The Character Chronicles: The Respect Connection

Offering ‘tweens and teens guidance in developing character as they begin to chart their own course through the rough waters of social interaction, The Respect Connection—the second of six titles in The Character Chronicles series—addresses the issue of giving and receiving respect. Organized around a teen's video blog, the program reminds viewers that the Golden Rule—treat others the way you'd like to be treated—is often broken in the socially brutal world of middle schoolers. The video blogger introduces interviews and roundtable discussions featuring teens who provide an honest look into what respect is, who deserves it, how to give it, and why they themselves sometimes fail to respect others. “You don't have to like someone to still show respect to them,” says one kid, voicing a realistic opinion—representative of the program's practical and relevant advice. Unfortunately, the last third of the presentation tries to transition into an eco-friendly message of “respect Mother Earth,” employing animation, music, and a style that feels out-of-context. Still, the overriding majority of the material here is very good and definitely useful. The other titles in the series (series price: $359.50) are: The Trust Connection, The Responsibility Connection, The Fairness Connection, The Caring Connection, and The Citizenship Connection. Recommended. Aud: I, J, P. (E. Gieschen)