Spit That Out!: The Overly Informed Parent's Guide to Raising Healthy Kids in the Age of Environmental Guilt

Addressing parents' concerns about how to keep their children healthy in a toxic world, Wolf is a calm voice of reason. Quotes from other parents remind readers that they are not alone in the struggle to balance children's desires for plastic toys and gummy worms with healthier alternatives. Wolf discusses various means of diapering, breast milk versus formula, organic and hand-me-down clothing, natural cleaners, and even toxic school environments, with action steps and tips for easy implementation. Her book will be useful to readers who know almost nothing about these matters as well as those who feel that they are drowning in information. Given a somewhat bleak subject, this is an entertaining and surprisingly positive read. Wolf never preaches but writes appealingly from the perspective of a regular mother trying her best. She provides direction and focus, advising parents where to invest limited energy and money so as to have the greatest impact on their children's health. Her work is enlightening and frightening, but also empowering and practical. For readers seeking advice on how to ditch guilt and be proactive when it comes to making healthy choices for their children, Wolf's book ought to become the go-to guide. (Sept.)