Like Ability

This book is NOT about knocking down those who are popular, or an attempt to convince teens that popularity is a bad thing. In fact, research points to the exact opposite: likeability is important!. It is not elusive or granted only to a select few. Anyone can become their own kind of popular with a little bit of insight and a whole lot of reflection. The goal: encourage and promote self-awareness and help readers develop their own individual recipe for the right kind of popular.

In four sections, with lively chapters and insightful activities, teens will explore popularity, likeability, status, power, self-esteem, relationships, influencers, and much more. The expert authors reach readers with a voice that rings true, by using science and stories to explain concepts, and connecting teens to real-world examples and even celebrities.

This is a must-have volume for all teens who want to demystify what popularity really is.

Lori Getz, MA, is the founder of Cyber Education Consultants and educates students, parents, and teachers about Internet safety, security, and ethics. She is the author of The Tech Savvy User's Guide to the Digital World.

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Mitch Prinstein, PhD, is chief science officer of American Psychological Association and the John Van Seters Distinguished Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He and his research have been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, National Public Radio, the Los Angeles Times, CNN, U.S. News & World Report, Time magazine, New York magazine, Newsweek, Reuters, Family Circle, Real Simple, and elsewhere. He is the author of Popular: Finding Happiness and Success in a World That Cares Too Much About the Wrong Kinds of Relationships.

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Gives practical solutions without sounding clichéd…This is a refreshing take on a timeless subject. Most teens will be encouraged and reassured by the discussions of likability versus status. Graphic organizers allow readers to think through or note important points. This title could be used by an individual teen or as part of group work dealing with social and emotional learning. VERDICT: An important addition to a middle school library or public library YA-collection.
―School Library Journal

A reader-friendly guide to breaking down the components of popularity and likability and helping readers achieve their goals…. Concise, accessible chapters unpack the phenomenon of popularity and offer exercises and worksheets that lead readers to a greater understanding of their values... Helpful advice and insightful prompts shape a path to self-improvement.
―Kirkus Reviews

• Helping Teens Understand Popularity (PDF, 301 KB)opens in new window
  Description and excerpt of Like Ability.