The Everyday Living of Children & Teen Monologues

Adra Young
Trafford Publishing (2006)
ISBN 1412059496
Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for Reader Views (11/06)


Adra Young has presented us with a valuable book of monologues for youth.  They represent true to life situations that youth face. Ms. Young has provided monologues for various situations, from dealing with a friend that is being abused, moving away, sharing with a granddad, gaining a new stepparent, feeling like you don’t fit in, and dealing with bullies.

This book has so many possible uses that I’m unsure where to start.  Adults wishing to reach out to children, to come to understand them better will love this book.  Youth that are interested in improving their acting ability will love this book.  Ms Young provides directives for each monologue.   Many times inexperienced actors do not know what to emphasis or what movements to make.  Through her writings Ms Young assists students in developing acting skills.

“Everyday Living of Children & Teens Monologues” is a unique book because it is multifaceted.  Ms Young’s skill as teacher is evident in this book.  She witnessed a need and has successfully accomplished her goal.  She addresses sensitive situations that youth face and provides education for youth and helps to establish stronger lines of communication between adults and youth.

This book is beautifully written.  I was particularly touched by:

“What My Teachers and Friends At School Don’t Know

Every day I am the first kid at school and the last one to leave.  The teachers think I’m and ideal student.  I know they often wonder why I’m hanging around after school when no one else is there except for the custodial employees.
Daily my friends ask me how come I arrived to school so early in the morning. I don’t reply, I just look at them and smile.  The truth is my family and I hadn’t a place to call our own.
We’re homeless!  Right now, we live in a shelter.  Hey, It’s cool; I’m not worried about it.  It’s getting better.  My family has just about enough money saved up to make our big move. 
We’ll be leaving the shelter and moving into our new place real soon.  I can’t wait!  But for the mean time it’s absolutely imperative that my teachers, and friends never find out about this.”

The cover of “The Everyday Living of Children & Teen Monologues” speaks volumes. Photos of youth, some smiling and some that look troubled.  It may be a small book but it has a large statement to make. Eagerly I turned page after page enjoying the monologues.  Working in education I know how many times students have these situations and as adults we do not always understand how they are feeling or why they are behaving in such a manner.  This book should be on the desk of every educator.  I intend to use Ms Young’s book at summer camp and with some of my classes.  It is a great honor to highly recommend this book to students, parents, educators, those who professionally work with youth and anyone who cares about youth.

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