I'm writing a book about raising bilingual children

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Adam Beck
Head Keeper

Author of "Maximize Your Child's Bilingual Ability" and "Bilingual Success Stories Around the World"

Posts: 2,176
Country (residing now): Japan
Country (originally from): USA
Children, Ages: Girl, 19 and Boy, 16
Majority Language: Japanese
Minority Language(s): English, Spanish

I'm writing a book about raising bilingual children Sept 5, 2014 12:18:57 GMT 9

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Post by Adam Beck on Sept 5, 2014 12:18:57 GMT 9

I thought making a post here might help hold me accountable for completing a new project: writing a book about raising bilingual children.

Recently, at the blog, I mentioned that Bilingual Monkeys has turned two this month. (It's a very talkative two-year-old!

)

These two years have been exciting for me. It’s wonderful to connect with people all over the world on a topic that means so much to our lives. One day, when I can finally tear myself away from this computer and travel more, I look forward to meeting many of you in person!

At the same time, I’ll be honest: writing over 200 blog posts has left me a bit winded. It isn’t easy maintaining that site (and now this forum!) on top of my “day job” as a writer and editor, tutoring bilingual kids on the side, and spending time with my family. (Oh, and sleeping occasionally, too.) The truth is, I now need to focus more on other writing projects, and so, for a little while, I’ll take a break from blogging and let you catch up with previous posts that you may have missed.

One writing project is this new book about raising bilingual children. My goal for the book is to provide ideas that will not only help parents achieve success, but maximize that success. This will be my mission moving forward: maximizing our children’s bilingual development.

If you’d like “inside information” on my new book—I’ll keep you posted on my progress and even give you the chance to win a free preview copy—just click this link to add your email address to a special list. (I’ll only email you occasionally, and only about my book.)

Sorry, this list is now closed.
Yes, I’m interested in your book on maximizing success at raising bilingual children.

Wish me luck! I've completed several books in the past (including Instant Inspiration for Raising Bilingual Kids), so I know I can do it again. But these projects are always tough and time-consuming. Like raising bilingual kids itself, there must be daily effort... (But right now, I think I'll just eat some ice cream!)

Bilingual SuperKids: Supercharge the success and joy of your family's bilingual or multilingual journey with powerful private coaching from Adam Beck, author of "Maximize Your Child's Bilingual Ability" and "Bilingual Success Stories Around the World"
bilingualsuperkids.com

Mayken Star Keeper Cool in two languages! Posts: 1,286 Country (residing now): France Country (originally from): Germany Children, Ages: Girl, 14 Majority Language: French Minority Language(s): German (and learning English)	I'm writing a book about raising bilingual children Sept 5, 2014 18:43:29 GMT 9 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Post by Mayken on Sept 5, 2014 18:43:29 GMT 9 Good luck, Adam! Your blog posts are full of great (and more importantly) practical ideas, and with 200+ you have a lot of material already at hand. Good luck!
	My guest post at Bilingual Monkeys on traveling to our minority language country

Jana Junior Keeper Posts: 94 Country (residing now): USA Country (originally from): USA Children, Ages: Three girls, ages 8, 6, and 4 Majority Language: English Minority Language(s): French	I'm writing a book about raising bilingual children Sept 5, 2014 23:04:14 GMT 9 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Post by Jana on Sept 5, 2014 23:04:14 GMT 9 I think the best books are written by what the authors are passionate about. It's pretty clear you are really into this subject! Good luck. I will definitely buy your book when it comes out.

Adam Beck
Head Keeper

Author of "Maximize Your Child's Bilingual Ability" and "Bilingual Success Stories Around the World"

Posts: 2,176
Country (residing now): Japan
Country (originally from): USA
Children, Ages: Girl, 19 and Boy, 16
Majority Language: Japanese
Minority Language(s): English, Spanish

I'm writing a book about raising bilingual children Sept 16, 2014 8:24:24 GMT 9

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Post by Adam Beck on Sept 16, 2014 8:24:24 GMT 9

Mayken and Jana, I'm grateful for the votes of confidence!

The book is coming along well. My hope is that it can bring together my thoughts in a more organized form, while expanding on these ideas, too.

Since "fluency" in any language is a destination without a real end--there are always higher and higher levels of fluency to reach toward--our aim for our children's language development isn't really about achieving bilingual ability. That sort of aim is rather vague.

A more tangible and motivating goal, I think, is the idea of maximizing our children's bilingual ability to the best of our own ability as parents. What can we do--what thoughts can we hold, what actions can we take--to maximize the growth of our children's two (or more) languages through the 18 years of childhood?

This is the intent of my book, and why the title will likely be...
Maximize Your Child's Bilingual Ability

Una Junior Keeper Working on a little project for little linguists and loving it! Posts: 28 Country (residing now): Australia Children, Ages: 4 and 2 years old Majority Language: English Minority Language(s): French	I'm writing a book about raising bilingual children Sept 17, 2014 21:10:50 GMT 9 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Post by Una on Sept 17, 2014 21:10:50 GMT 9 Go for it Adam! Sounds like that book will enable parents to take it to the next level! I'm looking forward to hearing more! Good luck!

Tatyana L
Veteran Keeper

Posts: 342

Country (residing now): United States
Country (originally from): Russia
Children, Ages: Girl1 - 12, Girl2 - 9
Majority Language: English
Minority Language(s): Russian, Spanish

I'm writing a book about raising bilingual children Sept 18, 2014 2:10:16 GMT 9

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Post by Tatyana L on Sept 18, 2014 2:10:16 GMT 9

I'm sad that you're taking a break from blogging, but very excited for you and your new project. I love the crazy and innovative ideas you have for engaging your children in English. Who else would suggest that you blame your children for things they never did as a language activity?

Adam Beck
Head Keeper

Author of "Maximize Your Child's Bilingual Ability" and "Bilingual Success Stories Around the World"

Posts: 2,176
Country (residing now): Japan
Country (originally from): USA
Children, Ages: Girl, 19 and Boy, 16
Majority Language: Japanese
Minority Language(s): English, Spanish

I'm writing a book about raising bilingual children Sept 18, 2014 8:23:00 GMT 9

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Post by Adam Beck on Sept 18, 2014 8:23:00 GMT 9

Thanks, Una and Tatyana! I appreciate the moral support!

Tatyana, I must tell you that this week I've been trying another nutty idea that has been a hit with my kids--it's both very playful and very effective in motivating them to use the minority language. Now it isn't for everyone, but basically (I'll describe it at the blog in more detail one day), parent and child take turns "insulting" the other using this sort of structure...

Your (noun) is so (adjective) that (insert insult).

A couple of concrete examples would be...

Your mouth is so big that a bear crawled in there to hibernate.

Your heart is so cold that it snows everywhere you go.

With the right kids, and a playful spirit, it can be more fun than "insulting." (The "insults" are so obviously "over the top" that you can't really take them seriously.)

And not only does it stretch language ability, it promotes creative thinking. My son and I (as in How I Get My Bilingual Son to Talk His Head Off in the Minority Language) have some particularly lively duels as we try to top one another with our wild exaggerations.

Mayken Star Keeper Cool in two languages! Posts: 1,286 Country (residing now): France Country (originally from): Germany Children, Ages: Girl, 14 Majority Language: French Minority Language(s): German (and learning English)	I'm writing a book about raising bilingual children Sept 19, 2014 5:17:43 GMT 9 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Post by Mayken on Sept 19, 2014 5:17:43 GMT 9 How do you come up with those ideas, Adam? Don't forget to put that one on the blog when you get back to blogging.
	My guest post at Bilingual Monkeys on traveling to our minority language country

Adam Beck
Head Keeper

Author of "Maximize Your Child's Bilingual Ability" and "Bilingual Success Stories Around the World"

Posts: 2,176
Country (residing now): Japan
Country (originally from): USA
Children, Ages: Girl, 19 and Boy, 16
Majority Language: Japanese
Minority Language(s): English, Spanish

I'm writing a book about raising bilingual children Sept 24, 2014 11:19:52 GMT 9

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Post by Adam Beck on Sept 24, 2014 11:19:52 GMT 9

Sept 19, 2014 5:17:43 GMT 9 Mayken said:

How do you come up with those ideas, Adam?

The truth is, dear Mayken, that I'm slightly insane. When I was younger, this streak of insanity regularly got me into trouble but, over the years, I've somehow learned to channel it toward more constructive ends.

My wife is worried that our children will turn out like me, but I figure they'll be fine as long as I can help keep them level-headed, too. (That's something I'm still working on myself!

)

Dani Senior Keeper Love my bilingual kids! Posts: 157 Country (residing now): USA Country (originally from): Peru Children, Ages: Boy, 4 years old and a girl, 2 years old. Majority Language: English Minority Language(s): Spanish	I'm writing a book about raising bilingual children Sept 27, 2014 14:08:00 GMT 9 via mobile Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Post by Dani on Sept 27, 2014 14:08:00 GMT 9 I will buy your book too, Adam. You are such a talented person with so many creative ideas about raising kids bilingual, that no doubt your book will become very popular.

Adam Beck
Head Keeper

Author of "Maximize Your Child's Bilingual Ability" and "Bilingual Success Stories Around the World"

Posts: 2,176
Country (residing now): Japan
Country (originally from): USA
Children, Ages: Girl, 19 and Boy, 16
Majority Language: Japanese
Minority Language(s): English, Spanish

I'm writing a book about raising bilingual children Oct 3, 2015 7:12:05 GMT 9

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Post by Adam Beck on Oct 3, 2015 7:12:05 GMT 9

Wow, this thread is already over a year old.

Well, at long last, I'm nearing the finish line for my book, Maximize Your Child's Bilingual Ability. For more information--and the chance to read a "preview copy" (for free)--see this post at Bilingual Monkeys...

Last Chance to Be One of the First to Read My New Book About Raising Bilingual Kids

Thanks for your interest and your support!

Adam Beck
Head Keeper

Author of "Maximize Your Child's Bilingual Ability" and "Bilingual Success Stories Around the World"

Posts: 2,176
Country (residing now): Japan
Country (originally from): USA
Children, Ages: Girl, 19 and Boy, 16
Majority Language: Japanese
Minority Language(s): English, Spanish

I'm writing a book about raising bilingual children Jan 23, 2016 5:54:20 GMT 9

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Post by Adam Beck on Jan 23, 2016 5:54:20 GMT 9

HAPPY UPDATE: It took over 3 years, but I finally finished my book about raising bilingual children! [Insert thrilled but thoroughly exhausted emoticon here]

While the first published edition (in both print and digital versions) won't be available until the spring (April-May 2016), I'm offering early access to the final manuscript if you'd like to read it before then. At the same time (if you like), you can order a copy of the printed book for delivery in the spring--and my kids and I can even sign it for you!

Learn more at this link...

Maximize Your Child's Bilingual Ability

The writing side of this project (the "easier" part will be putting together the actual book) was a big challenge, and it really tested my perseverance. But I just kept plodding forward, day by day, and rewarding progress was made over time. In that respect, writing the book was very much like the bilingual journey with our kids! [Insert weary but fulfilled emoticon here]

Adam Beck
Head Keeper

Author of "Maximize Your Child's Bilingual Ability" and "Bilingual Success Stories Around the World"

Posts: 2,176
Country (residing now): Japan
Country (originally from): USA
Children, Ages: Girl, 19 and Boy, 16
Majority Language: Japanese
Minority Language(s): English, Spanish

I'm writing a book about raising bilingual children Apr 26, 2016 8:47:47 GMT 9

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Post by Adam Beck on Apr 26, 2016 8:47:47 GMT 9

FINAL (EXHAUSTED) UPDATE: After three long years of work, my book about bilingual children is now available worldwide!

Maximize Your Child's Bilingual Ability is available in paperback and as an e-book at Amazon.com. The paperback can be delivered anywhere in the world from the U.S. The paperback and e-book can also be obtained from many of Amazon's global sites. (The Kindle e-book can be read on any tablet, smartphone, or computer, too, by using the free Kindle reading apps.)

This is the Amazon page.

This is the book page at Bilingual Monkeys, with full details (and video, too!).

Friends, please enjoy my book! (The paperback makes a great gift, too!) And if you read it (I hope you will!), would you please share your impressions by posting a review at Amazon.com, the global Amazon sites, Goodreads, and other places online? Reviews are very important and I'd be really grateful for your support and feedback.

At the same time, could you help me spread the word with others, near and far? Here are some suggestions...

1. Use my PDF book announcement for easy sharing online...
Get my PDF book announcement.

2. Share the link to my book page at Amazon.com...
www.amazon.com/Maximize-Your-Childs-Bilingual-Ability/dp/4908629013/

3. Share the link to my author page at Amazon.com...
www.amazon.com/Adam-Beck/e/B01EKPRIE6/

4. Share the link to the book page at my blog...
bilingualmonkeys.com/maximize-your-childs-bilingual-ability-book/

5. If you run a blog, website, or online group, please consider posting something about my book. For review copies, and other inquiries for interviews, guest posts, or presentations, please email me directly: adam[at]bilingualmonkeys.com

Whatever you can do to help, I'd be thankful to you. This book is the culmination of the past 20 years of my life, so this is really a huge thing for me and I need a helping hand now! (And some sleep!)

Thanks so much, everyone! The warm support of this community has been an incredible blessing for this book project!

Serina P Junior Keeper Posts: 73 Country (residing now): France Country (originally from): Singapore Children, Ages: Boy, 18. Girl, 11 Majority Language: French Minority Language(s): English, Mandarin, Spanish	I'm writing a book about raising bilingual children Apr 28, 2016 1:36:58 GMT 9 via mobile Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Post by Serina P on Apr 28, 2016 1:36:58 GMT 9 Yippee! Congratulations! And sleep well! Xoxoxo

Adam Beck Head Keeper Author of "Maximize Your Child's Bilingual Ability" and "Bilingual Success Stories Around the World" Posts: 2,176 Country (residing now): Japan Country (originally from): USA Children, Ages: Girl, 19 and Boy, 16 Majority Language: Japanese Minority Language(s): English, Spanish	I'm writing a book about raising bilingual children Apr 29, 2016 5:58:55 GMT 9 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Post by Adam Beck on Apr 29, 2016 5:58:55 GMT 9 Thank you, Serina! (Zzzzz...)
	Bilingual SuperKids: Supercharge the success and joy of your family's bilingual or multilingual journey with powerful private coaching from Adam Beck, author of "Maximize Your Child's Bilingual Ability" and "Bilingual Success Stories Around the World" bilingualsuperkids.com

Ryoko Junior Keeper Posts: 18 Country (residing now): Japan (Kansai area) Country (originally from): Japan Children, Ages: Boy, 3 Girl, 0 Majority Language: Japanese Minority Language(s): English	I'm writing a book about raising bilingual children May 6, 2016 10:34:34 GMT 9 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Post by Ryoko on May 6, 2016 10:34:34 GMT 9 Hi! I definitely want to buy the book! Can I buy the paper back version through Amazon.co.jp? I saw only kindle one.

Adam Beck
Head Keeper

Author of "Maximize Your Child's Bilingual Ability" and "Bilingual Success Stories Around the World"

Posts: 2,176
Country (residing now): Japan
Country (originally from): USA
Children, Ages: Girl, 19 and Boy, 16
Majority Language: Japanese
Minority Language(s): English, Spanish

I'm writing a book about raising bilingual children May 6, 2016 14:31:09 GMT 9

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Post by Adam Beck on May 6, 2016 14:31:09 GMT 9

Ryoko, thanks! Currently, the paperback can only be ordered through Amazon.com, while the Kindle book (e-book) is available at all Amazon sites worldwide. Here's the link for the paperback. (I know it's my book, but the paperback turned out really nice! Honest!)

International shipping to Japan costs about 800 yen and the book should reach you in about 10 days. I hope you enjoy it! And I look forward to your impressions!

Adam Beck
Head Keeper

Author of "Maximize Your Child's Bilingual Ability" and "Bilingual Success Stories Around the World"

Posts: 2,176
Country (residing now): Japan
Country (originally from): USA
Children, Ages: Girl, 19 and Boy, 16
Majority Language: Japanese
Minority Language(s): English, Spanish

I'm writing a book about raising bilingual children May 8, 2016 7:45:21 GMT 9

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Post by Adam Beck on May 8, 2016 7:45:21 GMT 9

BREAKING NEWS: Maximize Your Child's Bilingual Ability is now also available in paperback at Amazon sites in Europe and Canada.

The book can be obtained as a paperback or e-book at Amazon.com, Amazon UK, Amazon Spain, Amazon France, Amazon Germany, Amazon Italy, and Amazon Canada.

The e-book edition (and possibly the paperback, too, if in stock) is available at Amazon Japan, Amazon The Netherlands, Amazon Australia, Amazon Brazil, Amazon Mexico, and Amazon India.

Many thanks for your support! Happy reading!

Jana Junior Keeper Posts: 94 Country (residing now): USA Country (originally from): USA Children, Ages: Three girls, ages 8, 6, and 4 Majority Language: English Minority Language(s): French	I'm writing a book about raising bilingual children May 10, 2016 10:42:33 GMT 9 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Post by Jana on May 10, 2016 10:42:33 GMT 9 Congrats Adam! I noticed there are 2 used copies on Amazon already... I find that surprising since it just came out!

Adam Beck
Head Keeper

Author of "Maximize Your Child's Bilingual Ability" and "Bilingual Success Stories Around the World"

Posts: 2,176
Country (residing now): Japan
Country (originally from): USA
Children, Ages: Girl, 19 and Boy, 16
Majority Language: Japanese
Minority Language(s): English, Spanish

I'm writing a book about raising bilingual children May 10, 2016 13:33:50 GMT 9

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Post by Adam Beck on May 10, 2016 13:33:50 GMT 9

May 10, 2016 10:42:33 GMT 9 Jana said:

Congrats Adam! I noticed there are 2 used copies on Amazon already... I find that surprising since it just came out!

Jana, thanks!

And those "used copies" surprised me, too...but I don't think that's really the case because third-party booksellers jump in quickly to offer "Like New" copies that are, in fact, new. In other words, in these situations, the booksellers are simply marking up new books in order to create another offering for their storefront.

When the "used copies" are no longer "Like New" (instead, "Good" or "Fair"), and the price is lower, I think it's safe to say that those will truly be "used copies"!

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