Books in It Happened to Me series

Volunteering: The Ultimate Teen Guide is a wonderful resource for teens on how they can use their time and energy to positively impact society and gain personal satisfaction. Teens get a complete picture of what volunteering involves, including the personal commitment and the physical and emotional stamina, as well as the positive-and sometimes negative-consequences. Filled with inspiring and rewarding stories from teen volunteers who testify to the immense personal satisfaction that resulted from their volunteer efforts.

More than 900,000 teenage girls face pregnancies each year. Almost all of these pregnancies are unplanned, leaving teen moms and dads unprepared for the emotional, physical, and psychological journey ahead of them. What most parents find as a memorable and positive change in their lives, teens and their families often see as catastrophic and devastating.In Pregnancy and Parenting: The Ultimate Teen Guide, Jessica Akin guides teens through the unique issues and struggles of a life-changing event that can be overwhelming even for a fully mature adult. Once a teen decides what course to take—between parenting, adoption, or abortion—she must deal with the consequences of her decision, often alone, but sometimes with the father-to-be and other family members. Topics covered in this book includebreaking the newschoosing the next stepdealing with judgments and criticismcoping with lossco-parentingfinishing schoollife beyond the babyThis book is filled with stories from teen mothers and fathers who faced their unplanned pregnancy head on. Written without bias or judgement, Pregnancy and Parenting: The Ultimate Teen Guide emphasizes and encourages teens to empower themselves with knowledge and make the best choices and decisions for their individual futures.

Contrary to popular education, gender is no longer an either "male" or "female" proposition. Today, it is increasingly important, especially for those coming into adulthood, to go beyond the concepts of gay, lesbian, straight, and bisexual when examining gender: the way we feel about ourselves and our roles in society. Gender Identity: The Ultimate Teen Guide examines what is meant by "sex" and "gender"―from typical gender roles and stereotypes, through those who transcend the usual categories of "male" and "female."Author Cynthia Winfield encourages readers to "think outside the box," to recognize places where they cross gender lines, and to consider whether the time has come to change expectations or definitions within popular culture. The book also addresses:· Differences between biological sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression· The quandary of persons who identify as a gender other than the biological sex assigned them at birth· Intersex children and the current research · The public debate and rapidly changing legal protections for those outside the narrowly defined gender norm· Ways readers can make society more cognizant and inclusive of gender variant individualsIn addition to historical and factual information and the popular media's depictions of genders issues, the book allows contemporary teens and young adults to voice their experiences through poetry and prose. Questions for teens to consider and places teens can explore such questions in a safe space are also included.

Cystic Fibrosis: The Ultimate Teen Guide leaves no aspect of this disease untold. Based on a series of interviews with young people with CF and their family members, the day-to-day dealings of life as a cystic fibrosis patient are described. Some of the topics covered include a description of the illness; a comprehensive discussion of who gets the disease and why; an explanation of the procedures involved in diagnosing CF; coverage of the arduous daily therapies involved in maintaining the life of a person with CF; and the challenges of dealing with CF-related diabetes. These teens' stories reflect how they live their lives to the fullest, how they are not bitter about their situations, and how they look forward to new medications, more-effective therapies, and―one day soon―a cure. Also included are stories told by people, now in their 30s and 40s, having CF who are still alive and coping well with the disease, demonstrating that progress is being made and that they can hope to live beyond their teen years, something that wasn't likely 20 years ago. This book is the ideal guide for any reader who wants positive medical information about CF, offering an extensive glossary and listings of books, websites, and organizations about Cystic Fibrosis.

For teens too shy to talk to mom and dad about sex, this book offers good, sound advice on a highly personal level filling in some of the blanks in their knowledge about sex and relationships. Designed to help teens aged 16-19 make their own decisions about sexuality, Making Sexual Decisions talks not only about the facts of sexual health but also provides them with some things to think about when it comes to the feelings and emotions that surround sex.

While medical conditions that affect large populations are familiar to most people, there are lesser-known afflictions that do not get attention simply due to the fewer number of those affected. Literature and online resources about these conditions are not only limited but primarily aimed at adults. Consequently, teens who are susceptible to these disorders are often unable to find information that speaks directly to them, which can prove both frustrating and discouraging.In Chronic Illnesses, Syndromes, and Rare Disorders: The Ultimate Teen Guide, Marlene Targ Brill looks at conditions that affect thousands of young adults. Though not quite as common as other medical issues, these afflictions are no less threatening to teens who want to know more. Chapters in this book addressCeliac diseaseCrohn's diseaseDown syndromeHemophiliaMelanoma Multiple sclerosisPhenylketonuriaSickle cell diseaseTourette syndromeIn addition to providing specific information about each of these conditions, this book also offers general advice to teens who face medical challenges in general. An invaluable resource for young adults and their families, Chronic Illnesses, Syndromes, and Rare Disorders: The Ultimate Teen Guide offers hope to the many thousands of people looking for answers.

According to recent statistics, at least 50 million people worldwide have epilepsy, including more than 5.1 million Americans. Because there are so many different types of epilepsy—each with its own behavioral effects and treatment—it can be overwhelming for teens to handle. They need a reliable resource to guide them as they navigate the challenges of their condition.In Epilepsy: The Ultimate Teen Guide, Kathlyn Gay dispels the myths, misconceptions, and misunderstandings about epilepsy and people who have the disorder. The second edition of this book provides up-to-date, positive, factual medical information and advice for young people and their families about how to live a normal life with epilepsy. Topics covered in this book includesymptoms of epilepsysigns and factors that precipitate seizurestreatment methodsmedicationsmanagement strategiesReal-life examples from teens who have epilepsy help readers understand how they can participate in normal activities. These teens also offer advice on how to tell friends, dates, teachers, or employers about the condition. Epilepsy: The Ultimate Teen Guide, Second Edition concludes with extensive lists of publications, websites, and organizations to help those with a diagnosis prepare for a hopeful future.

It has been estimated that at least half of the children in America come from families that have been affected by divorce. Of those children, more than half will see a parent’s second marriage dissolve as well. The impact of divorce on teens can be devastating, adversely affecting their attitudes, behaviors, and schoolwork, as well as their relationships with both friends and family. Divorce: The Ultimate Teen Guide focuses on the difficulties young people face in the wake of an epidemic that affects so many families. This book offers encouragement, insights, and resources to help teens cope with the challenges that come from living with divorce. Chapters address such issues as:Managing parental conflictsFinancial concernsCommunication problemsPlacing blame and taking sides DepressionLiving in a stepfamilyFeaturing stories about and quotes from young people and adults who have experienced parental separation and divorce, this book will be helpful for readers who are trying to deal with similar situations. With an emphasis on strategies and resources, Divorce: The Ultimate Teen Guide will help young people cope with this often devastating experience.

According to the recent United States Census, there are 650,000 same-sex couple households in the U.S., and an estimated one-quarter of those households are raising children. In the past few years, several states across the nation have passed Freedom to Marry bills for same-sex couples. But even with the rise in recognition of LGBTQ families, acceptance has not necessarily followed. Unfortunately, young adults in LGBTQ families encounter many challenges, from derision by their peers to the embarrassment of being perceived as different.LGBTQ Families: The Ultimate Teen Guide focuses on the difficulties young people face as members of households in which one or more members are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender/transsexual, or queer/questioning. This book offers encouragement, insights, and resources to help them cope with and embrace the uniqueness of their family life. Teens and adults from LGBTQ families—and teens who identify as LGBTQ themselves—tell their personal stories and share strategies they use to deal with a sometimes unaccepting society. Topics discussed include politics, religion, media, and bullying.Aimed at young adults with LGBTQ parents, teens who identify as LGBTQ, those who support LGBTQs, and anyone wanting to educate themselves on the topic, this book will broaden understanding and enable teens and their peers to embrace the diversity of the modern family.

Cancer hits hard at any age, but it is especially challenging for teens who must battle their disease while negotiating the tricky terrain of adolescence. This book explores the range of challenges cancer places on both teens who have cancer and teens who have friends or family members with cancer. Denise Thornton follows cancer's devastating path through a teen's life from diagnosis to treatment and survivorship, with special attention to how cancer can affect relations with friends and family, and its impact on school life. Living with Cancer explores the toll cancer can take on self image and looks at how teens facing cancer have found a sense of balance and control. Each chapter takes advantage of expert knowledge and new information that is continually coming to light, but the bulk of the book is made up of narratives shared by teens whose lives have been changed by cancer. This book will prove immensely useful for teens who are facing cancer, as well as friends and family members who want to understand and support them.

Every year, millions of high schoolers take the next step to further their education by applying to college. While the typical eighteen-year-old spends two-thirds of his or her life in school, college can be a daunting prospect. Teens should be able to enjoy their final years of high school without feeling stressed about their life after graduation. In College: The Ultimate Teen Guide, Lisa Maxwell Arter addresses high school students’ concerns about their college futures. In addition to providing an overview of the application process, this book offers advice on:how to choose the right schoolsuccessful application tipswhen and how to involve parentsUniquely, this book also outlines the college experience, particularly the first year, offering useful information every freshman needs to survive and thrive on campus—from housing and navigating the bookstore to safety and interactions with other students, faculty, and university personnel. Tips included here help students:develop successful relationships with roommatesmanage stressstudy effectively balance school and life responsibilitiesplan and manage financesFeaturing real stories and quotes from teens about their experiences, this book guides young adults through their transition from high school to college and sheds light on the entire process—from committing to a school to the end of freshman year. College: The Ultimate Teen Guide serves as a valuable resource for all teens, whether they are just beginning to think about their future or are ready to take the next steps in their education.