Synopsis
Describes sexual harrassment of teens by other teens and gives information on how to get help if one is being harrassed.
School Library Journal
Gr 5 Up-Sexual harassment is defined as when "someone is making unwanted sexual advances or remarks toward you or engaging in sexual conduct around you and it's causing you to be afraid or to limit your life." The author acknowledges that the harasser is someone in a position of power, whether it is by physical size, age, job status, or aggressiveness, and goes on to define sexual conduct and sexual contact. The difficulty involved in labeling behavior or intentions is also addressed. What is stressed is that anyone of any sexual orientation who doesn't want to be touched has the right to say no and if the unwelcome or unwanted behavior continues, that is sexual harassment. Attention is given to the possible effects of harassment on victims: depression, low self-esteem, lowered academic achievement, eating disorders, and, eventually, even suicide or murder. Readers also learn what public schools are required to do, what rights students have, and how students at private schools can convince their administration to create and enforce a sexual-harassment policy. The book works to not only help students recognize if they or anyone they know is being victimized, but also if they are harassers themselves. Photographs show mostly white teens interacting with one another. Despite this, this title is an informative and valuable guide.-Katie O'Dell, Multnomah County Library, Portland, OR Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.