Teen Psychic

Starred review from November 24, 2003
There was a time when young people were routinely taught how to develop their intuitive and spiritual powers, according to Tallard Johnson, a psychotherapist and mentor of young teens. This "ability to access inner wisdom" was once considered an essential part of an adolescent's schooling. Nowadays, such training seems to have fallen by the wayside. Ironically, with young people facing so many pressures and risks in modern Western culture, a mandatory course in developing a healthy inner guidance system is needed more than ever. Thankfully, Tallard Johnson is helping to fill the void. Her primary goal is to help teenagers listen to their true feelings, learn to read their own energy and become more adept at living a life that is congruent with their inner wisdom (aka intuition). It's hard to find fault with her ambitions or delivery. Drawing from an eclectic stew of wisdom (such as the Sufi tradition of breathing, the yoga Chakra system, Tibetan Buddhism and the I Ching), Tallard Johnson offers an excellent primer on connecting with the inner spirit. Designed like a workbook, every chapter includes compelling testimonials, folk tales, ancient teachings, practical exercises and journaling assignments. Tallard Johnson covers many core concerns of teenagers—how to become an individual, develop self-loving beliefs, recognize and overcome substance and emotional abuse, make decisions from the higher self, create healthy relationships and find a safe spiritual teacher. Don't be turned off by the seemingly trite title—this is a book of merit and depth.

January 1, 2004
\deflang1033\pard\plain\f3\fs24 Reviewed with James Van Praagh's \plain\f3\fs24" Looking Beyond\plain\f3\fs24 .

Gr. 8-12. Teens have a great fascination with the paranormal, and these books discuss the psychic and spiritual realms using situations and explanations geared to a young audience. Van Praagh, familiar from his television show, \plain\f3\fs24" Beyond, \plain\f3\fs24 homes in on the larger questions teens are most interested in (Why are we here? Can we transform our lives?) as well as particular ones (Are there spirit guides and soul mates?). His book distills a lot of information found in other self-help books, adding a patina of psychic principles, and he writes easily about such topics as incorporating intuition and meditation into one's life and ways to be true to oneself. Although his frequent references to pop culture occasionally sound condescending, they will draw in readers. Johnson covers much of the same material, though with more jargon, and her discussion of spiritual practices is more heavy duty. The first half of the book is devoted to working with the body's chakra system; the second focuses on the path of the psychic visionary. An extensive source list for teens wanting to continue their personal journey concludes. (Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2004, American Library Association.)