...appropriate for adults who work with teens, affording them some insight into young adult lives. The book's aim is to help teens 'figure out who you are.' Chapters cover such broad topics as 'Who You Hang Out With,' 'You Body,' 'The Things You Do,' and 'The Influences Around You.' The authors do not talk down to teens, but they lay out facts plainly and fairly. A section about alcohol explains why some people drink (cultural tradition) and what some of the detrimental affects of drinking are ('people who drink don't just do stupid things, sometimes they do dangerous things'). The authors also try to show a teen's viewpoint, such as pointing out positive peer pressure ('you probably already knew your friends can be good for you')... VOYA ...useful information for research topics... -- Sherry Thompson, Flower Mound High School This guide for teenagers provides tools for exploring their developing identities. Some of the aspects of identity covered include family, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, friends, school interests, work, and aspirations. A number of health- and body-related issues are also discussed, including tattoos, plastic surgery, eating disorders, physical disabilities, and steroids. Gowen teaches community health at Portland State U., and McKenna is a psychologist in private practice. Reference and Research Book News
