Chicken Soup for the Soul: Teens Talk Middle School: 101 Stories of Life, Love, and Learning for Younger Teens
Chicken Soup For The Soul Series
illustrations by
on Goodreads (220)
What’s inside...
Middle school is hard. Your bodies are changing, your friends are changing, classes are harder, and tough things happen. This 'support group in a book' is specifically geared to you. Listen to stories written by kids just like you, about their middle school years, and topics including true friends and new friends, mean girls and boys, embarrassing moments, bully payback, crushes and young love, being happy with yourself, tough times, family issues, doing what's right, and lots more.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
12-14
Length
380 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What story from the book resonated with you the most and why?
How do the challenges faced by the characters compare to those you might face in school?
Can you identify any lessons the teens in this book learned that you find valuable?
Which character would you like to be friends with and what would you do together?
How do the stories inspire you to handle difficulties or new experiences in middle school?
Tip: Role play these questions
Create a relaxed and open environment for conversation, maybe during a shared meal or on a family outing. Highlight similarities between the book’s tales and your own middle-school experiences to make the discussion relatable. Show genuine interest in their thoughts and feelings, avoiding judgment or immediate solutions when they share. Encourage them to describe not just the events but also what they felt about the decisions made by the characters. Lastly, use the conversation as an opportunity to instill positive values and coping strategies, linking back to the stories read.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The book shares diverse personal stories from different teens, illustrating various perspectives and emotional experiences.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect others' feelings and viewpoints, fostering a more inclusive and supportive peer environment.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of challenges
Explanation: The narratives include teens overcoming typical middle school challenges such as bullying, self-esteem issues, and academic pressures.
Real-World Application: Children can apply resilience learned from these stories to navigate their own challenges in school and social settings.
Example Lesson: Importance of Friendship
Explanation: Several stories emphasize the value of friendship and social support during the tumultuous middle school years.
Real-World Application: Readers are encouraged to cultivate meaningful friendships, which can provide emotional support and positive interactions at school.
Example Lesson: Self-Discovery and Identity
Explanation: Teens in the book explore and embrace their unique identities, learning more about themselves through their experiences.
Real-World Application: This lesson guides children to be open to self-exploration and embrace their individuality, enhancing personal growth.
Example Lesson: Coping with Change
Explanation: The collection of stories covers transitions such as changing schools or dealing with changing family dynamics.
Real-World Application: Children are reassured that change is a normal part of life and are equipped with strategies to adapt effectively.