Changing Bodies, Changing Lives

Changing Bodies, Changing Lives (cover, 1998)Authors: Ruth Bell and other co-authors of Our Bodies, Ourselves, together with members of the Teen Book Project

Publisher: Three Rivers Press

Publication date: 1998 (3rd edition)
Earlier editions: Random House, 1980; Vintage Books, 1988

Status: Out of print. Some used and new copies can be found online.

Excerpts:

About the Book

An essential road map through the difficult terrain of adolescence, Changing Bodies, Changing Lives gives teens a thoughtful, empathetic and personal look at sex, relationships and the many ways puberty affects their emotional and physical health.

From School Library Journal:
Grade 8 Up | A monumental, encyclopedic discussion of sexual and emotional change during the teen years, this book is a revision of an earlier edition which did not discuss the AIDS epidemic. Clearly written by the authors of Our Bodies, Ourselves, it is illustrated with relevant cartoons, photographs, diagrams, and line drawings. Dozens of teenagers themselves were interviewed and are quoted in this book. This comprehensive book includes discussion of sexual technique, STDs and the danger of promiscuous sex, gay sex and sexual identity, and teenage pregnancy and its alternatives. (Although the section on AIDS notes the risk of the virus’ transmission through oral sex, the earlier discussion of oral sex discusses individual preferences only, without mentioning the health risks.) A book that deserves a place in collections serving teenagers. — Ann Scarpellino, Ramsey Public Library, N.J.

From Library Journal:
Written by members of the Teen Book Project and inspired by the classic Our Bodies, Ourselves, this third edition of a book first published in 1981 provides information about health and sexuality for teenagers. Presented here is the latest information on the physical and emotional aspects of puberty, sexuality, healthcare, sexually transmitted diseases, safer sex and birth control, living with violence, mental health, and eating disorders. Artwork by and quotations from teenagers about their experiences in these areas bring the content to life and set the book apart from more standard works such as Richard Walker’s The Family Guide to Sex and Relationships. Each chapter has a list of associations and print and nonprint resources. An excellent, extremely useful source for young adults and educators; highly recommended for all collections. — Barbara M. Bibel, Oakland P.L., CA