Yes, Your Parents Are Crazy!: A Teen Survival Handbook by Michael J. Bradley

From the Publisher

In this new companion book to Yes, Your Teen Is Crazy!, teen psychologist Michael Bradley turns the tables, talking to teens about parents--why adults behave the way they do, how to handle their parents and other adults in life's confusing and difficult situations.

Brenda Moses-Allen - VOYA

Bradley's answer to Yes, Your Teen Is Crazy (Harbour Press, 2003) is full of helpful information and suggestions for teenagers facing the many demands placed on them by society, peers, and parents. American Idol Clay Aiken's heartfelt and encouraging foreword offers simple "follow your dream" advice for teenagers. Bradley divides young adult life into three parts: physical, emotional, and psychological. Using gentle humor, a few cartoons, and plenty of anecdotes, he describes changing bodies, ideas, and attitudes in clear, concise language with caring sensitivity. The chapter that discusses mental health covers a wide range of topics including depression, child abuse, drug and alcohol abuse, eating disorders, and a few other types of mental illness. Bradley seriously recommends that teens seek help from professionals when necessary. He dissects today's culture, revealing its strong and often negative influence on teens. Peer and parental pressures, equally important forces in a teenager's life, are also fully investigated. Bradley gives plenty of helpful advice on how to handle many annoying, worrisome, embarrassing, or difficult situations of everyday teenage life. There are stories from this psychologist's private practice that highlight many situations-drugs, fights with parents or other students, sex, school, and more-that can be stressful for young adults. In each case, he offers suggestions for gaining or maintaining self-control and improving the chances for a positive outcome. The length and layout, with lots of print and some bold captions, make this work more suitable for a class setting rather than individual teen browsing. VOYA CODES: 4Q 4P S (Better than most, marred only byoccasional lapses; Broad general YA appeal; Senior High, defined as grades 10 to 12). 2004, Harbour Press, 399p.; Index. Illus. Further Reading., Trade pb. Ages 15 to 18.

School Library Journal

Gr 9 Up-Exploring the idea that parents and society as a whole force teens into a culture where legalized drug abuse (alcohol) is rampant and there are mixed messages about "drugs, sex, and rock `n' roll," Bradley talks to readers one-on-one and attempts to explain some bad adult behavior. Using stories culled from 30 years of experience as a psychologist, he sprinkles case histories throughout to illustrate some of the challenges teens face. The firsthand narratives of issues such as gang violence, eating disorders, substance abuse, and questions about sexual orientation are the most compelling portions of the text. Teens may love the affirmations of you're OK, they're the crazy ones, but the author asks readers to keep the lines of communication open when dealing with parents and other adults, and he urges them to seek help when needed. Black-and-white cartoons are sprinkled throughout. The length and the sophistication of the text may prevent some teens from picking up the book, but those with a real interest in popular psychology and those who are struggling to overcome issues may find it a valuable read.-Elaine Baran Black, Gwinnett County Public Library, Lawrenceville, GA Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

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