Sexual Health Information for Teens

From The Critics

Reviewer: Roxanne Thompson, MD(Ochsner Clinic Foundation)
Description: This book is intended as a reference source of sexual health information for adolescents. It appears to be a compilation of information from diverse sources, such as magazine articles, websites, and brochures. The information comes from many organizations, including Planned Parenthood, the U.S. DHHS, and Time magazine.
Purpose: The purpose is to provide information for adolescents about sexuality and sexual health. The book meets this worthy objective.
Audience: This book is intended for adolescents in middle school and high school. The information appears to come from many sources, many of which are authoritative in the field.
Features: The book covers normal and abnormal development of males and females during puberty. It also covers menstruation, hygiene, sexuality, contraception, date rape, and sexually transmitted infections. The book's best feature is that it is written in language that should be accessible to most teens. Although abstinence is discussed, more space could have been devoted to discussions of postponing sexual activity.
Assessment: This book would be useful as a reference, perhaps in a school library. It covers issues relevant to a very broad range of readers, from the earliest pubertal children to the much more mature and experienced young adult. Thus, I do not think that any one reader would be interested in the entire book, but rather in specific, relevant sections. Because the topic is so broad, the coverage is lacking in some depth, but this may be appropriate for this audience.

VOYA

From the "Teen Health" series, the topics in this volume, Sexual Health Information for Teens, which follows Diet Information for Teens, Mental Health Information for Teens, and Drug Information for Teens, include puberty, reproductive health for girls and boys, sexuality and social issues (including sex education, sexual orientation, and rape), contraception, and sexually transmitted diseases. As with many books whose chapters have different authors, the tone varies from conversational (eminently readable for teens) to "icky" (like listening to your grandmother tell you about sex). Teens might find the format of such Web sites as Sex, Etc. (http://www.sxetc.org) or Scarleteen (http://www.scarleteen.com) more to their liking, more current, and more accessible. Indeed, although now somewhat dated, The "Go Ask Alice" Book of Answers (Henry Holt, 1998) is a better choice simply for its question-and-answer format: Teens with specific questions about sexuality can get their answers quickly without wading through the index. This book also suffers an unfortunate repetition of information. For example, the chapter on tampons covers toxic shock syndrome (TSS), but it is followed by a chapter solely on TSS that does not add much new content. Content is supplied by reputable organizations such as SIECUS, Planned Parenthood, and the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy. Source Notes, especially for the "It's a Fact!" text boxes (presumably supplied by the editor), are noticeably absent, and the list of family service and other related organizations at the end would be more helpful if it were annotated. Despite its shortcomings on the teen-appeal front, informationis sound, making this book suitable for homework assignments. VOYA Codes: 3Q 2P J S (Readable without serious defects; For the YA with a special interest in the subject; Junior High, defined as grades 7 to 9; Senior High, defined as grades 10 to 12). 2003, Omnigraphics, 391p.; Index., PLB. Ages 12 to 18.
—Christine Borne

Library Journal

Gr 9 Up-This excellent and comprehensive overview presents clear facts, arming readers with accurate information and equipping them to make wise personal choices. The articles are drawn from publications issued by government agencies such as the CDC, FDA, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, and the Office on Women's Health of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Other documents come from the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy and Sexuality Information and Education Council of the U.S., Consumer Health Interactive, and other organizations. Full citation information is provided on the first page of each chapter. The book covers such topics as puberty, reproductive health, sexuality and social issues, pregnancy prevention, and sexually transmitted diseases. Readers with questions about what is normal and what isn't will find answers here. Sidebars include "It's a Fact!!" and "Quick Tip," while "Weird Words" define technical terms. Separate chapters list Internet resources and organizations. An excellent index completes the book. While lacking the visual splash of Ruth Bell's Changing Bodies, Changing Lives (Times, 1998), Sexual Health approaches its subject with appropriate seriousness and offers easily accessible advice and information.-Joyce Adams Burner, Hillcrest Library, Prairie Village, KS Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

3 Stars from Doody