(Harper)
The adolescent brain is a marvel of biology, and understanding the pace of its growth is how this book begins to unravel why teens are “wired for risk.” Numerous studies have been done, not with actual teens (but with rats!) about the effects and consequences of substance use and abuse on brain development and it’s possible, actually probable, that Jessica Lahey has read them all (citing and notating them in her comprehensive notes and bibliography at the end of the book). Luckily for us, Charlotte, Vt., author and educator Lahey is a master explainer. She has the ability to synthesize copious amounts of data and then explain to us, parents, teachers and family members, in a way we can understand, how to implement these findings and help the young people in our lives make responsible choices to avoid the physical and personal toll of addiction. She weaves in her personal story — honest, startling, informative — as well as the success stories of young people she has taught and counseled in the time she worked in a drug and alcohol recovery program. Lahey is well-informed, current in her knowledge, an entertaining writer — refreshing given the subject matter — and her book is a must-read and would be valuable in social, emotional and health education in schools.
— Reviewed by Jenny Lyons of The Vermont Book Shop in Middlebury.
 

10 Books Jessica Lahey Recommends for Parents of Older Kids
How to Raise an Adult, by Julie Lythcott-Haims
Your Turn: How to Be an Adult, by Julie Lythcott-Haims
Screenwise, by Devorah Heitner
The Self-Driven Child, by William Stixrud, Ph.D. and Ned Johnson
The Good News about Bad Behavior, by Katherine Reynolds Lewis
Recovering My Kid, by Joseph Lee
Unselfie, by Michele Borba
Thrivers, by Michele Borba
High, by David and Nic Sheff
Clean, by David Sheff