The Teenage Human Body Operator's Manual is a fun and informative guide geared toward youth and supportive adults around them. While the book is not meant to replace professional guidance, it does point teens in the right direction of taking care of themselves. The first eight parts are information only, with part nine giving readers a chance to survey 99 of their own habits in the 5,500-Day Routine Check. Four simple steps--pick it, track it, grok it and rock it--are all that are required to drive on the road to successfully quitting a bad habit. The term "grok" means to understand thoroughly, which is what must occur in order to conquer the unwanted habit. References, including a reading list, close this cartoon-happy manual.
-- Youth Today
Based on the idea that bodies need routine checks and tune-ups, this easy-to- read and accessible title provides an overview of teenagers' physical and psychological needs. Using a combination of cartoon panels, bulleted lists, and short summaries, it touches on various topics of health such as hygiene, nutrition, pregnancy and birth control, disease, and mental health for both young men and women. While not an in-depth discussion of any of these concerns, the book covers lots of ground quickly and refers readers to other sources of information. The appealing layout and many humorous and clever cartoons complement the text. A multiple choice self-assessment quiz begs to be marked up by the first hand that touches it, but that aside, libraries will find this a popular choice for reluctant readers.
-- School Library Journal
The lowdown: A simple guide to the parts and features of a teen's body, how to maintain it for smooth running and "trouble-free" operation. Also, an insight into everyday hazards and how to kick pesky habits.
The bottom line: Northwest Media Inc. respects the short attention span of most teenagers by keeping this guide short and sweet. Cute doodles, drawn by a teen, decorate the manual, making every page worth looking at.
The good stuff: Interesting facts even adults wouldn't know! Yet, so easy to read and understand that even little brother and sister would pick it up.
The other stuff: Cute and entertaining. Who knew that, "Altogether, your hair grow 1,000 inches per day"?
The final grade: A+
-- Nicole Armstrong, Register Guard, Eugene, Oregon
