Author Description

From School Library Journal Grade 7 Up-Lee addresses coming of age, sexual discovery, abuse, sexually transmitted diseases, birth control, pregnancy, and sexual harassment. The section on birth control presents the pros and cons of various methods and includes a discussion of contraceptive options that are still awaiting FDA approval. Some of the information is unusual, such as the discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of various condoms, while other information is confusing. The opening text states that "Puberty can begin at any age from 9 to 18, although for some individuals, it can start sooner or even later"; a few pages later, a table gives specific ages for each stage of puberty for each sex. In another contradiction, Lee recommends that "If masturbating upsets you, you should talk to a counselor, doctor, or your religious teacher to find out why," and two pages later writes, "Never do anything that makes you feel bad or guilty." Statistics are presented without specific sources, and the list of organizations to contact for help includes only six entries, none of which deals directly with sexually transmitted diseases. The 13 titles listed for further reading include only two written since 1989; one is 15 years old. A very limited glossary is appended.Dona Weisman, Northeast Texas Library System, GarlandCopyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. Product Description Discusses such topics as sexual abuse, pregnancy, birth control, sexually transmitted diseases, and sexual harassment