Third Base Ain't What It Used To Be - book discontinued by Penguin - review by Bree23

I was really excited and interested to read this book. As a sex educator myself I was curious to see how another educator suggests teaching children and adolescents about sex, changing bodies, and being responsible. I have to say that I was not disappointed. Logan Levkoff does a great job giving parents, and teachers, advice on how to talk about difficult issues like abortion, as well as how to answer questions that may come at difficult or inappropriate times, i.e. like at family gatherings or in the grocery store. A completely sex-positive and open-minded viewpoint on sexual orientation, reproductive health, pregnancy options, Sexually Transmitted Infection, and a myriad of other topics confirmed my belief that Levkoff does indeed know what she's talking about and that, as the title portrays, sexuality is a completely different terrain than it may have been decades ago. Issues like abuse, teenage pregnancy, disease, and ignorance seem to be more prevalent today than in the past, and are absolutely essential to address with adolescents. Though I am not a parent yet, I do believe that this book will stay on my shelf for future reference. Logan Levkoff encourages a lifelong approach to education in order to promote a healthy sexual identity beginning with birth and continuing through the lifespan as an integral part of life.

What I would worry about is that some parents might feel that this book is too value-laden, as is prone to happen with all topics of sexuality. The book does take a decidedly sex-positive stance, as mentioned above, and though I am 100% in agreement with this philosophy, some people may be uncomfortable and may find the book irrelevant.

Overall a really enjoyable and quick read to use either as a parent, educator, or even to bone up on your own sex knowledge and education. This book is very highly recommended by me and I believe that others in the sexuality field would absolutely agree.