DOABLE: THE GIRLS’ GUIDE TO ACCOMPLISHING JUST ABOUT ANYTHING by Deborah Reber is a practical, how-to book for teens. Featuring strategies for achieving both small and large dreams, Reber’s advice is “spot-on” for today’s busy teens.
From starting a non-profit animal shelter to passing college entrance exams, the Reber provides step-by-step instructions for accomplishing a wide range of personal goals. The book is organized into eight short chapters each focusing on a step in the process.
Are you a cliff diver, shooting star, or deadline chaser? Motivating questions, meaningful activities, and useful summaries are woven into each chapter to keep readers actively engaged. Rather than providing just one approach, Reber often features multiple ways to solve a problem or address an issue such as the use of both lists and mind maps. Of particular value is the last section of the book dealing with tracking progress, reflecting on accomplishments, and rewarding yourself for hard work.
What makes DOABLE distinct is its inspirational examples and encouraging tone. Young adults will relate to the author’s conversational style and contemporary success stories. Reber knows her audience. References to smartphones, e-readers, and mobile apps connect with today’s high-tech teens. The book is also outstanding from an instructional point of view. Both examples and non-examples are provided of each concept so readers can clearly distinguish clear goals from vague goals and effective from ineffective strategies.
DOABLE is an outstanding example of nonfiction for teens. Although the book is designed for empowering girls, the key elements could easily be extracted for use on a library bulletin board focusing on goal setting for all students. There are many books available for teens on planning, but this is the best I’ve seen.
Published by Simon Pulse/Beyond Words. Available January 20, 2015. Edelweiss ARC used for review.
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