Dr. Ruth Talks To Kids: Where You Came From, How Your Body Changes, and What Sex Is All About

A tight and unmarked copy-" Here, in her warm, wise, forthright, and unmistakable voice, Dr. Ruth Weisenheimer talks to kids about what concerns them most: the inevitable changes, both physical and emotional, that are a part of growing up. She tells boys and girls exactly what will happen to their bodies and why. She tells them about the new, perhaps turbulent, feelings they may have. And she discusses sex openly, with the philosophy that the more kids know, the better able they'll be to deal with sexual issues. She isn't afraid to state her position about kids and sex, either: "It's such a powerful experience, " she says, "that no teenagers I know are ready for it." Dr. Westheimer takes special care to cite the possible dangers of sex - not only unwanted pregnancy but also sexually transmitted diseases, including the fatal AIDS. And she does not fail to address the problem of sexual abuse. Of course, she covers the topic of contraception, telling kids that the only foolproof method is abstinence. Clearly, Dr. Ruth does not try to protect kids from harsh realities. On the other hand, her energy, optimism, and sheer joie de vivre are evident throughout, and always contagious. In the end, she tells readers that "Dr. Ruth believes it is everybody's obligation to try to have a happy life." Her presentation of the facts, and her advice and compassion, coupled with accurate and sensitive drawings by the esteemed children's book illustrator Diane deGroat, are intended to help kids do just that.- A forthright discussion of the changes that take place during adolescence, and their related sexual issues, includes sections on sexually transmitted diseases, contraception, and homosexuality. "Minor stain on lower text block. From Publishers Weekly: In this primer on sex, puberty, and reproduction, the noted therapist and TV personality "manages to touch upon those topics teens are most likely to be curious about," said PW. Ages 9-14. Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.