There's a Monkey on Your Shoulder - Softcover

Macpherson-Smith, Tana

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1068568607 ISBN 13: 9781068568602

Publisher: ClearMinds Education Publishing, 2024

Synopsis

In this insightful and ultimately heartwarming story, eight young people, each facing their own unique struggles, are brought together for an unforgettable personal development adventure. They are the proud recipients of the national SOS Award for mental health awareness, led by the visionary entrepreneur Justin Bloom, whose deeply personal mission is to empower and uplift young people.

Their journey takes place at a unique camp in a remote area of Scotland, where Justin and his dedicated team—Mags, Rob, and the delightfully eccentric Mrs Winterbottom—guide the teens through a series of eye-opening exercises and exhilarating challenges. From surviving twenty-four hours on their own on an island, to navigating a heart-pounding escape from deep sea-filled caves, each test pushes them to their limits.

At the heart of this adventure is the 'monkey on your shoulder.' Each teen meets their own metaphorical 'monkey'—that ever-present voice reflecting deep-seated beliefs and patterns of behaviour that colour their world. Armed with crayons, these monkeys illustrate each of their experiences in vibrant hues, representing the emotional tapestry of their lives. During the training, the teens begin to understand how their monkeys influence their thoughts, shaping both their perceptions and behaviours, often reinforcing their limiting beliefs.

Amidst moments of drama, anger, laughter, and fear, Jack, Sienna-May, Alfie, Charlie, Tinda, Eloise, Millie, and Celeste set out on a journey of self-discovery. They learn to listen to and connect with their monkeys, uncovering hidden strengths within themselves. Together, they come to realise the power of mindset, imagination, and kindness—towards themselves and others—and how it can bring about extraordinary transformation.

There’s a Monkey on Your Shoulder is a powerful narrative that delves into the complexities of young minds and the profound impact of self-awareness and empathy. This story will resonate with readers of all ages, offering a message of hope, understanding, and the boundless potential within us all.

In Praise of There's a Monkey on Your Shoulder:

"What Tana Macpherson-Smith has achieved with this extraordinary book is the power to take all the key elements that make up our mental health issues in the young today - and to deliver them in a truly intriguing, entertaining, thoughtful, inspirational and original book. We should all be reading this creative and informed gift of a book - to inspire each and every one of us as we journey through life." Kate Blewett, Multi Award-Winning Documentary Film Producer and Director

"I can’t say enough for this book, except that every child, parent, educator and health professional would do well to read it. Tana Macpherson-Smith has devised a brilliant way for young people to understand their inner strengths and gifts, then turned it into a captivating story. For any child—or adult—who struggles with a sense of self-worth and purpose (and that means all of us), There’s A Monkey On Your Shoulder will give you a new way of looking at yourself and the world. A must read." Debra Engle, Executive Director: Story Summit, international lecturer, writing mentor and best-selling Author

“This is not only a brilliantly clever, original and skilfully written book for young adults navigating their way through an increasingly challenging world, but a deeply important one too. I absolutely loved it!” Santa Montefiore, Sunday Times Best Selling Author

Edition details

• Publisher: ClearMinds Education Publishing
• Publication date: 2024
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1068568607
• ISBN 13: 9781068568602
• Binding: Paperback
• Illustrator: Nskvsky Katarina
• Number of pages: 346
• Editor: Bagley Ali