title: Writing and Publishing: The Ultimate Teen Guide (It Happened to Me)
author:  Tina P. Schwartz 
description: Grade 9 UpSchwartz does an excellent job of providing teenagers with age-specific advice for becoming professional writers. She employs a conversational tone and covers myriad topics including the importance of reading, jobs for writers, finding a mentor, getting published, and marketing a novel. The layout, however, leaves much to be desired. The summary boxes that accompany each career section provide decent information, but seem to be haphazardly placed. The tips laid out in hexagonal shapes throughout the book are distracting and, at times, irrelevant. Though Schwartz includes Q&amp;A with real teenagers, many of the quotes offering their perspectives seem as if they don't really fit the questions posed. The childlike black-and-white illustrations add little. Finally, when listing books from various genres, many suggestions are out-of-date and/or unappealing to teens. The book's strength lies in its core information, its glossary of terms, and the resources it provides regarding contests and professional organizations.<i>Kelly McGorray, Glenbard South High School, Glen Ellyn, IL</i> <br />Copyright  Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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  It Happened to Me
  
  
  Series Editor: Arlene Hirschfelder
  
  
  Books in the It Happened to Me series are designed for inquisitive teens
  digging for answers about certain illnesses, social issues, or lifestyle
  interests. Whether you are deep into your teen years or just entering them,
  these books are gold mines of up-to-date information, riveting teen views, and
  great visuals to help you figure out stuff. Besides special boxes highlighting
  singular facts, each book is enhanced with the latest reading lists, websites,
  and an index. Perfect for browsing, there are loads of expert information by
  acclaimed writers to help parents, guardians, and librarians understand teen
  illness, tough situations, and lifestyle choices.
  
  
  
  
  
  * Epilepsy: The Ultimate Teen Guide, by Kathlyn Gay and Sean McGarrahan, 2002. 
  
  
  * Stress Relief: The Ultimate Teen Guide, by Mark Powell, 2002.
  
  
  * Learning Disabilities: The Ultimate Teen Guide, by Penny Hutchins Paquette and Cheryl Gerson Tu