Hot Button: Internet Edition

by Nicole O'Dell

Kregel, 2012, 168 pp., $9.99

Hot Button: Dating Edition

by Nicole O'Dell

Kregel, 2012, 160 pp., $9.99

Hot Buttons: Dating Edition is part of a new series of books by teen author and radio host, Nicole O'Dell. These books are written as handbooks for parents to address hot button issues they face with their teens. They are divided into four parts and are written in similar format and style, giving continuity to the overall series. The books start off by explaining the issues, as well as giving specific identifiers related to the issues. The second hand half of the books are practical, biblically based guides to start addressing the issues and also actively working through the issue.

Hot Buttons: Dating Edition is a very thorough study of teen dating, with an extremely focused but fair approach to the topic. Little time is wasted, as the author cuts directly the main issues and questions teens and parents ask when it comes to dating: Why? When? How? As O'Dell walks through the answers to the questions she presents, she answers each with a well-balanced biblical mindset. She points to the differences and gives readers an understanding of like, lust and love. She also includes excellent action steps and check point questions at the end of each chapter to help parents along the journey to creating a personal plan for their family. I absolutely appreciate the final section of the book that gives parents and teens spiritual practices to work through as they begin the journey of dating relationships. I especially love chapter 10's "Armor of God" prayer practice and chapter 11's set of strategic scenarios to use with teens. As a middle school/junior high youth pastor, this is an invaluable tool as parents approach me regarding many dating and relationship issues. This is a great book to give away to parents or could with very little work translate into a 4-week parent training. With so many books on the Christian market dealing with the issue of dating, I recommend this book because it puts leadership back in the hands of the parents.

—Dan Istvanik

In Hot Buttons: Internet Edition, O'Dell takes on another hot button issue among teens, pre-teens and their families—the Internet. Especially for those who have pre-teens or work with middle school/junior high students, this book is written just for you. At the beginning of chapter 2, she uses this statistic, "…children ages eight to twelve admit to spending an average of 11.4 hours online a week," and you know it is true if not a little low. For students in the middle school/junior high years, the Internet is king in their lives. It rules their time, relationships and identity, which is why this topic not only needs to be addressed but must be addressed. This book is the one that had to be written. There are other fine books out there, but this one with its fair but straightforward approach is a cut above the rest, in my opinion. Similar to her other book Hot Buttons: Dating Edition, O'Dell starts off by acknowledging the foundational problem as sin. She leads readers through the key questions of When and How, then immediately dives into the hot button issues surroundign the Internet in the lives of young people. She brings up a few of the current social networking sites, the issue of illegal file sharing, and focuses in on the big ones of pornography and predators. The second half of the book, in similar fashion to her previous book, gives very solid practical steps to protecting, praying and communicating about the issues of Internet use. It also includes strategic scenarios to help facilitate discussion. As this book is brand new, it is right on where it needs to be addressing the current trends, topics and technology. The book is well-written and thoughtful. This is a great resource to be shared with parents or to be kept for your own use. The format lends easily to be used in teaching a short series on Internet and technology discernment. The only drawback I see with this book may be its shelf life. With a topic such as this and the fast moving world of technology and Internet, it may soon become outdated. I, however, feel it well worth the price as it is so full of much needed practical help for parents.