I just finished reading the younger readers' version of Becoming by Michelle Obama. I love autobiographies as they give you an inside look at other people's lives. This book in particular is a fascinating look at Michelle's life from her early childhood until she left the White House after her husband's second term as the U.S. President. Michelle credits her parents for setting her on the right path when she was younger. But she also credits the many women who have helped her become who she is. I highly recommend this book.

This is what I did when the latest Teen Breathe rocked up in my letter box this week. I ran a bath, added some relaxing bath salts, lit a candle and soaked and read. You will find articles about:

• un-bee-lievable bees
• breathing
• bmx 
• racism
• looking on the bright side
• some delicious, healthy chocolate recipes and much more.

I love this magazine! Issue 20 of Teen Breathe is out now. Inside you will find articles that:

• help you to be true to you
• challenge your ideas about intelligence
• teach you how to grow from your mistakes
• help you stay sane if you share a room with a sibling
• help you work out what you want to do when you're older
• provide a virtual travel guide through fiction
• share ways to be kind to animals
• inspire you to go hiking
• help you to eat your way to glowing good health
• teach you how to make dairy free delights
• encourage you to embrace change and lots more.

I don't know about you, but I struggle with stress, anxiety and low self-esteem. Life has been particularly stressful recently due to Covid 19. I found Nicola's book very useful and have used some of the mindful meditations. I can't tell you how many times I have stopped and concentrated on my breathing and how helpful that has been - when there's an argument, when I'm feeling overwhelmed, even at the dentist yesterday. Everyone should practice mindfulness - the world would be a happier place.

Teen breathe have done it again with another great publication, this time a special edition with an environmental theme. These magazines are so gorgeous they beg to be opened and explored. This edition is full of great articles about teen eco-warriors, ways to reduce your impact on the environment, upcycling ideas, vegetarian recipes and more. Whether you are a full on Greta Thunberg kind of girl or whether you prefer a gentler kind of activism, this magazine is for you. It's $12.95 at your local grocery store or newsagent. Alternatively you can ask if your school or local library has a copy, or go to https://www.teenbreathe.com.au for more information.

Even if you're not currently in lockdown this would be a great resource to record your Covid experience. The journal is by Australian teacher, author and motivational speaker, Sharon Witt. You can order it at https://www.sharonwitt.com.au.

This is possibly the best book for teens that I have ever read. For those of you who don't know who Turia Pitt, she was badly burned by a grassfire while she was running a 100km ultra-marathon in outback Australia. Her story of recovery is inspirational and amazing. Turia describes herself as an athlete, author and mindset coach. As the subtitle suggests, Good Selfie is full of tools to help teenagers. There are chapters on gratitude, confidence, self talk, champs (goals), hard times, support team and perspective. The book is full of awesome stories from Turia's life and advice to help you live your best life. It is also bright and beautifully presented with illustrations by Freda Chiu. I loved it!

Issue 15 of Teen Breathe is out now. It's full of great articles about * being brave * teen business owners * decluttering your wardrobe (I need to do this again) * blushing * assertiveness * popularity *competing * decision-making * martial arts * spiders * food for fitness * forming your own band and much more.

I love the aesthetic of this magazine. I also love their ethos - be happy, be brave, be kind, be yourself. A copy of Teen Breathe would make a great gift idea, especially if you pack it in a cute brown paper bag with some hot chocolate sachets and cookies.