Chicken Soup For ...

In the decade since it was first published, the magic of Chicken Soup for the Soul has touched the hearts and minds of nearly 70 million readers from all walks of life with its stories of ordinary people who have done extraordinary things.

With its powerful message of hope and inspiration, the series that Newsweek called "a publishing phenomenon" has taught readers that dreams really do come true for those who dare to believe that any obstacle, no matter how daunting, can be overcome with persistence, patience and belief in oneself.

In this commemorative tenth anniversary edition, readers will find fifty of the best-loved stories from the series, those that exemplify the spirit of Chicken Soup and its ability to illuminate the path we all walk on.

Included are poignant letters from readers whose lives were transformed by what they read and a special section written by coauthors, master motivators Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen, on the special principles of living your dreams that everyone can follow.

This keepsake edition is a must-have for every reader who has ever opened his or her heart to the goodness and grace that is Chicken Soup for the Soul.

It's like homemade chicken soup that warms the chill and heals the ill.

This collection of 101 stories is based on the belief that true testimonies of goodness and loving transformations can nourish us to the bone and heal the cynicism in our hearts. Indeed, most every story seeps in deeply.

It's hard not to shed a tear of gratitude, feeling thrilled to have been touched and soothed so easily. Some of the authors are famous, such as Dan Millman, who writes an exquisite vignette on "Courage," and Gloria Steinem, who writes of "The Royal Knights of Harlem."

Many, however, have a short, simple story to tell about an event, a person, an everyday miracle that exemplifies the best of the human spirit. --Gail Hudson

Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen are joined by Heather McNamara, senior editor of the series, in this unforgettable collection of inspiring and uplifting stories.

Sure to become a favorite of readers who love Chicken Soup for its stories of overcoming life's obstacles, challenges, heartbreaks and pain, this book emphasizes triumph in the face of overwhelming odds.

A timeless testament to the indomitable human spirit, this collection is sure to encourage, support, comfort and, most of all, inspire all readers for years to come.

Grade 4-6-Readers are served up a helping of inspirational stories from girls who are relating their current experiences and from women who are recounting their pasts.

It can be reassuring to realize that everyone feels inadequate and/or awkward sometimes and that even popular girls have moments of insecurity and doubt. These stories cover a wide range of topics from surviving middle school and parents divorce to peer pressure and cliques as well as friendship, first boyfriends, and puberty.

The collection has a nice balance of poignancy, silliness, and straight talk. Empowering and motivating, these selections will warm the spirits and help boost girls confidence. Though theres nothing particularly new here, this book is a good fit for most libraries.-Elaine Baran Black, Gwinnett County Public Library, Lawrenceville, GA

This collection of inspirational stories will undoubtedly touch many hearts.

Written by authors who have lost loved ones, these stories offer comfort, peace and understanding to those going through the grieving process.

Individual people deal with grief in their own ways and within their own time, but the guidance and support they receive from others is what helps them through it.

One of the key messages of Chicken Soup for the Grieving Soul is that togetherness and sharing are the keys to moving on. In these stories people share their experiences with coping and they share deep memories. Each one has found that putting thoughts and feelings into words is not only cathartic, it allows them to reconnect with their loved one and others.

Words of encouragement are plentiful in this edition and they go straight to the heart. Chapters encompass the complete grieving experience and include: Final Gifts, the Power of Support, Coping and Healing, Those We Will Miss, Special Moments, Insights and Lessons, and Living Again.

Readers will be comforted and inspired by the stories of regaining strength and hope, such as holding meaningful services, performing thoughtful deeds and cherishing special memories. Most important, just as the writers have come to appreciate life through the grieving process, readers will discover how to do the same. This soothing bowl of stories is the perfect gift to bring comfort, strength and courage.

This latest offering in the best-selling Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul series explores a host of challenges faced by today's teens.

Within its pages teens will find portraits of life's complexities expressed from the viewpoint of their peers. Teen contributors share their thoughts and feelings on difficult issues, ranging from poor self-image to thoughts of suicide, from family discord to coping with the loss, from peer pressure to school violence.

Teens ranked stress as one of their top concerns (along with child abuse and STDs). Oftentimes, the pressure can feel overwhelming, whether they involve worrying about an upcoming test, competition sports, family responsibilities, dating, or more extreme issues such as depression, suicide and school violence.

The first three volumes of the Teenage Soul series and the companion journal illustrate the ongoing popularity of this series (unit sales exceed 11 million). Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul on Tough Stuff and the Spring 2001 release Teenage Soul Letters will undoubtedly follow suit as the next best-sellers in a phenomenally popular series.

Inspired by the many readers of Chicken Soup for the Kid's Soul (one of many in the Chicken Soup for the Soul series), the authors decided to reach out to young people at that incredibly confusing, exciting chapter of life, the preteen years.

Readers between the ages of 9 and 12 (give or take a year) sometimes felt that the book for kids was too young, while the edition for teens (Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul) was too old. In this warm, supportive anthology of true stories by and about preteens, the very issues that seem so complicated and insurmountable are addressed with intelligence and openness.

Divorce, violence, death, friendships, school, family, attitudes, changes, dreams... preteens have a lot to offer and a lot to learn on these subjects. Many of the brief essays, cartoons, quotations, and introductions are witty as well as wise and touching; readers might devour the book from start to finish, drop in for a story here and there, or focus on a concern that is most important at the moment.

The preteen years seem to be the perfect time to reach kids, before they are lost in teen angst and coolness. And who better to learn from than their own peers? For some added incentive to read, celebrities such as Mia Hamm, Karl Malone, and 'N Sync have contributed essays as well. (Ages 9 to 13) --Emilie Coulter

From School Library Journal:

Gr 5-7-Like other titles in the "Chicken Soup" series, this volume contains numerous short pieces of verse and prose, interspersed with comic strips of "Calvin & Hobbes," "Family Circus," and "Dennis the Menace," as well as pithy quotations selected as lead-ins to some of the pieces. The writings are grouped under headings such as "Achieving Dreams," "Overcoming Obstacles," "On Choices," and "Eclectic Wisdom" (for the bits that didn't fit elsewhere?). They are intended to encourage, inspire, and comfort. Each of the stories carries an author's name, and those written by young people give an age as well.

Snail mail and e-mail addresses are included for those who want to respond to the book or submit stories and poems of their own. Children who loved Chicken Soup for the Kid's Soul (Health Communications, 1998) will no doubt welcome another serving.-Elaine Fort Weischedel, Franklin Public Library, MA