Listed here are what I believe to be the top three issues (in no particular order) effecting teens, the reason I believe so, and books that cover each issue. I have personally reviewed each book and highly recommend any one of them that may be of interest to you (copies of each are currently available at the Linebaugh Public Library.) I understand and fully appreciate that your top three list will probably vary and, with that in mind, have provided a section for teen submitted books (see info to the right →).
 

Click here to go directly to my book list

Teens, if you have read a book that has helped you deal with a particular issue that you have struggled with or were just curious about, here is your opportunity to share it and  your thoughts and experiences with other teens. To submit a book, or to view what other teens have submitted, please click the link below.

Teen submitted reading list

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   The first issue is something that you and every teen is going to have to deal with - SEX. And it's not so much the issue of sex, but rather the lack of accurate information and, perhaps even worse, the "mis"-information that can come at you from all angles. From the distorted images brought to you by the media ("sex sells"), to peer pressure, to your own natural thoughts and desires (remember, you're feeling what you're feeling and thinking what you're thinking for a reason). Perhaps your circumstances have lead you to feel unloved and unworthy so, you might think, "I may as well do it". And especially to the girls (and I say this respectfully), to your feeling that if you "give it up", so to speak, you'll receive the emotional love and support you're seeking and deserve. (Guys, you deserve the same.) While these issues and others you'll likely deal with are valid and certainly worthy of up-front discussions, it's the consequences of decisions and actions that can be devastating. And while the media and others promote sex for their own agendas, they rarely share the potential resulting consequences. For instance, did you know that everyday 8,000 more teens are diagnosed with a sexually transmitted disease (STD)? (quoted from "Epidemic, how teen sex is killing our kids" by Meg Meeker, M.D.). That alone is an epidemic. Mix all the unplanned pregnancies and the countless broken hearts and broken dreams where sex at your age is involved and I believe you have another.

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   The next issue is that of the ABSENCE OF SO MANY FATHERS. I don't know the stats of how many homes with kids and teens lack an available father under the same roof (I've heard anywhere from 40-50%), but I do know it's too many. Way too many. You probably know at least a few people your own age who don't see their dad every day if at all. You may be in that situation yourself. I often heard growing up that "a boy needs his dad". That's absolutely true. But guess what? A girl needs her dad too, just as much if not more so. EVERY teen needs and deserves a loving and available father in their life.

Click here to read "The Importance of a Father in the Home" by Amanda Lynn Geesy

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   The final issue is that of SEXUAL ABUSE. I am aware of the stats on this one, and they're simply heartbreaking to say the least. "38% (1 in 3) of girls and 16% (1 in 6) of boys are sexually abused by the time they're 18 years old" (quoted from "A Safe Place" by Jan Morrison). I challenge you (and any adults who may read this) to let those stats sink in for a few minutes and NOT be shaken to the core by them. And while these stats paint a "snapshot" picture of the situation, they represent individuals - classmates, neighbors, friends, family ... perhaps you. These are literally epidemic proportions. And you just don't hear many talking about it, certainly not in proportion to the numbers. Well, it's going to get talked about here. It's the primary issue my heart comes back to when all is said and done.

   If you’re one who’s experienced sexual abuse, I want to stress two things: you’re not alone, and it’s not your fault. I hope you’re aware of those facts already, but if you’re not, I hope they begin to sink in and take root and eventually become a reality to you. You’re NOT alone, and like ANY form of abuse, there’s nothing you did – EVER – to deserve what you’ve endured or perhaps are still enduring. 100% of the blame and accountability falls solely to the abuser. Unfortunately, that’s not the end of the story. You, though 100% innocent (which you are), must deal with and “process” what you’ve experienced. I sincerely hope one of the books listed here can either help begin or add to the process of dealing with what you’ve experienced … and help begin or add to the healing process.  

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BOOKS
Click on the books below to view details.
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Sex

"Every Young Man's Battle" by Stephen Arterburn & Fred Stoeker with Mike Yorkey

"Every Young Woman's Battle" by Shannon Ethridge & Stephen Arterburn

"Sex Has A Price Tag" by Pam Stenzel 
 

The Absence of the Father

"Growing Up Fatherless" by Mike Nappa

"Longing for Daddy" by Monique Robinson 

"The Importance of a Father in the Home (article)" by Amanda Lynn Geesey
 

Sexual Abuse

"Learning To Trust Again" by Christa Sands

"A Safe Place: Beyond Sexual Abuse" by Jan Morrison

Other Books

"A Bright Red Scream" by Marilee Strong

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