Books published by Boys Town Press

True-to-life situations and practical strategies for dealing with friendship drama are described in depth. The guide pairs text from the story with probing questions and creative activities that allow teachers, counselors, or group leaders to engage students in meaningful discussions about betrayal, envy, lies, conflict, open-mindedness, forgiveness and other issues related to friendship. This teacher and counselor activity guide supplements the Why is Drama Always Following Me? chapter book, a thought-provoking and insightful exploration of the ups and downs of middle school friendships, particularly among girls. After reading the story and completing the activities, students of all ages will be empowered to: examine the quality of their friendships identify patterns of behavior that can potentially harm their relationshipsimprove their social communication skills. Why is Drama Always Following Me? Teacher and Counselor Activity Guide is the fourth title in the popular Navigating Friendship book series by school counselor and award-winning author Jennifer Licate. The series features chapter books and supplemental activity guides designed to help middle school students navigate changing friendships, advocate for themselves, and get along with others.

Ricky doesn't play outside. He doesn't read books. He is so addicted to his phone, his life consists only of what he sees and hears on the screens he holds in front of his face... and that's just how the BIG IDEA Company wants it! The company tells kids what to like, what to buy, what to do, and even what to think! New York Times bestselling author and illustrator Michael Garland creates a haunting, yet eerily familiar, world that reminds readers what can go wrong when phones and other devices become all-consuming.

Help middle school students deal with their anxiety with this teacher and counselor activity guide, which is designed to accompany theMy Anxiety is Messing Things Upquick-read chapter book. The guide includes text from the story, along with discussion questions and activities for each chapter.

Oscar wants to excel at everything he does, from academics to music. But the pressure to be perfect comes at a price. Oscar is wracked with anxiety. He's so afraid of falling short of expectations and disappointing everyone, he can't sleep. Will joining a special club for kids with anxiety help him conquer his worries, or will the club just create more stress and sleepless nights? My Anxiety is Messing Things Up is a quick-read chapter book that gives readers a deeper understanding of how to manage anxiety.

Remi is so full of energy, he can't sit still, stay focused, or be patient. He darts and dashes in every direction, and his mind races from one idea to the next.In all the commotion, homework never gets done, assignments go missing, a field trip almost ends in disaster, and a much-wanted spaceship is left behind. Will Remi ever learn to slow down and calm himself long enough to get organized, stay focused, and find success?

An anthology bringing awareness to mental health.

A Story to Improve Working Memory.

This teacher and counselor activity guide is designed to accompany the I Lost My BFF chapter book, which focuses on the evolution of friendships that happens over time, particularly with girls. This guide includes the text from the story, along with discussion questions and activities for each chapter! Engage students in meaningful conversation and relevant activities to help with their prosocial development. A synopsis of the story is below: Sophia and Aaliyah have been the best of friends for a long time now "€" since first grade! They do EVERYTHING together. They like the same things, and they always have fun! So imagine Sophia's surprise when Aaliyah starts spending more time with Christabel, and it's interfering with Sophia and Aaliyah's time together. All of this change is hard, and Sophia finds herself wondering why. Does this mean Sophia did something wrong? Does it mean Aaliyah likes Christabel better? Sophia finds herself thinking]€] I Lost My BFF. Sophia decides to try some different strategies, and with help from her mom, starts to figure out how friendships change over time. Through honest conversations and open-mindedness, Sophia, Aaliyah, Christabel and Asha soon learn that it's okay for friends to have other good friends, and not everyone needs to like to do the same things all of the time. If they are kind and respectful toward one another, their friendships can grow and change. This quick-read chapter book is part of the Navigating Friendship book series, which is great for 4th-7th graders who are struggling with changing friendships, learning about self-advocacy, and figuring out how to get along with others.

Cora June is back, and this time she's learning a thing or two about doing the right thing "€" even when no one is looking! When Cora June half-heartedly cleans her room by taking a shortcut, Mom is quick to ask her about her integrity. Not really knowing what it means, Cora June assumes it's probably hidden under her bed, or in her closet. She continues to school, where she cheats on a spelling test. "Impossible" is a hard word to spell, can you blame her? During her test, she finds that integrity pops up again. Again, it's probably under her bed. Right? When Cora June learns what integrity means, she realizes that she can't find hers! Fortunately, her mom is there to help her put the "I" (the "ME!") in integrity. Follow Cora June as she learns about her integrity, and see if she can use it to right what she did wrong.

Use this activity guide to engage students in meaningful conversations and relevant activities to help with their practical development. The activities in this guide are designed to accompany the He's Not Just Teasing! chapter book. In the chapter book, Malcolm is bullied and doesn't know what to do. It's a tale about the fragile friendships of upper elementary and middle school kids, and their willingness to stand up for others. Readers of the chapter book learn the difference between teasing and bullying through relatable examples. The guide includes text from the story, along with 20 activities and discussion questions for each chapter.

A Story about Planning and Prioritizing.

Why is it that when bedtime arrives, THAT'S the time that children's curiosity seems to peak? Well, at least that's the case with Herman Jiggle. It's bedtime, and as Mom helps Herman get ready, he has countless questions, like, Why does the sun go away? Where does honey come from? Or, I have a best friend Charlie who can blow big bubbles. How do you make bubble gum? Mom's patience is on point as she masterfully guides Herman through his bedtime routine, embracing his curiosity while reminding him of what comes next. This sweet story is something to which every parent and caretaker can relate. Told in Julia Cook's classic style, young children will enjoy learning along with Herman, and their parents and caretakers will be laughing along the way. Herman Jiggle, Go to Sleep! is part of The Socially Skilled Kids series by author Julia Cook. The series gives children the know-how and courage to overcome their fears, learn essential social skills and have a healthier, happier relationships. A comical take on bedtime routines and how a good night's rest is key to every child's success.

Learning to stay calm when your buttons get pushed.

When the new kid in class, Skyler Blue, wows everyone with tales of wild adventure "¬‚¬" riding camels, exploring pyramids, and going on safari "¬‚¬" it leaves Parker Plum feeling small, insignificant, and plain old ordinary. To Parker's surprise, it's him, not Skyler, who encounters a mystical black cat during the class field trip. Can this furry feline convince Parker to start thinking like a iA-T and realize he's just as special and interesting as everyone else? Journey Through the CATacombs is an entertaining and insightful look at dealing with envy and finding self-worth. It's the second storybook in the Parker Plum series for children in grades 1-6.

A Story Teaching Problem Solving.

Betsy the Beetle has a constant companion, Murray. Unfortunately, he's a notorious and pesky worry bug. He loves to whisper horrible "what ifs" into Betsy's ear, making her worry about every little thing. Betsy gets so flustered and weighed down by Murray, she repeatedly falls flat on her back "¬‚¬" stuck legs up "¬‚¬" and has no idea how to get back on her feet. That's why Betsy's friends hatch a plan to get rid of Murray once and for all. Will it work? Will Betsy be able to kiss her worry bug goodbye forever? This tale about trying to stop anxiety in its tracks is the latest addition to the Freddie the Fly book series.

Empowering Younf Leaders to be More Flexible.