Product Description
Five teenage girls make decisions about boyfriends and premarital sex.... Shauntice Johnston lives in a world of domestic abuse. Her dad beats her mom, so she doesn't trust guys. Angel Nichols feels neglected by her workaholic mother and she has no idea who her father is; she started having sex for the attention. LaKeeta Wilson is pregnant and she got that way on purpose. Bridgette Anderson feels very strongly about abstinence and nobody is going to change her mind. Hope Patterson lives a sheltered life because of her mother's strict rules. The word sex isn't in her vocabulary until she suffers a loss. This is young adult fiction for mature readers. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (16)

Awesome Read, Loved it!
This is definitely a five star book. I love that the author takes the time to develop each character so you get to know them. I love that this is about Christian teens who are not afraid to share their faith and about those who are frightened about what having faith means. I love that the author chose to share the characters' flaws and not make them perfect. The story is well written, easy to follow and as the summary says, very emotional. I think I read through this a few days but It was so well worth the read. After I read it, I just wanted to shout from the rooftops to these young women having unprotected sex but moreso I wanted to fall to my knees and pray for these young women. While this is a Christian book geared toward teens and young adults, anyone reading will not feel like it's preachy. It has a good rhythm and really keeps you interested until the end. I can't recommend this book enough!

The Choices We Make
This is a very interesting book about five young teenage girls. LaKeeta is pregnant at the age of sixteen. Shauntice lives in a house where there is domestic violence. Angels mother neglects her and all she wants is to feel loved by her mom however since she cant get that, she settles for the lust of young men. Hope is sheltered by her mother and the last youth, Bridgette, is struggling to remain abstinent in a world that embraces sex. End the end, all of these young ladies must clutch tightly to their faith in God in order to overcome their adverse obstacles.

There was so much that I loved in this book! Having a teenager I would feel very comfortable in her reading this book knowing that it speaks on her level. I was very intrigued by Shauntices character who continued to have her faith in God despite all of the obstacles that she had going on with her abusive father. I didn't care for the situation where Angel kept running back to that no good boy when she felt neglected by her mom. Yet I still feel that this is a good book for all girls of all ages to read.

Reviewed by:
Terrie White
[...]

Protect yourself: heart and body
Choices is the story of five girls growing up in York, Pennsylvania dealing with the issue of teen sex. Sex affects them each differently as some have chosen to engage in it without regard to repercussions, others have chosen to remain chaste until they are married as this is in line with their Christian beliefs. The five central characters are developed only from socioeconomic and faith based perspectives. None are described in terms of more relatable characteristics like studious, athletic, artsy, etc. The dialogue seems to be approachable for today's teens. The inclusion of subplots becomes a little messy at times but lend themselves to understanding each girl's perspective of pre-marital sex. For a couple of the girls, their choices regarding sex are in direct correlation to the type relationship, or lack thereof, they have with their parents. Choices is a very preachy work of young adult fiction. Christian principles and biblical scripture abound throughout the entire novel. This often overshadows the sound advice the story presents which is: life is easier if you abstain from sex until marriage but if you choose not to, protect yourself. Though, young readers will learn that nothing can safeguard the heart from the emotional effects of a sexual relationship.

Choices by Katrina Burchett
Katrina Burchett's Choices is a must read for teens who are facing many of the same issues as Shaun, Angel, LaKeeta, Bridgette and Hope in their every day lives. Even though this story takes place in York, PA, it could easily be the streets of Philadelphia, Camden or NYC. In any diverse city, there will be too many girls who make the wrong decisions regarding sex, and Burchett's characters jump out and command our attention. Teens reading this book will be able to find compassion, truth, anger, friendship and the power of healing through a God that offers unconditional love. I can't wait to offer this to our students, I think it will fill a void for many and offer some good choices for them.

HOPE
Teens are loaded down with the weight of the world.Things that affect their lives at home alter how they feel and relate to others.Sometimes all it takes is some attention, reassurance and trust.With a close relationship to GOD, some teens already know the right choices to make when common sense just may not be so common; however, some teens have yet to recognize or understand that GOD loves them.For Shauntice, Angel, LaKeeta, Bridgette and Hope there are choices that they either need to make, or have already made that has in some way altered or is altering their lives.

Shauntice's father abuses alcohol as well as her mother.The abuse has stifled their family.Shaun has a close bond with GOD and it doesn't hinder how she praises HIM, however, it does keep her from seeing the goodness in guys who take an interest in her.When she finally gets the chance at a good guy, her judgment is off.

Angel's mother works, works, works.All Angel has ever wanted was to be loved.While she knows Nanny, her grandmother, loves her, she yearns for the affection from her mom.Sure she has all of the latest fashions, a credit card at her disposal and good friends, but the love is missing.Randy, her alleged boyfriend, is only around when it comes to the fringe benefits.

LaKeeta is pregnant and lonely.She knew that engaging in premarital sex was a risk, but she needed to finally have someone to love her.Now that she's made this decision she has to deal with all of the consequences associated with being a teenaged mom.

Bridgette has made the decision to abstain from premarital sex.As a Christian, she may know the word, but she's using it against people who've sinned.She's even gone so far as to stop speaking to her best friend LaKeeta.

Hope has a strained relationship with her mom.She has no friends and is not allowed do anything.When she tries to stand up for herself, her mother continues to be the driving force and when she does finally break free she finds that life with all of the perks may not be worth the risk.

While I liked CHOICES I feel like so much was left unsaid.I'm not sure if this was on purpose or in hopes for a sequel.I loved that GOD is present throughout the story, but I fear that maybe not all aspects of the story will come through as clearly as the author may have intended.

Reviewed by: Crystal ... Read more

Product Description
Teen childbearing in the United States has been declining since 1991, yet we consistently have the highest teen birth rates in the industrialized world. In 1997, Kids Having Kids was the first comprehensive effort to identify the consequences of teen childbearing for the mothers, the fathers, the children, and our society. Rather than simply comparing teen mothers with their childless counterparts, the assembled researchers achieved a new methodological sophistication, seeking to isolate the birth itself from the mother s circumstances and thus discover its true costs. This updated second edition features a new chapter evaluating teen pregnancy interventions, along with revised and updated versions of most first edition chapters. ... Read more

Product Description
This valuable guide, gives school employees the resources they need to help students avoid behaviors that can result in pregnancy, as well as HIV infection and other sexually transmitted diseases. Drawing on current research and practice, this book offers strategies that school employees can use to help students prepare to become responsible adults.

The NEA Professional Library is the book publishing arm of the National Education Association. Our books are enjoyed by teachers, education students, education support professionals, higher education faculty and retired educators. Our mission is to provide timely and topical titles that enhance the professional lives of our members.

Some of the areas we publish in include:

-Classroom Teaching Skills - The NEA Checklist series
-Student Achievement
-Professional Development
-Peer Support
-Classroom Management
-Assessment & Standards-Based Education
-School and Classroom Resources ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

this book is amazing.
As a a teenage mother of a 1 year old son and being 6 months pregnant with twins, I find this book amazing.It has very many helpful resources, tips, planning, guides, and other useful things throughout. I wish I had this book during my first pregnancy. ... Read more

Product Description
In 1979, the motto at the small-town high school was ''sex, drugs, and rock and roll.''

Bonnie Beck is a 16-year-old girl who reflects on the horrific conditions of her childhood when forced to face her past. Because of her disciplined upbringing, she possesses an incredibly strong will coupled with vision and drive to succeed under any circumstance.

Bonnie's mother was 16 and pregnant. Bonnie's father was 18 and was ordered to marry her by his father because it was the ''right'' thing to do. Bonnie and her brothers pay a heavy price because of this union.

Bonnie's best friend, Carrie, is a ''Daddy's Girl'' and all that that implies.

Jake has gone from an All-American athlete to a rebellious motorcycle rider after the sudden death of his father and when his mother remarries shortly thereafter.

Bonnie's mother, Marilyn, flips when she sees her daughter with Jake. For Marilyn, it is like stepping back in time.

Terri Lynn's They Said, ''You'll Never Amount to Anything'' Words Can Make or Break is a powerful, coming-of-age story filled with insecurities and prejudices and addresses the consequences of choices that many teens and adults face today. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

self-made man

I ordered this book for a couple of reasons. I saw it on Soldiers' Angels and I support the troops. I thought the title was very unusual and I couldn't help but notice the blonde on the cover and the motorcycle dude and paratroopers definitely got my attention.

I have never given a review of a book before, but I decided to this time because I find myself thinking about that story. Usually when I am finished with a book, I don't think too much more about it, but this book was different. I find myself thinking about it a lot and the message that it sends to young people and really adults, too.

I had planned on giving the book as a Christmas gift to my 17-year-old daughter. She reads constantly and since this was a book about teenagers, I thought she would like it.

When the book arrived, I opened the box and thumbed through it just to make sure it was a book I wanted to give to my daughter. I read a couple of paragraphs and wanted to read more. As I flipped through it, I stopped on page 219 when I read "He's cocky. He has no discipline. He's a showboat, just like his old man. He'll never amount to anything." That really got my attention.

Since I had some time to kill because my appointment was rescheduled, I sat at my desk and started reading. One of the things that was so great about this book was that there is no fluff. No boring unnecessary paragraphs describing some flowerpot. It was all story that kept me interested and turning the pages. I hate reading a book that loses my attention by trying to impress me with their vocabulary and writing style. All it does is annoy me and I put the book down.

Another thing I loved about this book was that everything I thought was going to happen, didn't. There was nothing predictable about it. The closer I got to the end when I thought I couldn't be anymore surprised, I was. She left a cliffhanger. That is one of the reasons why I keep thinking about the book. Who did it?

I am a self-made man and I was raised on hard work and discipline and there is no free lunch. That is what this story is about. Another thing that really impressed me was the language. She wrote this book without having to use a bunch of vulgar words and describing a bunch of sex scenes.

I almost feel like I was reading her diary. The emotion seemed so real and I think it is a book that should be in every high school across this country.

It is a story of struggle, survival, and dreams. It's about finding a way when there is no way. The differences between her wealthy and poor grandparents were very real and touching and the impact Pop had on Bonnie.

Jake is a pretty cool guy, but I found myself more interested in Robbie and his relationship with his father. What he did at the end choked me up.

I really hope she writes a sequel. I want to know what happens to these characters down the road.

Made me laugh and made me cry
I saw the newspaper article and bought this book out of curiosity. I am so glad I did. The book touched me in a special way and I could relate to it with things that happened to me in the past. I wonder how many people can relate to the fact that words truly can make or break.
... Read more

Product Description
Discusses reasons why teenage boys engage in sex, the consequences of irresponsible sexual activity, and alternative ways for young men to feel good about themselves. ... Read more

Product Description
Earning a high school diploma and becoming ready to join the workforce is much more difficult for young people already caring for their child. Putting this baby in the middle of a teen's lifestyle forces tremendous changes, changes which seriously affect the school needs of the young parents. Enhanced school services are required by many in order even to attend school. Child care, parenting skills, immediate workforce preparation, all are critical. Many school districts across the country are providing these enhanced services. Books, Babies and School-Age Parents is a guidebook to offering such services. It provides a thorough look at what practitioners need to consider as they develop, administer, and fine-tune programs that make a difference in the lives of adolescent parents and their children. Books, Babies and School-Age Parents is a simple, practical, comprehensive, and timely blueprint designed for successful teen parenting programs. It is written from the teacher's point of view, those new to the field of teaching teen parents as well as experienced teachers. Personal experiences, anecdotes, teaching strategies, materials and resources are included in each chapter. Books, Babies and School-Age Parents provides for administrators, school board members and concerned community a clear discussion of the whys and hows of meeting the special needs of pregnant and parenting teens. ... Read more

Product Description
Discusses such aspects of teenage pregnancy as the causes and nature of pregnancy, the proper care for mother and baby, and alternative choices such as adoption and abortion. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Not Everything you need to know.....
While I appreciated the simple format, and agree their is a need for a precise book that speaks directly to teens about this important topic, I would NOT recommend this particular book to anyone!Among other faults, it minimized the importance of breastfeeding and the magnatude of abortion. ... Read more

Product Description
You're not a little kid anymore. As a young adult, you have important decisions to make. Your growing independence and your developing sexuality are part of the thrill and joy of being a teen, but these factors also mean you have to take responsibility for your own life. Your parents can't do it all for you. Some teenagers choose to have sex, and others wait. Some teens who opt for sex will also opt for contraception, but others will not. Others will get pregnant even while using contraception. Once pregnant, teens have still more difficult decisions to make about abortion, adoption, and parenthood. These are all life-changing decisions. This book will give you the facts you need to make thoughtful and informed choices in this important area of your life. At whatever level you're at right now, whether you're exploring the basic facts about sexuality, choosing whether to have sex now or wait, deciding on a form of birth control that's right for you, or needing to learn more about pregnancy and the decisions it involves, each chapter offers you the information you need in an easy-to-read package. Then it's up to you to take responsibility. ... Read more

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Product Description
Each year in the United States more than one million teenage girls become pregnant. This volume features the stories of teens who chose adoption, abortion, or parenthood, and the advice they offer to others. (20030501) ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Teens--read this before having sex
This is not a children's book. It deals head-on with the difficult reality of teen pregnancy. The book contains first-hand experiences of teens choosing childbirth or abortion, facts and figures about teen parenthood, and several perspectives--both pro-choice and pro-life--about the many pros and cons of pregnancy options. Any sexually active teen, pregnant or not, should read this book.Easy reading, but very compelling. I found it fair and balanced. Great for in-class discussions about teen sexuality. ... Read more

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Product Description
A guide for pregnant adolescents in making decisions, getting help, planning the future, and, generally, surviving. ... Read more

Product Description
Teenage sexuality, contraceptive habits, stress and social support, child abuse and maltreating parents, continuing education, sex education and family planning clinics are all issues which are addressed here. ... Read more