THE SHIFTING moods of teenagers often make it difficult for parents to relate to their behavior. Between their irritable temper and complex inner lives, teens can also slip into periods of ambiguity as far as their motivations are concerned.

When talking does not work, reading books can sometimes prove more effective. Such books need to be accessible without being condescending, inspiring without being maudlin. What a delicate balance a book must strike.

The American author and motivational speaker John C. Maxwell has made a career of inspiring people and producing leaders through words—literally selling millions of books. Though best known for his business-oriented work such as 1998’s “21 Laws of Leadership” and 2009’s “How Successful People Think,” Maxwell has tweaked one of his more recent books, 2013’s “Sometimes You Win, Sometimes You Learn,” and produced a teen-friendly version.

Overcoming challenges

“Sometimes You Win, Sometimes You Learn for Teens: How to Turn a Loss into a Win” (Little, Brown and Company, New York, 2015) is a refreshing take on the idea of overcoming life’s challenges and equipping young readers with the right attitude and skills to do so.

“If you’re like most people, you’ve suffered some loss in your life. Are you ready to learn from it?” asks Maxwell in the book’s introduction. He then lays out his ideas in a simple, organized manner that might have become a PowerPoint presentation if not for the interesting vignettes that offer up specific lessons.

Holocaust survivor Charlene Schiff, actor Robert Downey Jr., gymnast Gabrielle Douglas, one-armed surfer Bethany Hamilton, pop singer Demi Lovato, teenage Pakistani activist Malala Yousafzai and Apple founder Steve Jobs are some of the examples Maxwell cites. He then tries to explain or reinforce the point.

The business-like feel of Maxwell’s writing never completely vanishes, but he makes a sufficient effort to be relevant and sensible. This is a safe and optimistic book that parents can give their teenage children, and encourage them to read without worry or expectation.

“Sometimes” should be read slowly, chapter by chapter, with the teenage reader absorbing the lesson embedded in that portion through reflection and self-identification. It shouldn’t be forced down the throats of its intended readers, as that would miss the point completely.

Mantras

The book approaches its topics by breaking them down into mantras like “Figure out how a loss can help you improve” and “Earn respect for yourself and others.” The book is helpful because it comes in from the perspective of a teenage reader already having trouble, or suffering some kind of loss and works from there. This is where “Sometimes” is unique, as it preaches the precious gospel of “moving on” from pretty much anything.

That said, it will still take great commitment to maximize the effect of a book like “Sometimes.” It’s no cure-all, and parents should avoid turning it accidentally into a panacea for slacker teens. But if used properly, “Sometimes You Win, Sometimes You Learn for Teens” can provide genuinely inspiring reading for teenagers dealing with adversity.

Maxwell’s version of a guide to teenage life is helpful without being annoying: “The ideas in this book can help you now and will continue to do so as you grow into young adulthood. Everyone messes up. You only need to learn how to move on from it.”

Available at National Book Store branches.