Young Adult Books

Lesson 3: Books That Encourage

Books of Encouragement

Look for these books at your local library or bookstore, or click the link to order from Amazon.

Title: Mistakes That Worked

Author: Charlotte Jones

Illustrator: John O' Brien

Publisher: Double Day Young Readers

ISBN: 0385320434

Ages: 9 to 12

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Read about the mistakes made by people that turned into everyday items that are now household names. Includes the Slinky, Silly Putty, Penicillin, Coca Cola, chocolate chip cookies, piggy banks, frisbees, and potato chips.

Remember, the world is at your fingertips. There isn't anything you can't do if you put your mind to it. Experiment, discover. You will never learn if you don't make mistakes. Take risks. Learn to improvise. Who knows, you may end up creating something that will change the world, just because you made a mistake.

Title: Accidents May Happen

Author: Charlotte Jones

Illustrator: N/A

Publisher: Double Day Young Readers

ISBN: 0385322402

Ages: 9 to 12

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This is another book on how things that were discovered by mistake have changed the world. Did you know that bread, as we know it, was invented by mistake? How? Well, in 2600 B.C., an Egyptian slave fell asleep while making bread. While he napped, the bread rose. Presto! He had a "loaf" of bread.

This book includes information on 50 things that were invented by mistake. From yo-yos to microwaves, from Wheaties to telephone, these things all came to be because people "tried" and made mistakes.

Funny cartoons and wacky fun facts make this a fantastic read.

Title: So You Want to Be an Inventor

Author: Judith St. George

Illustrator: David Small

Publisher: Philomel Books

ISBN: 0399235930

Ages: 9 to 12

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If you have a desire to be an inventor, this is the book for you. Did you know that Benjamin Franklin was creating inventions by the age of 12? Do you know where the expression, "The Real McCoy" came from? Why was the first dishwasher invented by a frustrated housewife? What do cockleburs from Switzerland have to do with the invention of velcro?

Whether you are a dreamer or a loner, this book will encourage you to try your hand at inventing. Lots of fun facts, trivia and funny illustrations will inspire you to create.

Title: Alley Oops!

Author:Janice Levy

Illustrator:C.B. Decker

Publisher:Flashlight Press

ISBN:0972922547

Ages:All Ages

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This story is told from the point of view of the bully, J.J. Jax. He's in a lot of trouble again. It seems that he's been bullying Patrick Montgomery, the new boy at school.

Patrick is overweight. J.J. has been teasing, taunting and calling him names like, "The Big Oink," and "Porky." Patrick has been having nightmares and is afraid to go to school. He's afraid that J.J. is going to hurt him.

Patrick's father has gone to see J.J's dad. Mr. Jax is furious when he finds out what his son's been doing. He tells J.J. a story about when he was young. J.J. hates these stories and is angry.

J.J. jumps on his bicycle and pedals furiously over to Patrick's house. He confronts Patrick. Patrick is frightened at first, but then begins telling J.J. things that annoy him. Before they know it, the boys are talking. It seems they really have a lot in common. You will be really surprised at what happens next.

Author Janice Levy uses quick, sharp dialogue that will have you flipping pages like crazy. Illustrator C.B. Decker's life-like illustrations bring the story to life.

All of these books are a great read and will help to encourage you in your effort. Have fun and enjoy! Remember, there's nothing in the world you can do if you are determined enough to work hard at it.

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