(4) YA Got Issues? series. Supported by real-life anecdotes, these updated books discuss why these behaviors happen and how each can affect emotional and physical health. The volumes will be more useful for classroom reports and term papers than as self-help manuals, although both append a list of resources. The stiffly staged stock photos contribute to textbooklike designs. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Got Issues? titles: Are You Doing Risky Things? and Are You Being Bullied?.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.

(4) YA Issues in Focus Today series. This series identifies and presents current hot topics that are frequent term-paper subjects for young adults. The basic research behind and controversies about stem cells, infertility treatments, and food allergies are clearly presented in short, easy-to-read chapters. Color photographs of scientists in action are interesting, but many of the photos are stiffly staged, making the design look textbookish. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Issues in Focus Today titles: The Stem Cell Debate, Peanut Butter, Milk, and Other Deadly Threats, and High-tech Babies.

Reviewer: Cindy Lombardo

(4) YA Teen Issues series. This book examines the pros and cons of teens undergoing cosmetic surgery. The author supplies testimony of cosmetic surgeons and transformed teens, graphic but nonsensational descriptions of various procedures, and frequent reminders of the social and even familial pressures on teens to look perfect. Drab, staged, black-and-white photos diminish this cogent book. Directory, reading list, websites. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(4) YA Teen Issues series. This look at self-injury discusses the reasons why people cut, burn, or otherwise physically hurt themselves; the behavior's link with mental illness; and the groups who disproportionately self-injure (women and girls, abuse victims). Scattered throughout are insights by mental-health professionals and self-injurers, as well as drab, posed black-and-white photos of ostensibly distressed adolescents. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(4) YA Teen Issues series. This cautionary account emphasizes the dangers, discomforts, and difficulties associated with both forms of body art. In addition to interviews with practitioners and with those who have tattoos and piercings, the text relays medical information and sound advice regarding the appropriateness, legality, and morality of these practices. Charts, poor-quality black-and-white photos, and sidebars are included. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Jack Forman

(4) YA Hot Issues series. An illuminating, if repetitive, look at the types, symptoms, and causes of depression, with emphasis on how adolescents are affected. Profiles of two teens personally familiar with depression balance the clinical information, as do color photos of celebrities who have been seriously depressed. Also discussed are myths about suicide, different kinds of therapy, and tips on how to help a depressed friend. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(4) YA Hot Issues series. Despite the inclusion of stylized illustrations that are distracting and unnecessary, this informative book--aimed at both young men and women--features an accessible layout, color photos, and writing that is easy to understand, with plenty of lists and sidebars. Teens looking to find out about this difficult subject for personal reasons or for reports will find this volume helpful. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Cyrisse Jaffee