Jean E. Rhodes Libri

Adult volunteers try to do their part by mentoring young people in need, but ample empirical research shows that their efforts rarely pay off. Psychologist Jean Rhodes offers evidence-based suggestions for better mentorship. Above all, she argues, mentors should focus on building rapport while also teaching useful skills.

This book describes the extraordinary potential that exists in youth mentoring relationships, and discloses the ways in which nonparent adults are uniquely positioned to encourage adolescent development. Yet the book also exposes a rarely acknowledged risk: unsuccessful relationships can actually harm at-risk youth.