Dr. Ruth Talks to Kids

The popular sex therapist explains human sexuality for kids, discussing physical changes during adolescence, decision making about sex, contraception myths and realities, the process of conception, and childbirth.

Grade 5 Up-- A chatty, direct, frank discussion of growing up. Beginning with "Your Body," Westheimer discusses the physical changes that take place during adolescence. She moves on to emotions, and touches on such topics as peer pressure and sharing the telephone with parents. Parents are presented as good guys, and the author gently encourages kids to keep the lines of communication with them open. Chapters on sex follow, and include paragraphs on masturbation, homosexuality, contraception, sexually transmitted diseases, sexual abuse, and the process of conception and birth. Dr. Ruth offers her opinions freely, and states emphatically her belief that no teenager is ready for sex, but does not withhold information from those who are going to have it anyway. She says she is pro-choice, but does not want abortion to be used as a method of birth control. The book's brevity will appeal to the many readers who want their information to the point. An up-to-date list of further reading is appended. A good complement to Lynda Madaras's What's Happening to My Body? (Newmarket, 1987) or Eric Johnson's Love and Sex and Growing Up (Bantam, 1990). --Denise L. Moll, Lone Pine Elementary School, West Bloomfield, MI
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

The celebrated Dr. Ruth cordially welcomes her preteen and teenage audience, noting that "You and I are going to have a good talk." And indeed, she proceeds to hold a conversation rather than deliver a lecture, liberally sprinkling her information and advice with anecdotes about her own experiences as an adolescent and a parent. Though she avoids sounding dogmatic and presents all sides of controversial debates, Westheimer never shies away from offering her opinion. On the subject of sexual intercourse, she declares that "It's such a powerful experience that no teenagers I know are ready for it." And she succinctly sets forth her stance on abortion, maintaining it "should not be used as a method of birth control. However, I think that every woman should have the right to choose to have an abortion." Though the book's length does not allow her to delve into most subjects in great detail (except "how babies are made"), Westheimer manages to touch upon those topics teens are most likely to be curious about: the physical, social and emotional changes puberty brings; sex and contraception; sexually transmitted diseases; and sexual abuse. Illustrations not seen by PW . Ages 9-14.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.