In this era of rapid and unsettling change boys now more than ever face difficulties in establishing their self-image and status. In this original and challenging study Mike O'Donnell and Sue Sharpe explore how teenage boys from white, African-Caribbean and Asian backgrounds negotiate contemporary uncertainties to construct their gender identities.
Drawing theoretical insights about how class, race and ethnicity critically affect the formulation of masculinities throughout, the authors examine:
* the discrepancies between boys and girls' attitudes and expectations
*the split between boys' formal acceptance of politically correct ideas and their informal behaviour amongst the peer group
*boys' leisure pursuits including involvement in illegal activities and their selective identification with global youth culture.
Uncertain Masculinities is a fascinating account of the complexity of contemporary boys' identities and will be of use to students of the sociology of youth and of gender studies.

Fathers and Daughters explores the complex nature of this subject using the voices and experiences of both fathers and daughters. Sue Sharpe provides an examination of the important processes operating within the relationship such as those affecting gender roles, achievement, teenage sexuality, women's relationships with men and ageing. It is an original and captivating treatment of a strangely neglected subject.
Sue Sharpe is a free-lance writer and researcher based in London.

Late modern social theory suggests that women are now liberated from traditional family ties yet remain compelled by parenting. In the light of recent social changes, what has changed and what has remained the same for women as mothers? This study presents a timely account of the dynamic relationship between the past, the present, and the future in the making of modern motherhood. The book includes interviews and case studies with women from a wide range of backgrounds and generations within the same families. It looks at the impact of social structures on motherhood as an identity, including class, ethnicity, and social mobility. The Making of Modern Motherhood includes an additional online resource with 'bonus' image material, review questions, and analysis.

Late modern social theory suggests that women are now liberated from traditional family ties yet remain compelled by parenting. In the light of recent social changes, what has changed and what has remained the same for women as mothers? This study presents a timely account of the dynamic relationship between the past, the present, and the future in the making of modern motherhood. The book includes interviews and case studies with women from a wide range of backgrounds and generations within the same families. It looks at the impact of social structures on motherhood as an identity, including class, ethnicity, and social mobility. The Making of Modern Motherhood includes an additional online resource with 'bonus' image material, review questions, and analysis.

'The series Youth: Perspectives and Practice provides a distinctive and rare combination of expert commentary, new research, original theorising and critical reflection on how we should understand youth and work with young people. These books deserve a wide readership ... the way they are written and organised will make them particularly appealing to students' - Professor Robert MacDonald, University of Teesside Inventing Adulthoods offers a ground-breaking new perspective on young peoples' experiences of growing up at the turn of the 21st century, arguing that a biographical approach is vital to understanding the holistic and dynamic character of their lives. Based on a study of a diverse group of young people over a 10 year period, the book explores high profile policy issues: education, employment, drugs, cultures of violence and well-being. It also considers the significance of those things that mean most to young people themselves: mobility, home, belonging, intimacy and social life. The book is written in a lively and engaging style and, through case studies and interviews, examines: " the impact that social factors such as gender, class, sexuality, religion, disability and family have on life opportunities; and " connections between young people's lives, social policy frameworks and practice applications. Inventing Adulthoods is an invaluable resource to anyone interested in the lives of young people. Thought-provoking yet accessible, this book is ideal for students in youth studies and education, as it is for youth workers, social workers and other practitioners. Inventing Adulthoods is the set book for the Open University course Youth: Perspectives and Practice (KE308). Sheila Henderson is a Visiting Fellow at London South Bank University. Janet Holland is Professor of Social Research and Co-director of the Families and Social Capital ESRC Research Group at London South Bank University. Sheena McGrellis is a Senior Research Fellow in the Families Group, but is based at University of Ulster. Sue Sharpe is a Visiting Fellow at London South Bank University. Rachel Thomson is Professor of Social Research in the Faculty of Health and Social Care at The Open University.

Top deck is a two-level course which bridges the gap between primary and secondary language learning. The course takes the highly successful story-based approach of primary courses as a basis and introduces the common features of secondary courses so pupils are best prepared for secondary school learning. They develop both language skills and learner confidence and independence. Key features of Top deck include: Story A highly illustrated story which introduces the main vocabulary and topic of the unit. About - Pages which focus on cross-curricular content learning. Language stop Pages which actively encourage pupils to discover language and work rules out. Skills ticket Task-based activities written in line with the CEF, practising and developing the four skills. Each unit finishes with the Skills ticket, designed specifically to focus on skills training. Project task Pupils collect knowledge throughout the unit which is brought together in the project task at the end - responding to emails and letter, writing part of a project and making a photo album for example. Super Tour Ideal for mixed-ability classes, the Super Tour boxes offer options for early finishers at different levels. Learning to learn Teaching pupils how to independently solve tasks and reflect on learning, the Learning to Learn strategies for all four skills are integrated throughout. An index and practice activities feature in the activity book appendix. Reference material The activity book appendix contains wordlists and grammar reference charts for independent learning. Routes The teacher's book caters for different levels of ability. It includes different approaches, called 'routes', to stories and exercises, with more challenging activities for faster learners. Throughout the teacher's book, suggestions of support for slower learners and extension opportunities for faster learners are listed. CD-ROMS Pupil's CD-ROM which follows the structure of the course and offers interactive practice exercises. The Teacher's CD-ROM contains photocopiable worksheets with useful phrases, assessment tests at two levels and storycards. Online support at www.macmillanenglish.com/topdeck

He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love. - Colosians 1:13 Sue Sharp has opened a window into the time of Jesus and His journey. The Nazareth carpenter is brought to readers in a unique and caring narrative that dispels mysticism and portrays Him as the very human/very divine Son of God. The story takes place in Heaven as well as on Earth, as the battle between the evil forces and the Creator gears up. Sue has written from a desire to explore the relationship between Father and Son. She believes if we understand how much they cared for each other, it could help us understand a little better how high a price each of them paid for our salvation.

'The series Youth: Perspectives and Practice provides a distinctive and rare combination of expert commentary, new research, original theorising and critical reflection on how we should understand youth and work with young people. These books deserve a wide readership ... the way they are written and organised will make them particularly appealing to students' - Professor Robert MacDonald, University of Teesside Inventing Adulthoods offers a ground-breaking new perspective on young peoples' experiences of growing up at the turn of the 21st century, arguing that a biographical approach is vital to understanding the holistic and dynamic character of their lives. Based on a study of a diverse group of young people over a 10 year period, the book explores high profile policy issues: education, employment, drugs, cultures of violence and well-being. It also considers the significance of those things that mean most to young people themselves: mobility, home, belonging, intimacy and social life. The book is written in a lively and engaging style and, through case studies and interviews, examines: " the impact that social factors such as gender, class, sexuality, religion, disability and family have on life opportunities; and " connections between young people's lives, social policy frameworks and practice applications. Inventing Adulthoods is an invaluable resource to anyone interested in the lives of young people. Thought-provoking yet accessible, this book is ideal for students in youth studies and education, as it is for youth workers, social workers and other practitioners. Inventing Adulthoods is the set book for the Open University course Youth: Perspectives and Practice (KE308). Sheila Henderson is a Visiting Fellow at London South Bank University. Janet Holland is Professor of Social Research and Co-director of the Families and Social Capital ESRC Research Group at London South Bank University. Sheena McGrellis is a Senior Research Fellow in the Families Group, but is based at University of Ulster. Sue Sharpe is a Visiting Fellow at London South Bank University. Rachel Thomson is Professor of Social Research in the Faculty of Health and Social Care at The Open University.