Pregnancy

School Library Journal

Gr 6 Up-These titles stress the importance of obtaining knowledge to make wise decisions; of acting responsibly; of reaching out to communicate with peers, parents, clergy, and counselors. All feature interviews with teens and include black-and-white photos with balanced gender and racial representation. Depression lists symptoms of serious illness and explores causes of depression and associated problems such as substance abuse, eating disorders, and running away. There is a chapter on teen suicide. Despite some repetition, the book is highly useful. Herma Silverstein's Teenage Depression (Watts, 1990) is comprehensive, but lacks Cush's direct style. Pregnancy is on target and readable. The basic facts about fertilization and contraception are presented; however, ``Natural Family Planning'' might be construed as being more effective than researchers have shown it to be. The signs and stages of pregnancy are described in understandable language. Emphasis is on making an informed decision as soon as possible. The discussion of options-abortion, keeping the baby, adoption, and foster care-is realistic and multifaceted. A chapter on abortion deals with legal implications including parental notification provisions. Throughout, the involvement of the father is an important factor. There is a chapter on pregnancy resulting from incest and rape. To pregnant teens, the message is one of hope; to all adolescents, the message is ``it's OK to say no.'' Broader treatments are Janet Bode's Kids Still Having Kids (Watts, 1992) and Laurie Rozakis's Teen Pregnancy (21st Century, 1993). Alcohol probes the reasons for teen drinking. A discussion of responses to the problem includes legal measures, such as the nationwide ban on alcohol purchase by those under 21, and preventive efforts by schools and parents. Horrific statistics on teen drinking and driving are presented. Information about the effects of alcohol and support groups such as SADD and Alateen are recommended as antidotes to media and peer pressure. The tone is optimistic; YAs can be helped to change their behavior-even if there is a family pattern of alcoholism. Unfortunately, there is a drawn-out discussion of communication techniques that will make readers wonder when the author will ever get around to her subject.-Libby K. White, Schenectady County Public Library, NY