUCCESS FOR TEENS...AND ADULTS!, March 8, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: A Winner by Any Standard: A Personal Growth Journey for Every American Teen (Paperback)

This is an awesome life guide book that offers so many profound, yet simple lessons, anecdotes, personal experiences and insights that will empower teenagers and help them to become the best that they can be. In these times of fear, doubt and confusion, teenagers more than ever need this kind of solid, inspirational and motivating guidance that does not talk down to them or insult their intelligence.

Rob Garofalo Jr. is more than just a great teacher and writer, he is a moving force that is sure to get teenagers passionate and excited about their lives, and the potential that awaits within them. Each of the 52 lessons, and the Life Apps (applications) that follow each chapter, give teenagers actual steps they can take to better their lives and their surroundings, and the book is filled with wonderful ideas from getting along with family, to standing for something, to finding inner confidence, to making friends, to sharing, to being grateful, to overcoming fears and moving beyond negativity.

Though this book is clearly designed to empower teens, I am 42 and found this to be one of the best motivational books I have ever read. The material transcends age, and is just pure and simple wisdom.

If you are a teenager, if you have teenage children, if you teach, if you are a counselor or pastor or even if you just know someone with teenagers, get this book. It just might be the key that teens need to watch their dreams take off and meet with a success they never imagined.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Coming of Age Book for Teens!, October 14, 2005

By 

Meg Grooms - [e-mail] "h... (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Winner by Any Standard: A Personal Growth Journey for Every American Teen (Paperback)

This unique book is a 52 week motivational journal geared especially for teens. Full of real-life examples, Mr. G. takes the teen through a year long soul searching, guiding the student in finding their own Biblically-based standards. Mr. G. provides challenges for the teen with each week, challenges that encourage the student to decide on their own the best route for their life. Mr. G. isn't afraid to touch on sensitive topics such as the current day political climate, as well as discussing everyday topics. A Winner By Any Standards is a wonderful coming-of-age guidebook for all Christian teens.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Good Read, August 4, 2005

By 

sophomore (Illinois) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Winner by Any Standard: A Personal Growth Journey for Every American Teen (Paperback)

Just read this book and loved it. As a high schooler who just shakes my head at all the hating going on in the world and in my school,it was good to see someone trying to change things. Mr. G must have been a very cool teacher to have.