Helping Out and Staying Safe »

The second book in the Adding Assets Series for Kids introduces and describes the four Empowerment Assets: Community Values Children, Children as Resources, Service to Others, and Safety.
Each asset is clearly defined and introduced by a story. Kids learn simple, everyday ways to play useful roles at home and in the community, help others, and feel safer at home, at school, and in their neighborhood.

Cherie Ilg Haas - Children's Literature

Adolescents now more than ever need opportunities to create positive environments for themselves, and this book opens the door for them to be pro-active in making things better. It focuses on four empowerment assets: Community Values Children, Children as Resources, Service to Others, and Safety. Each chapter begins with an inspiring story about a child who is in a situation that needs improving. Young readers should be able to relate to these examples, which are followed by several ways that the protagonists can take charge and make change, thereby adding the appropriate asset. Readers are encouraged to choose one activity for their own lives, and to note the outcome. To help children get started, some Web sites and phone numbers are included within specific activities, and there are also "Helpful Resources" sections at the end geared toward kids and adults, along with an index. This book is ideal for school counselors and teachers, or any other adult who serves as a mentor for youth and can share this if a need arises. Ideal for young readers, this resource does not have to be read cover-to-cover, and although packed with ways to create empowerment assets, it will not be overwhelming. The ideas are written in short paragraphs, and the entire book can easily be skimmed by a reader who is looking for specific information. This title is part of "The Adding Assets Series for Kids." 2004, Free Spirit Publishing, Ages 8 to 12.