It Happened to Me – serie

Exclusively written for teenagers and young adults dealing with a wide variety of learning disabilities-including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), dyscalculia, and dyslexia-this accessible resource offers the tools for taking a proactive role in identifying, understanding and overcoming the obstacles facing teens with learning disabilities. Learning Disabilities provides a clear and informative overview of the most common disabilities. Appealing to teenagers with its easy-to-read format and positive tips for success, the book also teaches students how to advocate for themselves, informing them of their rights under law both during the school years and after high school graduation. Assistive technology that can help students improve their learning abilities such as Optical Character Recognition (OCR) systems, screen reading software, books on tape, electronic notebooks, and other tools that aid student learning are covered. The most recent research on brain structure and function, and the role they play in learning disabilities is presented, as well as a step-by-step guide to test reports, so that teens can understand how their disabilities are diagnosed. Gathering information from students, high school guidance counselors, and from medical and other professionals, authors Paquette and Tuttle also show teens they are not alone in their struggles, profiling famous people that also have learning disabilities.

Asthma is growing at an alarming rate with a 75 percent increase between 1980 and 1993. Today, 17 million Americans have been diagnosed with this potentially deadly disease. Many of them are teenagers. This easy-to-read handbook helps teens understand asthma and provides them with the history, medical treatment options, and cutting edge research about asthma that will allow them to take a proactive role in the management of their illness.Teens will not only find the factual information they are looking for, but will also enjoy reading loads of interviews with other teenagers who have asthma and find out how they feel about taking medication, what it feels like to have an asthma attack, and how they deal with inquiries from their friends.

Many teenagers feel beleaguered in a world where they face increasingly high expectations but greater uncertainties at home, at school, and in the world at large. From fear-inducing infomercials about AIDS and the hazards of smoking, drugs, and drinking, to the War on Terrorism and the threat of biological warfare or worse, today's teens are dealing with adult issues and problems previous generations were not. With little power to control or affect outcomes, it's no wonder that stress and stress-related problems have become widespread among today's young people.Mark Powell has written Stress Relief specifically to make eliminating stress an art form. Written in a style that appeals to a teen audience, this accessible volume is not about managing stress, but rather about preventing and avoiding it and eliminating the feelings it causes. This is a clear, grounded, and masterly guide, playful and energetic in its voice, yet, at the same time, challenging and inspiring. This book is packed with insightful thoughts, ideas, and techniques like breathing exercises, meditation, affirmation and creative visualization, and tips on herbs and bodywork. It empowers teens by giving them control over their lives.

The United States is perhaps the most culturally diverse nation in the world, and has frequently been called a "melting pot," "tossed salad," or "multicultural society" to reflect that diversity. However, since it's founding, the country has experienced conflicts—many of them violent—due to intolerance of values and views different from those of the majority. Cultural Diversity is a teen guide showing how cultural differences may be at the root of conflicts that crop up daily in high schools, on the job, in the courts, and even within families. In some cases these conflicts are the result of extreme racism, religious bigotry, or outright hatred for a particular group of people. This young adult resource is volume six in a new series entitled It Happened to Me, featuring teen voices. Topics such as prejudice, religious bigotry, racism, gender bias, sexual orientation, scapegoating, and stereotyping are presented with stories about young people who have faced problems and with forthright views from young people who have worked to foster respect for diversity. Along with anecdotes are historical perspectives.Each chapter begins with a quote, usually from a teenager whose words reflect the focus of the chapter. Numerous sidebars provide factual information about the causes of cultural conflicts, how stereotypes are perpetuated, the kinds of discrimination that various groups have suffered, and how hate groups operate. Scattered throughout the book are features that present conflict situations and ask readers: "What do you think?" In addition, readers are challenged to check out factual statements, to read other books that focus on cultural diversity issues, and to take action to instill respect for cultures different from the American mainstream.

This practical guide for teens with diabetes talks about issues specific to teens ages 16 to 19. It includes multiple no-nonsense tips that demonstrate how life with diabetes can be lived to the fullest. By identifying strategies to help manage high and low blood glucose and giving you ideas on how to get through the everyday drudge without giving up on your diabetes management, author Katherine Moran provides an essential source that is filled with informative and engaging photographs and illustrations, historical tidbits, and an index. Chapters cover using a meal plan and counting carbohydrates; understanding insulin therapy and oral medications; using physical activity to control glucose levels; dealing with other illnesses and preventing complications; being a safe and responsible driver; maintaining good health when traveling; overcoming peer pressure; and creating effective coping strategies for managing and living with diabetes. With the help of this book, teens will learn more about just what diabetes is, the treatment, how to handle the negative feelings it spans, and how to stay healthy and maintain an active life.Written in teen speak, Diabetes: The Ultimate Teen Guide, is a practical, hands-on guide that addresses the social and health issues specific to diabetic teens ages 16 to 19. Intended to empower teens to take control over the diabetes through effective disease management, they learn how to stay healthy and live life to the fullest-even with diabetes-through this no-nonsense guidance. Chapters cover using a meal plan and counting carbohydrates; understanding insulin therapy and oral medications; using physical activity to control glucose levels; dealing with other illnesses and preventing complications; being a safe and responsible driver; maintaining good health when traveling; overcoming peer pressure; and creating effective coping strategies for managing and living with diabetes. Filled with informative and engaging photographs and illustrations, historical tidbits, and a

Cystic Fibrosis: The Ultimate Teen Guide leaves no aspect of this disease untold. Based on a series of interviews with young people with CF and their family members, the day-to-day dealings of life as a cystic fibrosis patient are described. Some of the topics covered include a description of the illness; a comprehensive discussion of who gets the disease and why; an explanation of the procedures involved in diagnosing CF; coverage of the arduous daily therapies involved in maintaining the life of a person with CF; and the challenges of dealing with CF-related diabetes. These teens' stories reflect how they live their lives to the fullest, how they are not bitter about their situations, and how they look forward to new medications, more-effective therapies, and—one day soon—a cure. Also included are stories told by people, now in their 30s and 40s, having CF who are still alive and coping well with the disease, demonstrating that progress is being made and that they can hope to live beyond their teen years, something that wasn't likely 20 years ago. This book is the ideal guide for any reader who wants positive medical information about CF, offering an extensive glossary and listings of books, websites, and organizations about Cystic Fibrosis.

While not a substitute for professional medical advice, this book is a source of information about common medical conditions that teens often face. The medications that are commonly prescribed for that condition are listed along with a description of how the medication works in the body, the brand name and generic or chemical ingredients for the medication, and the common side effects and possible interactions with food and other drugs. Additionally, strategies for coping with the stigma associated with taking medications for chronic conditions are included. The goal of this book is to inform the teen about the medications, enabling the teen to be an active participant in his or her treatment with medications. For example, a suggested list of questions to ask the doctor or pharmacist is provided. Questions such as "What food, drinks, or other medications should I avoid while taking this medication?" "What do I do if I miss a dose?" "What are the possible side effects, and which side effects should I report and which should I ignore?" "How long before I see positive effects and know that the medication is working?" By thinking about his or her lifestyle, the teen will be alert to anything that could affect the medication and symptoms that signal side effects or possible other problems with the medication. Being well informed and playing an active role in the decision-making process can help teens to feel more in control of their medical conditions. Medication issues such as dealing with several different doctors or specialists, taking several different medications, why not to order medications from another country or from the web, taking medications when pregnant or nursing, donating blood while taking certain medications, driving, and traveling and taking medications are addressed. This useful reference concludes with an example medication diary, encouraging teens to monitor their medications and any side effects; a glossary; a drug list, arranged alphabetically and listing the generic, brand name, type,

Psychologists and educators believe that the primary task of adolescence is forming one's identity. Even if teens don't know the whole answer to the question of who they are, perhaps they will have a better understanding of all the things that might make up that answer and feel more comfortable becoming who they will be with the information and guidance this book offers. The authors describe a huge range of aspects many people think of as key to their identity: the role of family, culture and ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, body modifications (tattoos, piercings, brandings, plastic surgery), steroids and supplements, eating disorders, chronic illness, and physical disabilities, clubs, cliques, and friends, school, work, hobbies, beliefs, aspirations, and experiences. With the help of this book, teens will come that much closer to achieving self-actualization.

When Will I Stop Hurting?: Teens, Loss, and Grief is a self-help guide for teenagers who are struggling with bereavement and the emotional difficulties it presents. This book provides an overview of grief as a painful but normal process, and it offers insights from bereavement experts as well as practical suggestions for coping with loss, including accounts from teens. This book closes a gap in the available literature on grief and bereavement that has tended to focus on adults and younger children. It provides a warm, accessible resource that will reassure teen readers about the normality of grief, encourage their understanding of what happens during the grief process, and provides resources to help teens cope with their experiences of loss. The author accomplishes these goals by explaining the psychology of grief, by providing psychologists' comments and advice on dealing with bereavement, and by offering teens' insights into their own experiences.Teens who are coping with loss and grief, as well as parents and other relatives, teachers, psychologists, and other adults who are concerned with teens' well being will find this book to be a valuable resource.

This is a one-of-a-kind book that addresses the issue of what it's like to be involved with an organ transplant procedure. It's filled with real-life stories of teens whose parents, siblings, or other family members are transplant recipients as well as teens who have had transplants themselves and includes stories of recipients who have received heart, liver, kidney, pancreas, and double-lung transplants.This book describes the physical and emotional ups and downs that are part of the transplant process. It addresses, from both the recipient's and family's point of view, what it feels like to be placed on the transplant list, to wait for an organ, to receive "false alarm" calls to come to the transplant center, to finally undergo the transplant operation, to recover, to deal with setbacks of surgery and organ rejection, and to live on anti-rejection drugs the rest of one's life. Also detailed are the medical, financial, mental, and other preparations that must be undertaken as part of the transplant process. Guidance on what to expect, how to help, where to seek assistance, and how to support the patient is also given. Answers to the tough practical and emotional questions that teens have about an organ transplant, such as will my parent survive the surgery, how long will it take for my parent to recover, and why is this happening to me are discussed? Numerous question-and-answer sections of frequently asked questions about organ transplants and the myths that surround them are included, as well as contact information for organizations that provide many forms of assistance for recipients and their families.Through all the serious issues, however, this book offers much hope and promise for recipients and their families through the stories of those whose lives have been greatly improved through an organ transplant. This is the ideal resource for all readers who are interested in the subject of organ donation and transplant, including those who are facing a transplant and their family members as well a

The 13th addition to the critically acclaimed It Happened to Me series is designed to help young adults explore career options and find jobs by providing specific details about apprenticeship programs in their desired field. There are more than 800 apprenticeable jobs in the United States (e.g. painters, paper hangers, wall finishers, glaziers, sign and display workers, plumbers, gasfitters, welders, roofers, bricklayers, carpenters, cooks, stage technicians, health care workers, and military opportunities). Written for teenagers who are not interested in going directly to college, this book covers opportunities that are currently active in the United States, and provides an overview of the work involved in each job category, the job outlook, salary, and expected growth in that area through 2012. Each section concludes with an extensive resource list of contact names, addresses, and websites of places to go to find out more information about the job of interest.Chapters also include interviews with young people who are currently working in apprenticeship programs. Teens will learn how this young person found the apprenticeship, how he or she enjoys the work, and how the classroom portion of the apprenticeship is handled.For young people who are interested in learning on the job, for those who are looking for an alternative to the traditional four-year college degree, who can't afford college, who want to be trained in a specific trade and enjoy learning in a hands-on environment, or who want to "earn while they learn," this book provides a solid basis to explore and research potential careers and to make informed decisions about whether an apprenticeship is the right career move.

It is difficult enough for teens growing up today to deal with the regular issues arising from family, school, and relationships, regardless of whether they have physical disabilities or not. Add to those problems the extra obstacles that visual, hearing, and physical impairments present some teens, and the road to adulthood just got exponentially more complex.Physical Disabilities: The Ultimate Teen Guide provides a roadmap through these additional tribulations teens with disabilities face by showing the methods, mechanisms, and resources other teens are using to cope with their disabilities. Discussing everything from going away to college to living independently to traveling internationally, this book is filled with stories from active teens who have vision, hearing, and other physical disabilities.Interviews with teens who are meeting the challenges of living with cerebral palsy, spina bifida, Osteosarcoma, amputations, visual impairment, Rellex Sympathetic Dystrophy, paralysis, hearing impairment, and deafness are included along with more than 40 photos of these teens participating in various activities. Author Denise Thornton has organized the book into eight categories: School, Tools and Technology, Transportation and Access, Sports, the Arts, Relationships, Independence, and Advocacy. Each chapter combines the experiences of teens and young adults in all these spheres with up-to-date information on the resources that readers can call on as they follow their own dreams. Teens, parents, teachers, and medical professionals will find this to be a valuable resource.

Teens don't often realize that their daydreams can be transformed into real accomplishments. If they take those dreams seriously, and turn thoughts into action, even some of the wildest notions can become reality. Reaching Your Goals: The Ultimate Teen Guide show readers how important setting goals can be to accomplishing whatever they want to.Through the use of "No Sweat Quizzes" and other unique methods, such as creative visualization and affirmations, Anne Courtright provides teens with the tools to help them achieve not only short-term goals but to realize their greatest potential. Filled with commentary from notable figures in sports, music, film, and business, this book also shows teens how to turn failures into positive stepping-stones to future success.Through examples, activities, and sample action plans, Reaching Your Goals: The Ultimate Teen Guide will help teens map their own paths to success, both in school and life.

Money: Getting It, Using It, and Avoiding the Traps: The Ultimate Teen Guide, is a concise, practical book for young adults that addresses the all-important issue of money. Author Robin Brancato provides answers to the toughest questions you'd ever ask about money, including: How much should parents and guardians subsidize you? Is it fair if money gifts from Grandma have strings attached? If you want a job, how do you get one, and how do you make sure the benefits outweigh the hassles? What kind of business could you start on your own? How can you negotiate finances gracefully within your family and on your job? Can you discipline yourself to put money away, and, if so, where? What does the fine print on the credit card contract say? What are the exact terms of the cell phone deal? And how do you deal with the friend who borrows and never pays back? These questions are not only answered by the author, but also by teen contributors who share their own personal stories. Additionally, full bibliographical source listings, which steer readers to courses, activities, organizations, and web sites, are included. The concluding pages—complete with self-evaluations—will help young adults gain financial confidence for now and for the years ahead.

Exclusively written for teenagers and young adults dealing with a wide variety of learning disabilities—including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), dyscalculia, and dyslexia—this accessible resource offers the tools for taking a proactive role in identifying, understanding and overcoming the obstacles facing teens with learning disabilities. Learning Disabilities provides a clear and informative overview of the most common disabilities. Appealing to teenagers with its easy-to-read format and positive tips for success, the book also teaches students how to advocate for themselves, informing them of their rights under law both during the school years and after high school graduation. Assistive technology that can help students improve their learning abilities such as Optical Character Recognition (OCR) systems, screen reading software, books on tape, electronic notebooks, and other tools that aid student learning are covered. The most recent research on brain structure and function, and the role they play in learning disabilities is presented, as well as a step-by-step guide to test reports, so that teens can understand how their disabilities are diagnosed. Gathering information from students, high school guidance counselors, and from medical and other professionals, authors Paquette and Tuttle also show teens they are not alone in their struggles, profiling famous people that also have learning disabilities.

Young people come to realize, sometimes painfully early, that it isn't always possible to depend on adults to make sure they are treated safely, fairly, and legally. When teens are faced with situations that are unfair, immoral, illegal, and unjust, they do not need to be victims. They can learn to speak up for themselves effectively to improve their own lives and the lives of others. The skill of self-advocacy rarely comes naturally for teens. Self-Advocacy: The Ultimate Teen Guide offers a set of skills for young people to sort through and acquire and encourages them to speak up about what is bothering them. The book gives them helpful tools they can adapt to deal with adults they must work with—and in some cases against—in order to come to a solution to their problem. Self-Advocacy provides information teens need to have to advocate for themselves. The introduction and first three chapters explain what self-advocacy is; identify when and why it might be necessary for teens to speak up for themselves; provide a step-by-step guide on how to self-advocate successfully; and offer specific, real-world advice about how to wisely use the power of the media to publicize their cause. Seven issue-specific chapters follow. Each topic is treated in a dignified, organized, and comprehensive way, providing information teens can use and resources they can draw upon. The issues and information in those chapters deal with the real world and don't shy away from the difficulties young people encounter every day, such as personal rights, school issues, learning disabilities, physical disability, sexuality, legal issues, and foster care. Each chapter includes the voices and experiences of teens who have encountered issues and decided to speak up for and get what they need. Teens who learn how to advocate for themselves and then act are not only taking steps to right whatever wrong they have been facing, they are also preparing themselves for a successful adult life.

Edgar Allen Poe, Langston Hughes, Louisa May Alcott, and Stephen King are just a handful of famous authors who began their publishing careers in their teens. Many young adults would like to write and publish but few know where to begin. While there are many books on how to write and how to get published, none are written specifically for teens. Writing and Publishing: The Ultimate Teen Guide fills this gap.In this book, author Tina Schwartz discusses many matters that are not often presented in guides to writing and publishing, such as the importance of mentors and critique groups, as well as courses and extracurricular activities that can be of great help to the up-and-coming teen author. The book explores various writing careers and the basics of publishing and marketing, including how to write query letters. Schwartz also provides tips on writing both fiction and nonfiction, as well as genres a new author can explore, like poetry and songwriting. With this resource, teens will find all the information they need to develop writing skills and build confidence as a writer.

Teens, Loss, and Grief is a self-help guide for teenagers who are struggling with bereavement and the emotional difficulties it presents. This book provides an overview of grief as a painful but normal process, offering insights from bereavement experts as well as practical suggestions for coping with loss, including accounts from teens. This book closes a gap in the available literature on grief and bereavement that has tended to focus on adults and younger children. It provides a warm, accessible resource that will reassure teen readers about the normality of grief, encourages their understanding of what happens during the grief process, and provides an indispensable resource guide.

Asthma is growing at an alarming rate with a 75 percent increase between 1980 and 1993. Today, 17 million Americans have been diagnosed with this potentially deadly disease. Many of them are teenagers. This easy-to-read handbook helps teens understand asthma and provides them with the history, medical treatment options, and cutting edge research about asthma that will allow them to take a proactive role in the management of their illness.Teens will not only find the factual information they are looking for, but will also enjoy reading loads of interviews with other teenagers who have asthma and find out how they feel about taking medication, what it feels like to have an asthma attack, and how they deal with inquiries from their friends.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder strikes one in fifty adults. However, the disorder often remains untreated in young adults, despite advances in diagnostics. Though so many people suffer from OCD, very few seek professional help. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: The Ultimate Teen Guide helps teens understand OCD in greater detail. The guide explains different forms of OCD (checking, cleaning, scrupulosity) and related disorders (such as Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder, Tourette's Syndrome, and Asperger's Disorder).Author Natalie Rompella voices many common concerns teens have when confronted with OCD, including how to deal with school, work, and friends. The book also discusses uncomfortable topics, such as obsessions with sexuality and other unwanted thoughts. The book features insights from teens who suffer from OCD, letting others know they are not alone. The book also encourages teens to seek help through treatment and provides details of different treatment options.

The Military and Teens covers the major issues young adults should consider before making a decision to join the armed forces. Although each branch of the military provides print and electronic materials on what it has to offer enlistees, very few YA books take a pro-and-con look at military service. Moreover, commercial military books mostly cover specific wars or give tips on surviving induction and training.From deciding to serve, to what it's like to face death, to being forced to kill, to discrimination in the military, and to life afterwards, this work presents the benefits and downsides of military service. Kathlyn Gay covers the many available choices of careers in the military and points out where to go for more information. Both primary and secondary sources have been used to provide information on young participants in the American Revolutionary War, War of 1812, Civil War, World Wars I & II, as well as the Korean, Vietnam, and Gulf wars. In the final pages of the book, the comprehensive list of available sources of information includes books, magazine articles, and websites for further research. Enhanced by young people sharing their personal experiences as enlistees and as members of military families, The Military and Teens is a useful resource for both teens and those who work with teens to advise them on career choices.

Many teenagers feel beleaguered in a world where they face increasingly high expectations but greater uncertainties at home, at school, and in the world at large. From fear-inducing infomercials about AIDS and the hazards of smoking, drugs, and drinking, to the War on Terrorism and the threat of biological warfare or worse, today's teens are dealing with adult issues and problems previous generations were not. With little power to control or affect outcomes, it's no wonder that stress and stress-related problems have become widespread among today's young people.Mark Powell has written Stress Relief specifically to make eliminating stress an art form. Written in a style that appeals to a teen audience, this accessible volume is not about managing stress, but rather about preventing and avoiding it and eliminating the feelings it causes. This is a clear, grounded, and masterly guide, playful and energetic in its voice, yet, at the same time, challenging and inspiring. This book is packed with insightful thoughts, ideas, and techniques like breathing exercises, meditation, affirmation and creative visualization, and tips on herbs and bodywork. It empowers teens by giving them control over their lives.

At least 50 million people worldwide have epilepsy, many of them teenagers. There are many different types of epilepsy, and each type has different behavioral effects and is treated with different methods. This book, written specifically for a teen audience, dispels the myths, misconceptions, and misunderstandings about epilepsy and people who have the disorder. It provides positive, factual medical information and advice for teens on living a normal life by understanding the symptoms; being alert to the signs and factors that precipitate seizures; and educating themselves about treatment methods, medications, and management strategies. Stories from teens who have epilepsy show readers they can participate in normal activities. They also offer advice on whether and how to tell friends, dates, teachers, or an employer about the condition. The book concludes with an extensive resource listing of publications, Web sites, and organizations, as well as an appendix that covers the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and how it applies to people who have epilepsy.

Body image is a pervasive preoccupation for almost all teens. Nearly every teen has dealt with issues of height, weight, skin, and other features. And many teens have undertaken diets, engaged in body building programs, or resorted to surgery to alter their appearances. In Body Image and Appearance: The Ultimate Teen Guide, author Kathlyn Gay addresses all of these concerns to provide teens with a healthy way to think about themselves.This book tackles such topics as the cultural standards of what a "perfect" body should look like, methods for changing appearances, and matters related to height, such as dwarfism and height discrimination. Throughout the book, Gay offers advice on how teens can learn to be comfortable with their bodies and move beyond unhealthy preoccupations with size and appearance.

Body image is a pervasive preoccupation for almost all teens. Nearly every teen has dealt with issues of height, weight, skin, and other features. And many teens have undertaken diets, engaged in body building programs, or resorted to surgery to alter their appearances. In Body Image and Appearance: The Ultimate Teen Guide, author Kathlyn Gay addresses all of these concerns to provide teens with a healthy way to think about themselves.This book tackles such topics as the cultural standards of what a "perfect" body should look like, methods for changing appearances, and matters related to height, such as dwarfism and height discrimination. Throughout the book, Gay offers advice on how teens can learn to be comfortable with their bodies and move beyond unhealthy preoccupations with size and appearance.

Teens live in an imperfect world where people judge each other on looks, popularity, bank accounts, or clothing styles-a world where people are not always treated fairly. But animals do not care about poor test scores or bad skin; they simply love unconditionally. Such devotion makes the human-animal bond so special.In Animals and Teens: The Ultimate Teen Guide, author Gail Green illustrates various situations in which young adults become involved with animals, including providing foster care, pursuing career opportunities, or simply raising pets at home. Green shows how animals can enhance teens'' lives and how teens can improve the welfare of animals that face abuse or live in shelters and wildlife preserves. Green discusses what is involved in the handling of service animals, such as dogs that provide physical assistance or horses that help with therapy. Animals and Teens also covers such basics as caring for animals and dealing with the loss of a pet.The voices in this book come from a large cross section of teens and young adults whose stories will resonate with anyone who loves animals. From helping with animal rescue to overcoming learning disabilities, these heartwarming experiences demonstrate how each of us can make a difference through the incredibly rewarding human-animal bond.

Young people come to realize, sometimes painfully early, that it isn''t always possible to depend on adults to make sure they are treated safely, fairly, and legally. When teens are faced with situations that are unfair, immoral, illegal, and unjust, they do not need to be victims. They can learn to speak up for themselves effectively to improve their own lives and the lives of others. The skill of self-advocacy rarely comes naturally for teens. Self-Advocacy: The Ultimate Teen Guide offers a set of skills for young people to sort through and acquire and encourages them to speak up about what is bothering them. The book gives them helpful tools they can adapt to deal with adults they must work with-and in some cases against-in order to come to a solution to their problem. Self-Advocacy provides information teens need to have to advocate for themselves. The introduction and first three chapters explain what self-advocacy is; identify when and why it might be necessary for teens to speak up for themselves; provide a step-by-step guide on how to self-advocate successfully; and offer specific, real-world advice about how to wisely use the power of the media to publicize their cause. Seven issue-specific chapters follow. Each topic is treated in a dignified, organized, and comprehensive way, providing information teens can use and resources they can draw upon. The issues and information in those chapters deal with the real world and don''t shy away from the difficulties young people encounter every day, such as personal rights, school issues, learning disabilities, physical disability, sexuality, legal issues, and foster care. Each chapter includes the voices and experiences of teens who have encountered issues and decided to speak up for and get what they need. Teens who learn how to advocate for themselves and then act are not only taking steps to right whatever wrong they have been facing, they are also preparing themselves for a successful adult life.

The Military and Teens covers the major issues young adults should consider before making a decision to join the armed forces. Although each branch of the military provides print and electronic materials on what it has to offer enlistees, very few YA books take a pro-and-con look at military service. Moreover, commercial military books mostly cover specific wars or give tips on surviving induction and training.From deciding to serve, to what it''s like to face death, to being forced to kill, to discrimination in the military, and to life afterwards, this work presents the benefits and downsides of military service. Kathlyn Gay covers the many available choices of careers in the military and points out where to go for more information. Both primary and secondary sources have been used to provide information on young participants in the American Revolutionary War, War of 1812, Civil War, World Wars I & II, as well as the Korean, Vietnam, and Gulf wars. In the final pages of the book, the comprehensive list of available sources of information includes books, magazine articles, and websites for further research. Enhanced by young people sharing their personal experiences as enlistees and as members of military families, The Military and Teens is a useful resource for both teens and those who work with teens to advise them on career choices.

A self-help guide for youth, Juvenile Arthritis: The Ultimate Teen Guide is also useful to family members, friends, and caregivers of those suffering from the disease. Author Kelly Rouba has prepared a truly comprehensive resource without making it overwhelming, in order to help those who have the disease lead the best life possible. As someone diagnosed with a severe form of juvenile arthritis at the age of two, Rouba is very familiar with how difficult—physically and emotionally—it can be to live with this chronic illness. Readers get an overview of juvenile arthritis from the point of view of teenagers and their parents, and the book also includes discussions related to diagnosis, symptoms of the disease, its history, and various related conditions. Treatment options are also provided, as well as tips on how to adapt to life with the disease including exercise, diet and therapy. A list of applicable Web sites and other helpful resources is included at the end of most chapters.