What Do I Do Now [Hardcover]

Susan Kuklin (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 11 and up

Discusses the many decisions and considerations faced by pregnant teens, including the fact of getting pregnant, abortion, prenatal examinations and care, counseling, and psychological pressures.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 6 Up-- Kuklin interviewed teens and their families from many racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds, as well as medical and counseling personnel of organizations that assist those facing unplanned pregnancies. From these interviews and her observations of a Planned Parenthood unit, an adoption agency, a facility that performs abortions, and a hospital clinic, she presents in a clear and detailed style the pros and cons of options available to pregnant teens and their consequences. Some descriptions of procedures are graphic; accounts of the difficulties of those who kept their children and of those who opted for adoption also pull no punches. A particularly ugly episode relates the abuse and ostracism suffered by a teen who gave up her child. Kuklin is frank about her sympathies for the Planned Parenthood approach. Her experiences with pro-life groups are chronicled with negative connotations. She touches on a currently volatile issue about which she is uneasy--parental notification in teen abortions. Solid information, soberly presented, without moralization or strident activism. --Libby K. White, Schenectady County Public Library, NY
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Kirkus Reviews

The author-photographer of Fighting Back: What Some People Are Doing About AIDS (1989) takes a similar investigative approach in interviewing young women and men of varied socioeconomic groups, affiliated with a wide spectrum of agencies. The emerging picture is both optimistic and discouraging, but a repetitive pattern stands out: immaturity, of the pregnant teens and often of their parents as well (for instance, a woman who refers to her grandchild as her son). Time and again, the baby changes a couple's relationship; almost always, the attitude of the young mother's mother is pivotal to whether the girl will choose to abort, to keep the baby, or to put it up for adoption. Matter-of-factly, Kuklin spells out the daily routines of these young mothers. The message isn't lost: this is no picnic. Adeptly, she folds information in--e.g., you can get pregnant again before your period returns. Throughout, there is emphasis on building a support system, whatever the decision. A fine job. B&w photos; glossary. (Nonfiction. 12+) -- Copyright ©1991, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 11 and up
  
• Hardcover: 179 pages
• Publisher: Putnam Juvenile (May 24, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0399218432
• ISBN-13: 978-0399218439
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.7 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,932,547 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.