Reviews and critiques 11 stepfamily self-help books for children and adolescents. Codes books on dimensions of appropriate audience, author background, issues, advice, and strengths. Rates general interest and quality of writing of books and assigns categories of recommendation. Discusses use of the books as an adjunct to therapy. (Author/NB)

For most adolescents, one of the joys of the teenage years is the feeling of being connected to others, not just parents. A death in the family can change that. Tragedy in the family often leaves teenagers to deal with their grief alone, as adults and younger children are given most of the attention. This book is written for teenagers and…

Analyzes the contents of self-help books for parents of adolescents that were published from 1980 to 1993. Examines the scope of topics presented and the authors' views about parenting practices to determine the extent to which these parenting books reinforce or debunk cultural stereotypes about adolescents. (Contains 36 references.) (GCP)