Changing Bodies, Changing Lives

August 1, 1998
Written by members of the Teen Book Project and inspired by the classic Our Bodies, Ourselves, this third edition of a book first published in 1981 provides information about health and sexuality for teenagers. Presented here is the latest information on the physical and emotional aspects of puberty, sexuality, healthcare, sexually transmitted diseases, safer sex and birth control, living with violence, mental health, and eating disorders. Artwork by and quotations from teenagers about their experiences in these areas bring the content to life and set the book apart from more standard works such as Richard Walker's The Family Guide to Sex and Relationships (LJ 2/15/97). Each chapter has a list of associations and print and nonprint resources. An excellent, extremely useful source for young adults and educators; highly recommended for all collections.--Barbara M. Bibel, Oakland P.L., CA

November 1, 1998
Gr. 9^-12. Although there's evidence of updating, reorganization, and rewriting in this revision of the 1987 edition, much of this comprehensive landmark book on sex, physical and emotional health, and personal relationships remains the same--including many of the original quotes, most of which seem to have worn surprisingly well. The relaxed yet authoritative tone has been preserved, as has the level of detail, which is still very explicit. The authors have included more about eating disorders and AIDS; the section on drugs has been expanded, as have the lists of recommended readings; and a new chapter on violence combines discussion of gang violence and sexual harassment with material on rape (which also appeared in the earlier book). There are also a few new illustrations. Why the authors changed the names of some of the teens who are quoted (in one instance Elaine becomes Ellie) is a mystery, but that certainly won't bother today's readers, who will find emotional support as well as specific answers to most of their questions in this nonjudgmental resource that proceeds from the assumption that thoroughly informed teens can make better personal choices. ((Reviewed November 1, 1998))(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 1998, American Library Association.)