Emotional Disorders

School Library Journal

Gr 7-12-Accessible introductions with an emphasis on young people. The authors use case histories and interviews with teens throughout to draw readers into their respective subjects. Goldman covers depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, substance abuse, alcoholism, eating disorders, and suicide, as well as the underlying causes and types of treatment. Harvey Roy Greenberg's Emotional Illness in Your Family (Macmillan, 1989) covers all of these topics in much greater detail, but is not as visually appealing. Phillips concentrates on the causes and processes of chemical dependency rather than on describing particular drugs. She also discusses help for addicts and recovery programs. Elizabeth A. Ryan's Straight Talk about Drugs and Alcohol (Facts on File, 1989) takes a similar approach, but appends an extensive state-by-state list of treatment programs and centers. Tsuchiyama's book is perhaps the most ambitious, tackling family communication, violence, incest, divorce, single-parent and blended families, and latchkey kids. P.M. Taylor's Coping with a Dysfunctional Family (Rosen, 1990; o.p.) also includes drug and alcohol abuse, neglect, and phone numbers for hotlines. The titles feature decorative black-and-white photos, charts, and graphs. Each author appends suggestions for further reading and a brief list of sources of help. Reader-friendly places to start looking for information and advice.-Joyce Adams Burner, formerly at Spring Hill Middle School, KS