Any adult who has been around teens will relate to the title of Dr. David Walsh's new book, Why Do They Act That Way? A Survival Guide to the Adolescent Brain for You and Your Teen (Free Press, 2004, ISBN# 0-7432-6071-6). In the book, Walsh explores the latest research on adolescent brain development to explain the tumultuous adolescent experience. Walsh details many of the common struggles of teens, and offers much practical advice to help adults better understand and deal with teens.

Why Do They Act That Way? has several omissions and distortions that readers will need to be aware of and wrestle through. For all the emphasis on the maturing prefrontal cortex and hormone fluctuations—among others—Walsh acknowledges that, "Explaining adolescence solely in terms of neurons, hormones and neurotransmitters is … accurate but incomplete." This reality causes Walsh to consider the wider context of a teen's life, but omits the spiritual/moral component of adolescent development. And while "values" are encouraged to be discussed, challenged, questioned and reevaluated, their definition is left up to the reader to formulate and apply. Also, the section on sexual identity contradicts a biblical world and life view as Walsh writes, "The more important question is not whether [adolescents] are gay, lesbian or straight but rather whether they will live out their sexual identity in an honest, respectful and loving way."

Despite these stumbling blocks, Walsh's words make this book an excellent resource for parents, educators and youth workers. Walsh stresses the three principles of "connection, guidance and love," affirms the importance of a collaborative relationship between parents and other concerned adults in raising teens, and understands the significance of being "aware of the larger context that influences teens' behavior." Throughout, there is a clear message to know kids (neurons and all!) and their world, which CPYU wholeheartedly supports.

  —Doug West