Sexual Readiness Book

Discusses various aspects of sex and sexuality, including physical risks, emotions involved, setting limits, and sexual responsibility.

VOYA

Each of the books in the Perspectives on Healthy Sexuality series has a textbook format: chapter overview and points to consider, a glossary and bibliography, and sidebar graphics throughout. Unfortunately the author's tone is that of a wellintentioned parent who gets some facts across, yet the presentation and content are not very interesting, nor is the information truly what teens probably hope to learn. Sexual Readiness devotes a few paragraphs to many different topics, such as pregnancy and pain during intercourse, which result in coverage of only the basic facts of sexuality. Much of this information is on the fringes of relevancy in determining sexual readiness. However some elements are more focused, such as questions to ask when setting limits and what to consider in a partner. The series' covers are attractive, with large photographs of teens on a checkerboard background, but similar staged photographs throughout the books are extraneous and irrelevant. Targeted at reluctant readers, most pages are only about 50% text. Differences between Canada and the United States are mentioned. Other titles include Healthy Sexuality, Homosexuality, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Teen Fathers, Teen Mothers, Teen Pregnancy, and Teen Sex. While a teen may find useful facts for a report, Perspectives on Healthy Sexuality cannot compete with the many other honest works on sexuality containing language and presentation that are attractive to teens. Glossary. Index. Photos. Further Reading. VOYA CODES: 2Q 2P M (Better editing or work by the author might have warranted a 3Q; For the YA with a special interest in the subject; Middle School, defined as grades 6 to 8). 1999,LifeMatters/Capstone Press, Ages 12 to 14, 64p. PLB $16.95. Reviewer: Julie Wilde