These two texts are designed for high school students and older, offering suggestions about career choice, networking and juggling school and work projects.
WHAT COLOR IS YOUR PARACHUTE 2021 by
Richard N. Bolles and Katharine Brooks is “fully revised and expanded for 2021,”
the fiftieth anniversary edition (we reviewed earlier versions in 2015
and 2018).
Subtitled “Your Guide to a Lifetime of Meaningful Work and Career Success,” this
text explains that the process begins with you – not with the job market. Here,
too, the authors point out the value of building confidence, taking actions,
setting goals, and getting help when needed (a significant skill our students need
to practice more often). In addition, Bolles and Brooks provide a
self-inventory (Flower Exercise) and offer tips on creating resumes (transforming
skills to action verbs) and conversing at job interviews. A valuable resource
for any age, WHAT COLOR IS YOUR PARACHUTE 2021 may be of particular interest
to the many students who are contemplating a gap year after high school. (Ten
Speed Press) 4 stars
HOW TO DO IT NOW BECAUSE IT'S NOT GOING
AWAY by Leslie Josel is
described as “An Expert Guide to Getting Stuff Done.” School Library Journal referred to this text as a “solid purchase.”
I would be curious to see student reactions, but I do like the discussion of
technology and frequent practical suggestions (turn off autoplay; close unnecessary
windows; limit notifications) for its use.
There is a chapter on each of these topics: Time Management; Homework; Study Skills; Planning; Routines & Ritual; Organizing; Distraction; and Motivation. Josel, a human resources professional and
entrepreneurial life coach, employs a conversational, inspiring tone ("to get the most out of this book, go through it at your own pace, on your own time and in your own way"). She acknowledges that students procrastinate for different reasons than adults. I thought Josel's suggestions for building habits and routines were very helpful, especially the ten questions she includes near the end (e.g., What are my priorities today? What could get in my way today? What is the smallest thing I am willing to do? How am I going to remember to remember?) And, like
many Lerner publications, this one makes liberal use of diagrams, charts and
images, further engaging students. Josel also offers several time management tips
for students in this blog post and I was especially surprised to learn that her
company’s award winning Academic Planner: A Tool for Time Management is
completely sold out. Our school chose not to offer planners for sale this year
and I am not sure why as they do seem to be a helpful tool for many.
(Lerner
(Zest)) 4 stars
WHAT COLOR IS YOUR PARACHUTE 2021 by
Richard N. Bolles and Katharine Brooks is “fully revised and expanded for 2021,”
the fiftieth anniversary edition (we reviewed earlier versions in 2015
and 2018).
Subtitled “Your Guide to a Lifetime of Meaningful Work and Career Success,” this
text explains that the process begins with you – not with the job market. Here,
too, the authors point out the value of building confidence, taking actions,
setting goals, and getting help when needed (a significant skill our students need
to practice more often). In addition, Bolles and Brooks provide a
self-inventory (Flower Exercise) and offer tips on creating resumes (transforming
skills to action verbs) and conversing at job interviews. A valuable resource
for any age, WHAT COLOR IS YOUR PARACHUTE 2021 may be of particular interest
to the many students who are contemplating a gap year after high school. (Ten
Speed Press) 4 stars 
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