Trail Mix: Stories of Youth Overcoming Adversity

Rating:
Summary: A source of inspiration for young people.
Review: As I read the book I was drawn in and it was as if I were right there next to them as they told there stories. The author did a great job of pulling the reader into the "wildernes" with detailed descriptions. I am certainly no book critic by profession but believe that it is a wonderful book and the stories are uplifting and offer courage to others children and adults a like. Reading the book has helped me to renew my relationship with the wilderness and the peace that can be found in the outdoors. I have recommended the book to all my good friends.

Rating:
Summary: A source of inspiration for young people.
Review: As I read the book I was drawn in and it was as if I were right there next to them as they told there stories. The author did a great job of pulling the reader into the "wildernes" with detailed descriptions. I am certainly no book critic by profession but believe that it is a wonderful book and the stories are uplifting and offer courage to others children and adults a like. Reading the book has helped me to renew my relationship with the wilderness and the peace that can be found in the outdoors. I have recommended the book to all my good friends.

Rating:
Summary: An oral history of hope...
Review: I met the author by chance. I received a copy of the book as a friendly gesture...I wasn't even sure I'd get around to reading itanytime soon. That was before I read the first page, and never stopped until I was finished...right there at the kitchen table, totally mesmerized by the messages of hope and courage.
This isn't an easy world for any of us, but adolescence is a rollercoaster ride of emotions and trials...punctuated by some fine moments if we're lucky. When the balance of life is upset by family dysfunction, illness or personal loss, life can seem almost unbearable. This book is brilliantly constructed to show the reader how hope emerges in each teenagers voice,despite their problems..how a single event, a risk taken...can change ones outlook on life forever.
Do not miss this unforgettable book. It is a touching and true treasure in an age of tedious and superficial self-help volumes. Take this spare book and open up a huge world of possibility. Outstanding!

Rating:
Summary: Inspiring
Review: The youth featured in this book are a real inspiration. Each story is more powerful than the last, making it hard to put down. A great motivator for anyone who works with youth, and anyone else looking for an uplifting book.

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Summary: A window into young souls ...
Review: These are stories of remarkable depth and honesty. They give us insight into children who are, in many ways, adults dealing with adult issues and problems. At times their simplicity is arresting ... and humbling. People of any age can learn from the character and truth these young spirits have brought to light.

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Summary: Classroom guide
Review: Trail Mix is a great teaching tool. A group of middle- schoolers read the stories, discussed, then shared their thoughts and views in group discussions. The book is accessible, enjoyable and offers life lessons from different perspectives. The students were able to empathize and relate to the young people who shared their stories. Themes of courage, perseverence, and a love of the outdoors make for a good read. The author is to be commended. I highly recommend it, not only for the life lessons, but as a ready example of journalism students can understand.

Rating:
Summary: Courage! Hand it on!
Review: When I picked up this book, I intended to read a story at a time, but instead,kept reading on and on until I had finished the whole book, anxious to learn how each child had handled their own crsis. This is a great book to have available in schools, hospitals, and other organizations, so that those with problems in their lives might read and be encouraged by these young people, who were courageous enough to tell their story and how they dealt with their situation. Read it and give it to an organization that can help others achieve their goal to overcome.