Table of Contents

Foreword? (maybe Jim Burns? Or Chap Clark? Or John Townsend?) Introduction Chapter 1: Can Anything Good Come of This Age? Chapter 2: Addressing Common Myths of Young Teens Chapter 3: It's All About Change Chapter 4: Walking Hormones? (physical and sexual development) Chapter 5: Mind-Warp (cognitive development) Chapter 6: Rollercoaster Freak-Show (emotional development) Chapter 7: Best Friends Forever! (relational change) Chapter 8: I Can Do It! (Just Don't Leave Me) (independence) Chapter 9: Operating System Upgrade (spiritual development) Chapter 10: White-Hot Temporary (early adolescent culture) Chapter 11: The Overlapping Transition (some implications) Appendices QandA with Marko A few words to parents about your church's youth ministry Endnotes

About the Author

Mark Oestreicher (Marko) is a veteran youth worker and former president of Youth Specialties. The author of dozens of books, including Youth Ministry 3.0 and Middle School Ministry, Marko is a sought after speaker, writer and consultant.  Marko leads The Youth Cartel, providing a variety of resources, coaching and consultation to youth workers, churches and ministries. Marko lives in San Diego with his wife Jeannie and two teenage children, Liesl and Max.  www.whyismarko.com.