“…wise and grounded counsel for anyone raising teens.”

“This is a remarkable gift to parents.”

“This is a book you’ll return to again and again.“

When three out of four parents worry that their teen will struggle with mental health challenges, we need everyday strategies to move from darkness into light. Just as the Renaissance produced innovation, we require a new kind of enlightenment, a “humanaissance.” In an age of AI explosion, what if our world demands of this generation the ability to recognize, develop, and hone their human competencies as the exceptional assets they are? What if the calibration of their moral compass, heart, and spirit was our focus to prepare them with the confidence to emerge as thriving adults?

In Humanaissance: Igniting Courage in Our Teens and Ourselves, Jennifer S. Miller uses the science of adolescent development, the heart of storytelling, and the practices of mindfulness to infuse this often anxiety-ridden time of life with agency, purpose, and well-being. You will:

• Understand how best to support healthy teen development.
• Learn practical ways to build skills like self-awareness, impulse control, responsible decision-making, and relationship skills.
• Identify the kinds of courage that support the pivot from fear-based surviving to generative thriving.
• Recalibrate your teen’s relationship with technology not as a source of division and addiction but as a creative tool and life-giving village.
• Cultivate eight vital courage habits in yourself and with your teen as transformative catalysts.

We cannot wait for a time of greater stability to set our teens on a trajectory to success. Now is the moment to discover our own courage and cultivate it in our teens to not only thrive but lead the way to a better world.

Pre-Order Here!

Pre-Order Here!

…and wherever books are sold. Launching at the Indie Bookstore, Obodo Serendipity Books in Stratford, CT!

“Jennifer Miller has written the book that parents of teens need in this very moment of humanity. Humanaissance names what so many of us feel, but struggle to put into words. Our teens are growing up in a world reshaped by AI, and we may feel at a loss with how to deal with the fast-changing world. Jennifer’s book helps us remember that our teens’ real advantage is everything that makes each of them human. What I loved is that each chapter is grounded in adolescent brain science. It then turns that research into habits that any family can practice. The eight courage habits show us the clear language we need for the hard conversations. What moved me most is her honesty about raising teens while caring for aging parents, something many of us are facing now. This book leans in with warmth, evidence, and lots of hope. A must-read for every parent from a long-time expert in the field!” 
—Helen Maffini, PhD, International Educator, Author and Founder of MindBE Education 

“Humanaissance has a lot of heart. It’s an engaging, encouraging blend of practical advice, research, and storytelling. Miller’s openness about her own parenting experiences adds warmth and authenticity. The guidance feels both credible and deeply relatable. It’s the kind of book that invites reflection while offering ideas you can immediately put into practice.  
—Richard Weissbourd, PhD, Senior Lecturer, Harvard Graduate School of Education and Director of Making Care Common 

“Many parenting books either hand you a script or forget that you’re changing too, not only your teen. Jennifer Miller does neither. She takes your life transitions as seriously as your child’s and turns courage into habits you can build in yourself and your teen at the same time. If you have ever felt scared or worried parenting a teenager, this book is for you.”  
—Lorea Martínez, PhD, Award-winning Founder and Author of Living with the HEART in Mind and Teaching with the HEART in Mind 

“Wise and grounded counsel for anyone raising teens. Uniquely, this book addresses the development of both child and parent, integrating the inner and outer dimensions of that growth throughout. The practical guidance offered rests on a rich well of research and inspiration: classic theories in psychology, psychiatry, sociology, and philosophy, as well as poetry and literature form the foundation for the principles and (eminently actionable) practices shared. I’m especially moved by the emphasis on ‘heart courage’, the practice of listening to that quieter voice within, as well as Miller’s dedication to helping teens discover—and parents re-discover—who they are and the unique contribution they have to offer the world. The introduction of collective thinking and action is a distinct and vital innovation in the world of parenting literature.” 
—Eva Pomeroy, PhD, Senior Faculty, Presencing Institute, Massachusetts Institute of Technology 

“Jennifer is a wise soul. In Humanaissance, she combines stories, art, research, empathy, self-awareness, and decades of experience to help parents like us navigate the hardest parts of raising young humans. When you feel like you’ve lost your way, read this book.” 
—Cecilia and Jason Hilkey, Founders of Happily Family, Authors of the #1 International Bestseller, Raising Teens Who Talk to You 

“Every chapter in this book communicates life-enhancing insights for parents with regard to their children and themselves. Overall, you will learn to embrace the courage needed by yourselves and your teens to face and master the challenges of life today with resilient determination and compassion.” 
 —Maurice J. Elias, PhD, Professor of Psychology, Rutgers University, Co-author of The Joys and Oys of Parenting and Emotionally Intelligent Parenting 

“Rarely does a parenting book offer both an inspiring vision and such practical guidance. This thoughtful and timely work invites parents to unlock the untapped gifts in their children—and in themselves—while cultivating the courage, wisdom, and resilience needed to flourish in today’s world. Blending profound insights, practical strategies, and meaningful reflection questions, Miller offers a deeply hopeful roadmap for helping young people thrive, strengthening families, and creating lives of greater joy, purpose, and possibility. This is a book you’ll return to again and again.”   
—Ari Gerzon-Kessler, Author of On the Same Team: Bringing Educators and Underrepresented Families Together, gold medal winner for Best Education Book of 2024

“As a parent whose son will soon be entering the teenage years, I feel profoundly grateful to have discovered this book now. Jennifer Miller has become a wise guide on my parenting journey, the kind of elder sister every parent hopes to have walk alongside them. Reading these pages, I felt deeply seen. Her reflections on parenting teens while navigating midlife are honest, relatable, and deeply human. I finished this book wanting to buy a copy for every parent I know—those actively parenting teens and folks like me with younger children who secretly fear the teen years.  It is wise, beautifully written, deeply practical, and the companion I will carry with me into my son’s teenage years. This is a remarkable gift to parents, to our children, and ultimately to the world. I now believe with my whole heart Courageous Parenting is how we truly transform the world!” 
—Meena Srinivasan, Parent, Buddhist teacher, Author of SEL Every Day and Teach, Breathe, Learn, Founding Executive Director of Transformative Educational Leadership (TEL), Co-founder and Board Emeritus, Thich Nhat Hanh School of Interbeing 

“In this world built on algorithms, it takes courage to put down the phone and look up, especially as a teen. Taking a break from technology helps us make actual human connection. This is not an easy thing to do, for the teen or the parent, but is desperately needed to give humanity a boost. This book helps teens to understand that taking a tech break is essential for mental health and helps parents understand that modeling the behavior you want from your teen is a must. Jennifer Miller was a mentor to me on my mindfulness journey and is an author that can help you learn to connect with courage.”  
 —Adam Avin, Sports Anchor, WMAZ-TV and Author of Mindfulness for Teenagers 

* Special thanks to all of the earlier reviewers who offered endorsements including: Rick Weissbourd, Meena Srinivasan, Adam Avin, Helen Maffini, Eva Pomeroy, Cecilia and Jason Hilkey, Lorea Martinez, Ari Gerzon-Kessler, and Maurice Elias.

*Special thanks to today’s cover reveal team including Nikkya Hargrove, Shannon Wanless, Jason Miller, Mike Wilson, Jenny Woo, Pamela McVeagh-Lally, Emlah Tubuo, Al Ramirez, Bridget Ramirez, Mike Todasco, Amelia Menk Brown, Tina Wainscott, Annie Schien, Annmarie MacMahill, Megan Bacher, and Kim Hein.

• Publisher: Health Communications Inc, Simon and Schuster (October 20, 2026)
• Length: 320 pages
• ISBN13: 9780757325595