I recently read the book titled "Do Hard Things - A Teenage Rebellion Against Low Expectations". It's written by 18 year old twins Alex and Brett Harris, who are Christians from Oregon, USA.
 

Their basic premise is that the expectations teenagers have of themselves in the western world is far too low, and that this is exacerbated by the low expectations adults and the society at large generally has for teenagers. They use many case studies throughout the book of real life teenagers to give examples, both positive and negative, to illustrate their argument. They challenge teenagers to seek responsibility and to look for opportunities to serve Jesus, his people and the wider community (i.e. they challenge teenagers to 'do hard things').

It's a powerful book that I highly recommend to every high school student, to every youth leader and to every parent of a teenager (or soon to be teenager). The book is available from Koorong. Buy a copy, read it and then pass it on to someone else.

Here is what John Piper, of Desiring God and best-selling author of Don't Waste Your Life, says of this book on the rebelution website: "Adult expectations for youth are too low. And these twins are out to raise them. Don't adapt to the low cultural expectations for youth. Set high ones. Youth can become examples for adults. Think that way. Dream that way. Or as the Harris brothers would say, "Rebel against low expectations." May God give us a vision for the next generation that glorifies the gospel of Christ, and leads thousands of young people to the cross where they find forgiveness of sins, and broken-hearted humility, and Christ-exalting courage to rebel against low expectations and 'do hard things' ".

Check out this link for more info about the book: The Rebelution.com

image: www.therebelution.com