From Booklist
Gr. 4^-7. The authors of Chicken Soup for the Soul (1993) offer a compilation of heartwarming stories directed at children. Among the mix are stories by well-known names such as Shaquille O'Neal and Chuck Norris; however, most of the stories were sent in to the editors by children from all over the country. The offerings range from funny to inspiring to dull to, well, schmaltzy. Although it is doubtful that kids will ask for the book themselves (especially with a title like this), parents, librarians, and teachers will find much here to use as a jumping-off point for discussions on all sorts of questions and problems children face. Ilene Cooper


Book Description
Today's kids face grave issues and harder decisions than ever before. Gang warfare, violence, drugs, alcohol, smoking, pregnancy, depression and suicide have found their way into middle and elementary schools. Divorce splits apart families every day. These issues make kids feel as if they must understand and accept all the troubles of the world.

Now more than ever, kids want and need the inspiration and hope that Chicken Soup for the Soul provides. In this special volume, young readers will find empowerment and encouragement to love and accept themselves, believe in their dreams, find answers to their questions and discover hope for a promising future.





Card catalog description
A collection of short stories, anecdotes, poems, and cartoons which present a positive outlook on life.

ANNOTATION

"...the popular Chicken Soup series now includes a volume of stories that will appeal and touch children of all ages."

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Today's kids face grave issues and harder decisions than ever before. Gang warfare, violence, drugs, alcohol, smoking, pregnancy, depression and suicide have found their way into middle and elementary schools. Divorce splits apart families every day. These issues make kids feel as if they must understand and accept all the troubles of the world.

Now more than ever, kids want and need the inspiration and hope that Chicken Soup for the Soul provides. In this special volume, young readers will find empowerment and encouragement to love and accept themselves, believe in their dreams, find answers to their questions and discover hope for a promising future.

SYNOPSIS

Chicken Soup for the Kid's Soul: 101 Stories of Courage, Hope, and Laughter by Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, Patty Hansen, and Irene Dunlap is a collection of essays and poems written mostly by children, as well as some adults who remember what childhood is like. The collection is filled with inspiring stories of kids making a difference in their own lives and the lives of others. The stories here show that children can be heroes, true friends, generous volunteers, and much more. Mixing the serious, sad, and sometimes just plain silly, the stories in this collection cover a myriad of childhood experiences.

With essays from celebrities such as Shaquille O'Neal, Roald Dahl, Chuck Norris, Shannon Miller, Kathy Ireland, and children from across the country, Chicken Soup for the Kid's Soul addresses all of the issues that concern kids today. Love, family, loss, dreams, and adversity in its many forms -- the issues facing kids today are tougher than those faced by previous generations. Adults who read this book will gain insights into what it is like to be a kid at the turn of the millennium, and kids will find support and understanding. Certain to touch hearts and spark discussion among the entire family, Chicken Soup for the Kid's Soul unabashedly presents the issues facing children today, from new challenges to age-old growing pains.

FROM THE CRITICS

Children's Literature - Meredith Kiger