(Part 2) Best teen education & reference books according to redditors

I read these two and then just did all the questions on the app and the study guide (use the 2017 version because it has the answers to the practice situational judgement questions! 2018 doesn't):

Rise to Globalism:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0142004944/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

CliffsNotes US History

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0764563726/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

We use a textbook: "Theory of Knowledge for the IB Diploma" by Richard van de Lagemaat. With it being your year 2, I understand that you are probably stressed out beyond belief... So, I hope this helps!

Here are all the local Amazon links I could find:


amazon.co.uk

amazon.ca

amazon.com.au

amazon.in

amazon.com.mx

amazon.de

amazon.it

amazon.es

amazon.com.br

amazon.nl

amazon.co.jp

amazon.fr

Beep bloop. I'm a bot to convert Amazon ebook links to local Amazon sites.
I currently look here: amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca, amazon.com.au, amazon.in, amazon.com.mx, amazon.de, amazon.it, amazon.es, amazon.com.br, amazon.nl, amazon.co.jp, amazon.fr, if you would like your local version of Amazon adding please contact my creator.

Also check out the ACT Black Book https://www.amazon.com/dp/0692078398/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_S412AbEYZ69KP It really helped me with strategy and to break down the test. I studied for a week from it (along with the official 3rd edition ACT prep book) and raised my score from 31 to 35.

I think if you want it a lot you can do it (at least get your score to a 32+ range)

So first you want to get all your test scores to a solid 30. For English, this is gonna be pretty easy for you, but obviously a lot harder for science and reading. I think, since your scores are below that 30 range, i think you should focus on content THEN on time and understanding the test.

I'll advice you, if you are financially able to get the actual ACT book (the one ACT inc. sells) as well as this ACT black book. The ACT black book literally has everything you need for a good score, INCLUDING CONTENT and TIPS. And then you probably want the actual ACT book for practice tests and stuff. But PLEASE don't use other ACT books (and if you aren't able to get both, purchase the black book only because you can find practice tests online. If you aren't able to purchase either, I've included links to help with gaining that information)....

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For English, improvement is all dependent on knowing the rules (esp COMMA rules) and recognizing the pattern of ACT questions. To do this, you have to learn ALL OF THESE grammar rules, (and given that your score is at a 29, then you must know most of them). Then you must strive for consistency and perfection. Every time you miss a question on an English question, please think about why you got it wrong and WHAT THOUGHT PROCESS you needed to go through to get it write. I used to keep a notebook to do this because writing it down helped me remember. English is the easiest score to improve, and it is the quickest so getting your english score to a 35/36 would be really good. It all comes down to consistent practice and understanding your mistakes. Make sure to do a lot of practice questions (but only real ACT English questions, do not use Princeton, Barron, etc.), this builds up your intuition for knowing the correct answer and you begin to recognize patters this way.

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For Math, you obviously have content issues. Go to this link for strategies, tips, and TOPIC guides. The topic guides are good for reenforcing concepts you don't know. I'm also assuming that time is a problem for you. It was a problem for me too. First, do the math section with no time limit and try to do your best, and if you get to the 30+ range that way, you need to take a lot more sections under the time limit and train your brain to go faster, esp on the first 30 questions. I'm pretty sure that you can still get a 30 on math by missing 10 questions (fact check me on this I might be wrong).

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For Reading, you need to learn HOW to read and COMPREHEND a passage correctly. You need to understand that all the questions in this section only have one answer, and this answer ALWAYS has evidence in the passage. Even if an answer is partially right, IT IS WRONG. It must be 100% correct to be the correct answer. The black book really reenforces this concept. You also might have time problems. The correct way to do ACT reading is to give yourself 8.5 min per passage. If you're a slow reader, give yourself 5 min to read and process the passage, then head to the questions but know you are going to have to rush. Try to get through all the questions with accuracy and precision.

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For Science, you don't need to know any actual science. It is all reading graphs and analyzing them under the time limit. There might be like one or two questions that require ACTUAL science. NEVER read the blips of texts unless you absolutely need to, unless it is the Conflicting Viewpoints passage, then and only then READ EVERY SINGLE WORD. Know that you will only have a max of 5 to 6 minutes per passage. That's why you need to keep the reading to a minimum.

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I think if you really put all the work and heart into studying you can get your score up to maybe even a 34+. It is all about consistency, accuracy, and precision in your practice. You have a month and a half so you should get going as soon as possible. I'd suggest splitting out the sections into a full practice test for the first 2 weeks, and then taking a practice test each week until the test. AMA or PM me if you have any questions or need help, I'm more than happy to. Hope this helps, and that you get your score up!

Some more information:

The woman who took the original photo also photographed the cover and copyright information. The name of this textbook is Prentice Hall Classics: A History of the United States by Daniel J. Boorstin and Brooks Mather Kelley, and this edition was published in 2007. Here's how Amazon describes it:

> Prentice Hall proudly introduces Classics— collection of our most beloved and timeless programs. The Prentice Hall Classics line brings back some of our bestselling programs with the added benefits of a new reduced price and an updated copyright. With Classics, you can count on: solid traditional instruction, a proven approach and sequence to the content, a return to your favorite program, and more value!

> A History of the United States' well-told story and classroom-tested resources are designed to address your changing curriculum needs. Exceptionally written by distinguished author Dr. Daniel J. Boorstin, along with Brooks Mather Kelley, the program incorporates key themes that help students develop a sound understanding of American history.

The first edition of this textbook was published in 1983. When it was revised in 1989, the publishing company forced them to revise the sections on slavery and the CRM due to racism. Several comments from the original tweet suggest that this passage came from the 1992 edition, though I'm not sure anyone's done a true comparison (but if this is post-revision, what did it look like before?!)

Also, Daniel J. Boorstin died in 2004 and Brooks Mather Kelley died in 2013.

Edit: Also, this woman's daughter is in a public charter school in Texas.

Don’t know if this helps, but you could skip high school.
https://www.accreditedschoolsonline.org/resources/college-no-ged-or-high-school-diploma/

Book:
https://www.amazon.com/College-Without-High-School-Teenagers/dp/0865716552

CLEP tests reimbursement:
https://modernstates.org/

You are going to be doing a lot of studying. You may as well be getting college credit for it.

This is what I used . They have a similar one for ACT. Also 2017 versions are out now.

Back in the late 70s/early 80s when I was a kid, I had some books about "The Future" and they attempted to do exactly what you're saying: gets kids adjusted to the idea.

Of course, the books also told me I'd be living in a Standford Torus space station by now, so I guess it was wrong all around.

EDIT: Here's the specific book I'm thinking of: http://www.amazon.com/Whole-Future-Catalog-Paula-Taylor/dp/0394850904 -- but there were more. I remember books about how to cook with insects and worms, etc, in my elementary school library.

Get a book. If you have never taken one, I would recommend the official ACT Test Book (or it's named something like that). Take a practice test without looking at anything just to get an idea of what your score looks like.

Official ACT Book: https://www.amazon.com/Official-Guide-2018-19-Online-Content/dp/1119508061/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1549992754&sr=8-3&keywords=official+act+prep+guide+2018-2019

If the benchmarks you mentioned are the ones that ACT has, then they are:
Math: 22
Science: 23
English: 18
Reading: 22

After that, break down the most troubling sections into smaller chunks and work on those. Some examples for me were the last 20 math questions (usually the hardest of the entire math test), Prose Fiction reading passages, multiple science sections, etc.

Take another practice test, rinse and repeat.

If you feel this isn't helping, I understand completely. This is what I did, and it helped me. Find another method, or get a tutor, which is what I did. Hope this helps!

All of this, PLUS: Before you take the ACT again, check this book out. It has some of the most important simple things that will raise your score by several points. I say this because your goal shouldn't be half tuition, it should be no tuition. The ACT is an exam about how well you can take the ACT. Figure out the easiest months to take it (used to be December and June; November was the most difficult), figure out some schools you wouldn't mind going to who offer ACT-based scholarships, and try to get them to pay your way.


>It isn't very difficult to get into college. It isn't hard to do well in college. You do have to put in hard work.

This is so true. Don't get caught up in the circlejerk over how hard things are and "it's okay if I have a low GPA because my employer shouldn't care, I have ~work experience~." If you do your best, no excuses, you'll be fine.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MK5TLRZ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_VA3rDbT0XHZQA

http://www.crackact.com

take A LOT of practice tests and review what you got wrong, that’s really the key!

For what it's worth, I was a bio major in undergrad, am currently in med school, and science was always my weakest section on the ACT. So she shouldn't feel bad about it :) From what I remember, most if it was interpreting graphs and data. I'd encourage her to just do as many practice science sections as possible, and work her way up to doing them timed. You can get a book like this that has a bunch of questions, and explanations for each answer.

I would recommend this textbook and to get the workbook with it. We use it at my university but I think it is more than clear enough to be used as a self study aid. As you finish the book, move on to the next level and so on. It has dialogues, vocabulary, and grammar written in a clear, concise style.

That's not it, but through your links I have found it!

The Kids Whole Future Catalog

http://www.amazon.com/Whole-Future-Catalog-Paula-Taylor/dp/0394850904/

Thanks!

I'm taking my school's AP Calculus AB and AP Physics B classes, but I'm taking the AP Physics C exams.

Heck yeah it's manageable. After you learn the basics of derivatives and integrals, you're good to go with Physics C. This can be done in or outside of class.

Then, I would start by watching these videos. Also, get this prep book. Go over the chapters concurring with the video topics and do the practice problems.

Afterwards, start doing a lot of released FRQ's and exams. Released FRQ's can be found on the CollegeBoard website.

It's totally doable. Additionally, a lot of top engineering colleges do not give credit for AP Physics B. So you might as well take C.

Btw, try to do the chapters in the way I recommend before your school's class covers it. You'll do extremely well on the tests and the information will be even more deeply rooted.

Oh and you don't need Khan Academy or MIT OCW. Personally, I've never found either to be extremely helpful. MIT OCW goes way more in depth than you'll need to know and could be more bothersome than beneficial. Viren's Videos are by far the best lectures.

Although a few have managed to shield their creationism, 99% of creationists who study biology soon figure things out. So hooray!

You could just stick with the basics, like Miller and Levine's Biology. I think of it because it was the incumbent textbook being challenged by Of Pandas and People in Kitzmiller v. Dover.

UPDATE: Still working on sending out materials in order contacted. Will continue until all is gone.

For those of you interested in digitized lessons, here are links by topic:

 

--> Earth Science (based off CA book: http://www.amazon.com/Earth-Science-California-Prentice-Hall/dp/0131667556)

• Here is the entire folder: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B5Ra4bB7PZVMVkIwYWpVQ3JXSzg
  
   
  
  --> For Biology (based off CA book: http://www.amazon.com/Prentice-Hall-Biology-Kenneth-R-Miller/dp/0131662554)
  
  
• Here is the entire folder: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B5Ra4bB7PZVMektQSEdFOTFDS0k
  
   
  
  --> For Biology/ Life Science (Life Science CA book: http://www.amazon.com/Focus-Science-California-Michael-Padilla/dp/0132012723)
  
  
• Mixed, limited: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B5Ra4bB7PZVMaUJQLWlzZk1Md0k
  
   
  
  --> These are general teaching strategy activities/materials: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B5Ra4bB7PZVMUnRkYWg4bkpmYXM
  
   
  
  4th Grade math, anyone? Heh. https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B5Ra4bB7PZVMV3U5QjhzVFppYmc
  
  (I haven't decided if I will update folders a little in the next few weeks, so you might check back through the summer.)

I'm using REA's test prep book it's called SAT Latin Subject Test. It's really the ony book out there for Latin. :) https://www.amazon.com/SAT-Subject-Test-College-Admission/dp/0738610763

Here you go.

Up Your Score: SAT: The Underground Guide, 2016-2017 Edition (Up Your Score: The Underground Guide to the SAT) https://www.amazon.com/dp/0761186158/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_gIIkzb785G1DT

Book is UP YOUR SCORE: SAT (2016-2017)... Don't ask me how I realized that instantly.

lol its ok u will improve. here are some of my resources:

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if u haven't already, i suggest this book for practice tests: https://www.amazon.com/Official-Guide-2018-19-Online-Content/dp/1119508061?ref=ast_p_ep

once i was done with that, i looked up tests online (there are plenty of them!)

if u struggle with science, i suggest this book: https://www.amazon.com/Love-ACT-Science-innovative-standardized/dp/0996832203/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1537486319&sr=1-2&keywords=act+science

it's a bit pricey, so i suggest getting a used one

if u wanna learn some great tips on how to improve ur score in every section, this book has some amazing info: https://www.amazon.com/ACT-Prep-Black-Book-Strategies-ebook/dp/B07BGDM282/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1537486409&sr=1-1-spons&keywords=act+black+book&psc=1

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i found these books to be sufficient, but also look for tutors in your area for help

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good luck, i hope to see ur thicc 36 post soon! send me a message when it happens :D

https://www.amazon.com/HISTORY-UNITED-STATES-STUDENT-2007/dp/0131335642/ref=cm_cr_othr_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

That is the book being spoken about. I don't know if the worksheet was a custom job or if it included in a teachers edition or what.

I was frustrated at the time while typing this, but I'm not 100% sure how good/bad it is.
I considered purchasing it but I did read some of the reviews on amazon, and they did say some things that kept me away.
https://www.amazon.com/Cracking-Premium-Practice-Tests-2016/product-reviews/0804125996/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_viewpnt_rgt?ie=UTF8&filterByStar=critical&showViewpoints=0&pageNumber=1

There's this book by Princeton review called 1,296 ACT Practice Questions.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0307945707?cache=c445cb79744e1c3089145c2c51961abb&pi=SY200_QL40&qid=1408489500&sr=8-1#ref=mp_s_a_1_1

It just has ton of practice sections for each part of the ACT.

I never used the book myself but I've heard the "Barron's 2400" is for those who have a high 600 or a low 700 on each section and want to improve their score to near perfect.

I would definitely check it out if I were you. It focuses on the most difficult portions of the SAT. You should try and check the reviews for the 2008 version of this book though since the 2012 version only has 2 reviews.

http://www.amazon.com/Barrons-SAT-2400-4th-Edition/dp/1438000200/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1348449445&sr=8-3&keywords=barrons+sat

My school had a full set of IB books they borrowed out and they had the Cambridge text by Richard van de Lagemaat. (Link below). I also had access to the Oxford one which I borrowed from a friend and I felt like I had more use of the information on the Cambridge on and it really helped me for the essays and presentations. I got the highest score on the presentation and essay :)

https://www.amazon.com/Theory-Knowledge-Diploma-Richard-Lagemaat/dp/110761211X

I'd recommend this book

It's short and has easy to understand tips for getting a higher score.

Recommended Textbooks
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Integrated Chinese - This is used in many university classes in the US. The companion CD is definitely recommended. The workbook wont be much use if you don't have someone to check your answers, as the company is pretty strict about not letting out the answer keys.

New Practical Chinese Reader - This is a great alternative to Integrated Chinese. There are also PDFs and mp3s of all materials floating around on the internet if you look.

Character Practice
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Skritter - Seriously awesome. It does have a monthly subscription though.

Oral Practice
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Pimsleur, Assimil, or the FSI course (free). I've only used Pimselur, but I've heard good things about the others. These are good for practicing your tones.

Online Resources
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Chinese-forums

nciku - A Chinese - English dictionary. You can draw out unknown characters, which can be much easier than going by radical like in other dictionaries.

You should also set up Windows (or whatever OS you use) to be able to type in Chinese (usually through pinyin).

Once you're good enough, you can find easy books called "Graded Chinese Readers" that often have a companion CD to help with pronunciation. They're pretty cheap as well if you import them from China.

Good luck, Mandarin is a difficult language, but it's also really fun. It might take a long time to see progress (I still can't read newspapers), but as long as you keep at it you'll probably be happy with your results.

The Stars by H.A Rey

Read it in 1979 (yes I'm the old) and still use it to find consellations.

If he's starting off with a good handle on the fundamentals (which given his grades and college credits, it sounds like he is), the biggest gains could come from improving test taking strategies and performance. It's been a long time since I've needed a book like this, but I poked around on Amazon for a while, and this seems like the kind of book that is more about how you play the SAT game. Then take practice tests.

https://www.amazon.com/AP-Advantage-Physics-James-Mooney/dp/1413804926

this book

Cliffs Quick Review American Government

https://www.amazon.com/CliffsQuickReview-American-Government-Stephen-Voss/dp/0764563726/ref=cm_cr_othr_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

I found one of these: https://www.amazon.com/SAT-Subject-Test-College-Admission/dp/0738610763

It's from like a decade ago though, so I don't know how useful it is. I guess I'll have to learn as much Latin as I can and see how it goes. That'll probably be as much as I can do.

This is a good book on casual observational astronomy, written by the same dude who wrote Curious George!

Also watch Cosmos (and read it), The Universe, Into the Universe, and other tv documentary series.

Ah! I wish I had been brave enough to drop out of high school, get my GED, and go get a life. Looking back now, I wasted so much time in high school and it took me a lot longer than necessary to finally build a life that was my own. I applaud your reaching out like this. Take this opportunity while you are young and curious to do things differently. I hope these resources will help...

Check out Blake Boles' book College Without High School: A Teenager's Guide to Skipping High School and Going to College. There are also lots of resources now for unschoolers like Unschool Adventures and Not Back to School Camp. There are also lots of great unschooling videos by unschoolers on YouTube. Finally, I hope these short talks by Alan Watts inspire you: What If Money Was No Object and Music and Life.

Good luck and trust yourself!!