Ford, Jean

Examines the lives of teens in rural North America, focusing on issues of crime and poverty, discussing diversity among poor, rural youth, and looking at the problems of drug, alcohol, and tobacco use, as well as violent and nonviolent crime.

Identifies obesity as a health crisis of epidemic proportions in the United States, examines the health problems associated with obesity, discusses the burgeoning diet industry, and looks at what bodies really need for good health.

Presents an introduction to forensic science, explaining how fires and bombs destroy evidence at crime scenes and describes how information is recovered, including basic fire characteristics, what investigators look for, and how they process what they find.

Explores controversies over antidepressants, discussing links between antidepressants and teen suicides, describing debates between celebrities such as Tom Cruise and Brooke Shields over the topic, and explaining how antidepressants work in the mind and body.

Explores the physical and emotional changes a body goes through during adolescence.

Presents a comprehensive study of Latino foods and its influence on American culture and how it has impacted the fast-food industry in this country.

Provides information for teens about allergies and asthma, examining the biology of allergies and asthma, identifying various types of allergens and asthma triggers, and looking at tools and treatment. Includes resources for further study.

Presents a comprehensive guide for teens on coping with the various emotional mood swings common with the adolescent years and discusses the brain chemistry and hormonal activity that affects behavior.

Presents an introduction to forensic science, explaining how American popular culture is fascinated by crime and forensics based television programs and examines how that shapes the various media, movies, and the Internet.

Identifies obesity as a health crisis of epidemic proportions in the United States, and discusses some of the diseases and disabilities associated with excess weight, including diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer, sleep apnea, and others.