From School Library Journal
Grade 7-12-Four talented, youthful narrators read selected stories from this popular best seller. Written by teens, these anecdotes share experiences of growing up with families, of grieving for a death, and of relationships with peers. The vignettes present challenges of life showing that others have had similar experiences. While comforting to realize one is not alone, they also illustrate behaviors from which other young adults can learn. All the speakers have clear enunciation and speak expressively without getting emotional. Usually the narrators alternate between stories, sometimes following a musical interlude. Using several narrators makes a pleasant variety that enhances interest. The performance of a few of the stories is enhanced by the use of two speakers reading different parts within the same story. The recording could be used very effectively to motivate students to read the book on their own.Claudia Moore, W.T. Woodson High School, Fairfax, VACopyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From Booklist
According to the introduction, overwhelming requests from readers of previous Chicken Soup editions and voluminous submissions of other teens' personal stories inspired this newest offering. No doubt, the series' New York Times best seller status and impressive library circulation were added incentives. Like many inspirational books from multiple (mostly non-professional) writers, Soul II's selections vary in quality. Some stories in each of the eight thematically organized sections are truly poignant and masterfully written. Others, though sincere, seem trite and melodramatic. Yet even the essays likely to make adult readers cringe share youthful insights that will resonate with truth for many teens. More important, in every case the editors remain true to their promise to take the teen reader on "a journey of becoming your best self." Besides the brief essays that make up the bulk of the text, poems, cartoons, and quotations add variety to the reading. Roger Leslie


Book Description

Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul II offers more inspiring stories to help you master the game we call life. Today's teens have ever more issues and social pressures to juggle than young adults just 20 years ago. This book, like its predecessor, can be your guide - a beacon in the darkness, a safe haven in a storm, a warm hug in the cold and a respite from loneliness. There's no preaching as to what you should and shouldn't do. Instead, this book is full of teens sharing their experiences on learning to accept like, becoming the best person you can be, being happy with who you are, and loving yourself - no matter what.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul II offers more inspiring stories to help you master the game we call life. Today's teens have ever more issues and social pressures to juggle than young adults just 20 years ago. This book, like its predecessor, can be your guide - a beacon in the darkness, a safe haven in a storm, a warm hug in the cold and a respite from loneliness. There's no preaching as to what you should and shouldn't do. Instead, this book is full of teens sharing their experiences on learning to accept like, becoming the best person you can be, being happy with who you are, and loving yourself - no matter what.

SYNOPSIS

More stories that offer guidance, support, and encouragement, for teenagers, from the hugely successful series edited by Jack Canfield.

FROM THE CRITICS

School Library Journal