Reviewed by Jen Oliver, MyShelf.Com
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This is a must-have book for any parent dealing with a difficult adolescent. Meadows and Blacher are able to take a difficult time in parents' lives and make it simpler. They go through in very simple terms why teenagers act defiant, what it means, the impact that the teenager has on school, family, etc. and provides definitions of mental health, legal and medical terminology. The book also provides a national resource section complete with website information.

One doesn't need a Ph.D. to understand this book. It could also be used for social workers and other mental health professionals.

The chapters are arranged in a realistic order instead of being garbled as in some parenting books. The information presented is simple and real. Meadows and Blacher admit that such defiance is not universal, but provide good theories on why it exists.