Review: Six Super-Skills for Executive Functioning

 

Six Super-Skills for Executive Functioning 

by Dr. Honos-Web

 

At its essence, executive functioning is the ability to plan life goals and carry them to fruition.  Psychologist Dr. Lara Honos-Web has created a clear and stimulating guide for teens to help them sharpen those skills directly related to executive functioning regardless of the teens’ abilities or situations.  The six super-skills discussed in this book are finding gifts, setting goals, chunking, boosting motivation, managing mood, and finding focus. Each chapter is organized into small segments allowing the readers to digest the information. Dr. Honos-Web uses authentic science to explain the skills and then adds real-word examples of high school students applying these skills to their everyday lives.  In addition, each chapter stresses the importance of positive self-talk, using technology to help achieve goals instead of being a distraction, and using said skills instead of drugs or alcohol to alleviate stress; examples of how this can be done are also included.  Dr. Honos-Web often encourages the readers to journal their feelings throughout the book.  In this respect, Six Super-Skills for Executive Functioning is much like another teen self-help book, This Moment is Your Life (Dial Books) by Miriam Gates.  Both guides encourage teens to manage their stress in healthy ways, give examples, and ask the readers to journal their progress.

 

These super skills are relevant in today’s off-center world.  Any readers, no matter their age, will find something helpful within the pages of this book. Dr. Honos-Web seamlessly weaves science and actual examples into her narrative without talking down to her audience.  The chapters are succinct yet seem to cover a lot of information.  Readers who are interested in living their best lives should not hesitate to pick up a copy of this book.  All public and high school libraries will have a better collection if Six Super-Skills for Executive Functioning is part of their nonfiction repertoire.    

 

Verdict: Because of its applicable subject matter and general appeal to both teens and adults, Six Super-Skills for Executive Functioning by Dr. Lara Honos-Web is recommended as a first choice for both public and high school libraries.