(3) YA From jewelry and makeup to transdermal implanting and scarification, Gordon explores the cultural history of body beautification and its varied contemporary practices. The chatty teen-speak ("ancient people really liked their bling") and fascinating photos of celebrities and people from around the world will thoroughly engage teenagers itching to get that daring haircut or first tattoo (sorry, parents!). Reading list, websites. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Katrina Hedeen

(4) YA Library of Tattoos and Body Piercings series. This dense volume presents readers with the myriad medical concerns and dangers surrounding the popular customs of piercing and tattooing, though it maintains some balance by offering the health and well-being positives (e.g., scar coverage). Blandly designed, text-heavy pages are broken up by striking (often provocative or graphic) photographs, "Did You Know?" sidebars, and inserts with primary source material. Reading list, websites. Ind.

Reviewer: Katrina Hedeen

(4) YA Library of Tattoos and Body Piercings series. These dense volumes offer balanced explorations of tattooing and piercing as cultural practices dating back to ancient times and as contemporary customs for self-expression; Teens delves into the trends' implications for young people. Blandly designed, text-heavy pages are broken up by striking photographs, "Did You Know?" sidebars, and inserts with primary source material. Reading list, websites. Ind. Review covers these Library of Tattoos and Body Piercings titles: Tattoos, Body Piercings, and Teens, A Cultural History of Tattoos, and A Cultural History of Body Piercings.

Reviewer: Katrina Hedeen

(4) YA Library of Tattoos and Body Piercings series. This dense volume offers a balanced exploration of the debate surrounding body modification as art, first delving into the traditional artistic uses of tattooing and piercing in world cultures, then addressing the artistic value in contemporary practices. Blandly designed, text-heavy pages are broken up by striking (often provocative) photographs, "Did You Know?" sidebars, and inserts with primary source material. Reading list, websites. Ind.

Reviewer: Katrina Hedeen

(4) YA Library of Tattoos and Body Piercings series. These dense volumes offer balanced explorations of tattooing and piercing as cultural practices dating back to ancient times and as contemporary customs for self-expression; Teens delves into the trends' implications for young people. Blandly designed, text-heavy pages are broken up by striking photographs, "Did You Know?" sidebars, and inserts with primary source material. Reading list, websites. Ind. Review covers these Library of Tattoos and Body Piercings titles: Tattoos, Body Piercings, and Teens, A Cultural History of Tattoos, and A Cultural History of Body Piercings.

Reviewer: Katrina Hedeen

(4) YA Just the Facts series. This lucid look at the history, methods, safety, and social repercussions (positive and negative) of body piercing and tattooing is diligently evenhanded, although the images of people going under the needle may be a deterrent to some. Scattered throughout are anecdotes about tattooed celebrities and color photos, some poorly cropped or reproduced, of dramatic piercing and tattooing outcomes. Reading list. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) YA This thorough and respectful look at "skin art" aims to inform its adolescent readership that what is currently a countercultural trend has venerable roots in ancient cultural and religious traditions. The high-grade color and black-and-white photos and paper stock give this volume an art-book quality. Parents and educators seeking a cautionary look at tattooing should turn elsewhere. Bib., 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 Perspectives on Physical Health series. These volumes identify five conditions that can affect the lives of teenagers, discuss the psychological and physical symptoms of each, and provide information on recovery. The repetitive prose is accompanied by statistics and testimonials from teenagers. The accompanying color photographs look posed, and in Overeating show only fit and healthy-looking teens. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Amanda Sullivan