Book description
An empowering guide for parents and teachers seeking a positive, practical alternative to the confusion and struggles of middle school."A must-read for anyone who has a tween or works with tweens." - Madeline Levine, New York Times bestselling author of The Price of Privilege and Ready or NotHow can parents stay close with their children through middle school? How do we help middle schoolers discover who they are, enjoy friendships, and manage their growing emotions? What kinds of learning experiences will keep them curious and motivated?These and more questions are answered in this highly engaging and informed guide to the middle school years. Chris Balme draws on his experience as a middle school founder, principal, and teacher, together with the latest adolescent neuroscience. He shows what is going on in the brains of middle schoolers, and how that affects everything from their friendships to the way they relate to parents or show up in a classroom.Parents will gain insight into how to transform their parenting to help middle schoolers find greater independence, connect well with peers, and have the deepest learning possible in and out of school. Educators will learn about the developmental keys to making middle school a place of belonging, with deep social and emotional learning and academics that draw out students' full motivation and potential.Praise for Finding the Magic in Middle School"I love Finding the Magic in Middle School - as a parent of tweens, an educator, and a school design innovator. Chris's love for young people and the awkward but powerful path of self-discovery they travel in the middle school years is obvious, and its clarity inspires us to see and want to enable the magic. Weaving together brain research, storytelling, and design insights, Chris breaks us free from the old narrative of adolescence."- Kim Smith, Co-Founder of NewSchools Venture Fund and Pahara Institute"What Chris Balme calls the "Ultimate Underdogs"-middle schoolers-are in for a better time of it now that he's written this book. After 20 years of working with this underestimated, under-trusted, under-stimulated swath of humanity, Balme has distilled what they need most, and how to give it to them. Hint: It doesn't look like your old social studies class."- Lenore Skenazy, author of Free Range Kids
About the Author
CHRIS BALME has led two innovative middle schools, trained thousands of parents and teachers, and received the Ashoka Fellowship for his work as a leading global changemaker in education. He is endlessly curious about how we raise wise, loving, and capable young people. Chris lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with his wife and three children. Find him at www.chrisbalme.com.
Nacho
Listening to audiobooks with my kids has become a cherished bonding activity. I'm grateful for ListenBook's seamless compatibility with a variety of formats β it's a true lifesaver. ListenBook is my constant companion during workouts. The controls are so easy to use.
Crossing Guard
This app's convenience has made me fall in love with audiobooks all over again. ListenBook's extensive format support makes it the ultimate audiobook app for any audiobook lover. The audio filters make a noticeable difference. ListenBook provides an excellent listening experience.
Crash Test
This app has become my go-to for audiobooks, adding a layer of convenience and enjoyment to my days. ListenBook's user-friendly interface and quick access to chapters enhance my overall listening experience. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer. It enhances the audio quality and ensures that I can immerse myself fully in the content. I love the compatibility with iOS 16. The app runs smoothly and flawlessly. The app is so versatile. It works with all my devices.
Renegade Slugger
Thank you for making my reading goals more achievable and enjoyable. ListenBook has made me fall in love with audiobooks all over again β it's a must-have app. I can't get enough of this app's intuitive design β it's like a personal library right at my fingertips. The book groups feature is a thoughtful addition. It helps me keep my series and related titles together. The compatibility with Apple Watch is a game-changer. Controlling my audiobooks from my wrist is genius.
Switch
Listening to audiobooks has become my ultimate way to unwind after a long day. I'm amazed at how this app has made reading fit into every aspect of my life. π Indulging in soothing bedtime stories β this app is my nightly retreat into imagination. ππ Perfect narration for this genre! The voice actorβs tone matched the atmosphere of the book, enhancing the overall experience. No complaintsβjust a smooth, enjoyable listen from beginning to end.
Voodoo Queen
I love that ListenBook Pro allows me to customize the tone of the sound β it adds a personal touch. ListenBook's innovative features, from audio filters to statistics, make it a standout app. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature enhances the audio quality to an impressive degree. The app is so versatile. It works with all my audiobook formats. Solid performance overall though some character voices sounded too similar. I occasionally got confused about who was speaking in dialogue-heavy scenes.
Twix Esses
I love how this app fits seamlessly into my daily routine. I'm amazed by the app's compatibility with different audio formats. It's truly versatile.
Mr. 44
I never knew my daily walks could be so fulfilling β all thanks to this app. π Say goodbye to boredom during long drives β this app makes road trips fly by! ππ
Tall Honey
The diverse range of narrators adds a new layer of depth to each story. I'm hooked on this app's ability to make reading fit into any moment.
Black Hole Necromancer
Unparalleled support for CarPlay and Apple Watch means I can take my audiobooks anywhere, anytime. ListenBook's support for various formats ensures that no audiobook is out of reach. This app has made my downtime so much more productive and enjoyable. User-centric audiobook joy β this app's ease of use is a true marvel. AirDrop and sharing make it easy to spread the audiobook love with friends.
FrankenGrin
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer for immersive listening in any environment. ListenBook has transformed the way I engage with literature. It's like having a virtual bookshelf in my pocket.
Master Jetson
With this app, I'm experiencing the joy of reading in a whole new light. Effortlessly exploring audiobook worlds β this app's functionality is genius. I'm impressed by the extensive statistics feature, allowing me to track my audiobook consumption over time. Great app for audiobook enthusiasts. ListenBook supports a wide range of formats. This was a competent audiobook production with no major flaws. The narrator's voice was pleasant enough and the audio quality was acceptable, though not exceptional. While the performance didn't particularly stand out, it served its purpose adequately for my daily commute.
Tunez
ListenBook's user-friendly controls and innovative features have made it an essential tool for my audiobook enjoyment. π Igniting my imagination while preparing dinner β this app adds flavor to every meal! π²π
Daffy Neo
I've become a more attentive listener thanks to the engaging audiobooks. π± A world of books at my fingertips β this app's user-friendly design makes it a true reading companion. ππ± πΆπ The harmony between simplicity and functionality in this app is truly impressive. Audiobooks have never sounded this good! π΅π§ Talk about convenience! This app's ease of use and support for multiple audio formats ensure that I can enjoy my favorite stories without any hassle. π±π The app is perfect for people who love to read but donβt have the time.
Winter Bite
πͺ Doubling the impact of my workouts β exercising and exploring stories, all thanks to this app! πͺπ§ Effortless audiobook exploration β this app's design is a reader's dream.
ThreadTrail
Audiobooks on this app have become my go-to entertainment for winding down. With ListenBook, I can enjoy my own audio content with unparalleled ease and comfort. Say goodbye to monotony β this app's diverse format compatibility and intuitive controls have turned every moment into a thrilling audiobook experience. π±π Quick access to chapters is a blessing. No more scrolling through endless content.
Murder Matter
π©βπ³ Cooking up a storm while enjoying thrilling stories β this app adds flavor to my meals! π³π§ ListenBook's library organization keeps my audiobooks neat and accessible. A true organizational lifesaver! ListenBook has become my go-to workout companion. It keeps me motivated and entertained. The variety of supported formats means I can enjoy audiobooks from different sources hassle-free.
The Shield Toronto
I used to struggle to find time for books β now, I listen while doing chores! π Rekindling my love for stories β this app's accessibility has reignited my passion! ππ
Devil Blade
Noise reduction on ListenBook enhances the clarity of dictaphone recordings, allowing me to enjoy content even in noisy environments. Efficiency meets audiobooks β this app's functionality is a true winner.
Pink Hopper
This app has made my road trips and flights infinitely more enjoyable. The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is very convenient. ListenBook is a great app.
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience