Sensitive subjects like STIs, substance use, body modification, breaking habits and more are presented in pictures and lively text written in the style of a car owner's manual. Includes worksheets on changing habits and an updated list of reference books, useful websites, and hotline numbers.

"When I glanced at the 'Operator's Manual' for the first time I thought it was going to be really funny and was just made to be a joke. But then I started to read the intro, and about the artist, and then the whole thing because it was interesting, informative, and was nothing like what I thought it was, although it was funny with the cartoons. it kept me interested all the way to the end, which doesn't happen much! I showed it to a friend and he thought it would be good for a health class or a class like it."

-- Dan Schultz, 14

Includes: 182 Pages with a 5,500 Routine Check-up Test.

The Teenage Human Body Operator's Manual delivers what teens need know to successfully maintain a 'world class vehicle' - the teenage human body. Northwest Media purposely drew upon the love affair between teens and cars to explain what it takes to keep teenagers healthy, happy and on the road.

Fast facts about the body's parts and features build the foundation necessary to understand how to keep a standard operating system primed. For example: a vehicle requires the right fuel - but so does the teenage body if it is to enjoy not only good energy but healthy eyes, skin, claws and fangs.

'Repairs' tells teens about emergencies, doctor visits, anger and depression and advises how to help the body through everything from bacterial infections to the flu. The 'Hazards' chapter details some of the dangers on the road of life - among them alcohol and illegal drugs, HIV/AIDS, rape and abuse.

'Customized Bodies' talks about the way teens present their exteriors and the possible damages from steroids, tattoos, body piercing and eating disorders. Sex Brakes discusses STI/STD prevention and birth control; Passenger Safety goes into what it means to be a body with a baby inside - what will help that baby, and what will hurt it.

And how about tune-ups? The most empowering thing human beings can offer each other is the power to change. That offer comes in Part 9 - Habit Tune-up - which presents options to list and assess habits, come to terms with the value of those habits and, if necessary, turn them around. Here teens are given the keys to change, the steps they can choose to take to empower themselves and enrich their lives.

The Teenage Body Operator's Manual is a very smart book that will help teen readers get smart about their bodies, minds and spirits. Making the book even more entertaining and accessible are the original, funny and dead-on drawings throughout done by a youthful Mike Novotny.

Audience: middle schools, health classes, classroom settings, at-risk youth up to age 18.