Dr. Ruth Talks to Kids: Where You Came From, How Your Body Changes, and What Sex is All about

The celebrated Dr. Ruth cordially welcomes her preteen and teenage audience, noting that ``You and I are going to have a good talk.'' And indeed, she proceeds to hold a conversation rather than deliver a lecture, liberally sprinkling her information and advice with anecdotes about her own experiences as an adolescent and a parent. Though she avoids sounding dogmatic and presents all sides of controversial debates, Westheimer never shies away from offering her opinion. On the subject of sexual intercourse, she declares that ``It's such a powerful experience that no teenagers I know are ready for it.'' And she succinctly sets forth her stance on abortion, maintaining it ``should not be used as a method of birth control. However, I think that every woman should have the right to choose to have an abortion.'' Though the book's length does not allow her to delve into most subjects in great detail (except ``how babies are made''), Westheimer manages to touch upon those topics teens are most likely to be curious about: the physical, social and emotional changes puberty brings; sex and contraception; sexually transmitted diseases; and sexual abuse. Illustrations not seen by PW . Ages 9-14. (Apr.)