I have been teaching middle school for 14 years (wow, that is hard to believe!!)  and have worked with adolescents since I was 16 years old.  I’ve been a camp counselor, interned in counseling, taught Sunday School, and just about everything in between.  In the years that I’ve worked as a mentor to children, I’ve really seen a shift in the problems and situations that kids struggle with.  It’s quite alarming…..actually, it’s downright scary.  When I was a teenager, the main forms of peer pressure stemmed from drinking and driving, saying no to drugs, and not becoming sexually active.   Today’s teens see those things on a regular basis on television, in their own homes, and even in schools.  Instead, they face much bigger issues like how to overcome crippling drug addictions.  I sound like my mom when I say that kids just grow up too fast these days, but in a sense I think society forces them to grow up fast.

In Acacia Slaton Beumer’s book Launch Out Into the Deep!, teens learn to face those problems head-on.    By incorporating scripture with quotes from celebrities and world leaders, Beumer reaches the teen audience in a non-threatening way.  Beumer doesn’t shy away from tough issues like death, body image, and sexual temptation.  Instead, the author uses real-life experiences and stories to express the message that the reader is worthy of God’s love.  I haven’t personally had an experience with visions from God, so I can’t relate to the visions the author describes in the book.  I really appreciated the discussion questions that are found at the end of each chapter/lesson.  There are several discussion questions that are perfect for teachers and parents to use when trying to broach these difficult topics with their kids.  Additionally, there is a CD that can be used while reading the book together.  This would even be an opportunity to listen to the stories in the car while driving.  Most parents know that some of the best conversations with their kids happen in the car.   This would also be a good book for personal study if you have a mature teen who can independently reflect and process these ideas.  Because of the issues presented in the book, I think this would be best for ages 14+.   I would definitely recommend that parents read the book first before sharing it with your kids, so that you are prepared for the issues that are presented.

What issues do you worry about for your children?  How are you helping your kids overcome those obstacles? Launch Out Into the Deep! can be a good resource for helping you get through those rough patches with your family.

Check back on Monday 11/19 for a chance to win an audiobook CD of Launch Out Into The Deep and a $20 restaurant egiftcard from the author!