STRAIGHT TALK ABOUT TEENAGE PREGNANCY

by Paula Edelson ‧ RELEASE DATE: Nov. 1, 1998

An earnest addition to the Straight Talk series tackles the explosive issue of teen pregnancy. In an effort to be clear, fair, and evenhanded, the text is plodding and even dull in the descriptions of how pregnancy occurs. Edelson covers, in the same dutiful but lackluster manner, options of abortion, abstinence, and adoption; what it means to a teen's life to keep and raise a child; and how society views teen parents. Both liberal and conservative points of view are laid out (if erroneously--""partial birth"" abortions were not outlawed by federal legislation in 1996). Among those viewpoints represented are teen couples who have had unprotected sex, those who have chosen not to have sex yet, and those who are already teen parents; the variety allows Edelson to present many options, nearly all of them difficult. Exercises for self-esteem, active listening, and decision-making are included. While some of the language is so clumsy as to be almost farcical--""Like many things in life, sexual intercourse can be a lot of fury--and it can also have consequences that are not so much fun""--the book will suffice for readers seeking out basic information, with helpful back matter on various organizations.

Pub Date: Nov. 1, 1998

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: 131

Publisher: Facts on File

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 1998

Categories: CHILDREN'S