Your teen years don’t have to be a struggle, and with this handbook for self-discovery and personal fulfillment, you will find that the ability to ignite your own spark has been within you all along.

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Featuring Interviews with: Aly Raisman, Jack Andraka, Caitlin Boyle, River Ceballos, James Li, Lee Hirsch, Denny Locascio, Eileen Kennedy-Moore, Noa Mintz, Adora Svitak, Beth Reekles, Lulu Cerone, Chip Hiden, Emily Matson, Julianne Goldmark, Krystyn Lambert, Suman Mulumudi, Akashi Mehta, Sarah Elizabeth Lewis, Pooja Dharan, Richard St. John, Eliza McNitt, and James Anderson

 

Praise For "Ignite Your Spark"

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“The principles laid out in Ignite Your Spark will help teens discover their unique path and grow into adults of character, confidence, and substance."

-Josh Shipp founder of Kids These Days and author of The Teen's Guide to World Domination

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"The teen success stories are drawn from all fields, from science to art, business to philanthropy. The section on toxic friendships is particularly valuable. A solid resource for teens seeking advice on planning their futures."

-Kirkus Reviews, issue date October 1, 2016

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The teen years are often perceived as an angst-ridden and turbulent period of human development, but Wooster asserts that adolescence can also be a time of empowerment and self-discovery. The book centers
on the idea of a “spark,” which represents the things that every individual finds inspiring. Common thoughts and behaviors are divided squarely into two camps: those that fan the flames of success and those
that extinguish them. Elaborations on the major aspects of the teen years are all included—romantic and platonic relationships, self-image, schoolwork, goal setting, and careers. Interviews with real people and
quizzes of self-discovery guide Wooster’s narrative. Readers are challenged not only to change their outlook and think more positively but also to create practical action plans for personal success, with
relatable examples and suggestions. The central idea is that young people don’t have to wait for adulthood to find the things that encourage and inspire them.
— Erin Anderson (Booklist November 1, 2016)

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Adolescence is often rife with sticky relationships, worries about the future, and general confusion. Wooster attempts to alleviate some of that turmoil in this work that encourages teenagers to think about how their present interests and talents can inspire a life filled with meaningful pursuits. Using a familiar structure, each chapter discusses how teens might revitalize their relationships, activities, dreams, failures, and more. First, a scenario introduces the topic, followed by a general discussion. Next, a short quiz offers readers the chance to assess where they might stand regarding the quality of their relationships or attitudes toward school. Included are interviews with “Illuminators” (some are well-known figures, while others are professional experts or teens themselves) who discovered their passions and went on to notable success. The author continues with helpful advice on changing negative or problematic situations. While the book can be read cover to cover, it might be more appreciated by teens concerned with a particular issue addressed in the relevant chapters. Otherwise the material can become repetitive and formulaic. VERDICT Librarians who need to spruce up their teen bibliotherapy sections with newer, updated titles might find this a worthy addition to their collections.

-School Library Journal November 2016

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“Wouldn’t it be great if you woke up every morning excited and energized because your days were filled with a purpose?” That’s the question Wooster (So, You Want to Be a Leader?) poses at the outset of this wide-ranging guide that aims to encourage teens to cultivate their passions. Chapters devoted to friendships, relationships, habits, failures, and other topics include a mix of reader-directed quizzes, scenarios featuring fictional teens, and interviews with a real-life adult and teen “illuminators” including author Beth Reekles, filmmaker Lee Hirsch, and a variety of young entrepreneurs. Throughout, Wooster offers a mix of aphoristic suggestions for how readers can stay on track (“Leave your comfort zone behind”) and concrete goals and actions they can take to foster their interests and skills.

-Publishers Weekly January 2, 2017

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