The Disengaged Teen

Praise

“Every parent of a checked out, overwhelmed, or frustrated middle or high-school student needs to read this book.”—Charles Duhigg, author of The Power of Habit and Smarter Faster Better

“Our education systems are shortchanging far too many teenagers. This book is brimming with insights on how to change that. It’s an engaging, evidence-based, and practical read about how to develop a generation of lifelong learners.”—Adam Grant, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Hidden Potential and Think Again, and host of the podcast Re:Thinking

“If you aspire to be the psychologically wise adult of a young person, this book is for you.”—Angela Duckworth, author of Grit

“The Disengaged Teen is an invaluable resource.”—Gretchen Rubin, author of The Happiness Project and Life in Five Senses

“Anderson and Winthrop bring clarity to the chaos, providing a practical framework for parents who want to understand their kids.”—Paul Tough, author of How Children Succeed

“So many parents want to help their teens become better learners . . . Here is a powerful, practical book that points the way.”—Carol Dweck, author of Mindset

“[The Disengaged Teen] is an empathetic look at how modern teens get lost and a practical guide to helping them get found.”—Scott Galloway, Professor of Marketing, NYU Stern, Host of the Prof G Pod and Cohost of the Pivot Podcast

“Just the book every parent, teacher and administrator needs.”—Kaya Henderson, former chancellor of DC Public Schools and Executive Vice President and Executive Director of the Center for Rising Generations at the Aspen Institute

“Every parent of a child ten or older should read this book.”—Wendy Kopp, founder of Teach for America

“The Disengaged Teen is a compelling, enlightening, must-read book.”—Lisa Damour, author of The Emotional Lives of Teenagers

“The Disengaged Teen offers everything a parent or teacher needs to understand, support, and empower a child’s learning.”—Jennifer Brehney Wallace, author of Never Enough

“This book gives parents and educators clear, evidence backed ways to help young people develop the agency they need.”—Todd Rose, author of Dark Horse

“The Disengaged Teen may be the most important book of 2025.”—Paul LeBlanc, former president Southern New Hampshire University

“A thoughtful analysis with many wise and practical insights.”—Ron Dahl, founding director center for the developing adolescent and director of the institute for human development at UC Berkeley

“A must-read.”—Ned Johnson, co-author The Self-Driven Child

“Anderson and Winthrop do a fantastic job of explaining what [engagement] is, how to find it, and present tools for helping kids engage in school and life.”—Jessica Lahey, author The Gift of Failure

“An important book, perfectly timed.”—Amanda Ripley, author of The Smartest Kids in the World

“The four modes of engagement offer practical ways for parents to both identify and change the behaviors that get in the way of engagement and deep learning.”—Jennifer Fredericks, Professor of Psychology at Union College; editor Handbook of Student Engagement Interventions

“The Disengaged Teen is a compelling read.”—Lord Jim Knight, former schools minister UK

“I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to get smarter about the wonderful but puzzling world of motivating and engaging the next generation.”—David Yeager, author of 10 to 25