It's Perfectly Normal: Changing Bodies, Growing Up, Sex, and Sexual Health (The Family Library) (Paperback)

by Robie H. Harris (Author), Michael Emberley (Illustrator)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
In this intelligent, amiable and carefully researched book, Harris ( Before You Were Three ) frankly explains the physical, psychological, emotional and social changes that occur during puberty--and the implications of these changes. Taking a conversational, relaxed tone, Harris also discusses such subjects as sexual orientation, sexual reproduction, pregnancy, birth control, sexually transmitted diseases and sexual abuse. The author intentionally and effectively repeats certain crucial information, especially on the subject of the possible consequences of sexual intercourse. Alternately playful and realistic (and occasionally graphic), Emberley's ( Ruby ) watercolor-and-pencil art reinforces Harris's message that bodies come in all sizes, shapes and colors--and that each variation is "perfectly normal." Cartoon panels illustrate various complicated processes (e.g., menstruation, the fertilization of an egg, childbirth). Appearing on each spread are two characters--an easy-going bird and an apprehensive bee--whose comments add levity to this solid volume. Ages 10-14.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal
Grade 4-8-A wonderful guide for young adolescents setting sail on the stormy seas of puberty. Packed with the vital information they need to quell fears and make wise decisions, this "sex manual" uses of clever cartoons to enliven and expand the text. Frank yet playful, they portray a reassuring array of body types and ethnic groups and illuminate the richly informative, yet compact text, allowing readers to come away with a healthy respect for their bodies and a better understanding of the role that sexuality plays in the human experience. Birth control, abortion, and homosexuality are given an honest, evenhanded treatment, noting differing views and recommending further discussion with a trusted adult. The dangers of STDs, teen parenthood, and sexual abuse are examined. The inventive use of a bird and a bee that react to the topics throughout artfully contrasts the differing views of early and late bloomers. Like any book that depicts naked bodies and sexual activity, this one is sure to inspire a few giggles in the stacks and be likely to disappear. But what it offers in scope, currency, and a cheerfully engaging format is quite special. An ideal introduction to "coming of age."-Virginia E. Jeschelnig, Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library, Willowick, OH
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: Candlewick; 10 Upd Anv edition (July 22, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0763624330
• ISBN-13: 978-0763624330
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 8.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (63 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #5,438 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

125 of 144 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent choice!, October 16, 1999

By	Maggi Rohde "librarian and mom" (Ann Arbor, MI) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: It's Perfectly Normal: Changing Bodies, Growing Up, Sex, and Sexual Health (The Family Library) (Hardcover)

I hardly know where to start in praising this book! The writing is very frank, and may provide more than some parents wish their kids to know at this stage. The drawings are cartoonish, but still realistic enough to make sense and appeal to kids. Two friends, a bird and a bee, appear on every page to make comments on the text, and provide every reader with someone to identify with - the bird is excited about growing up, while the bee is embarrassed and not as interested. Boys and girls will appreciate knowing that they are learning the same stuff (there aren't two copies for either gender). Just about every topic is addressed, if briefly: reproduction, homosexuality, physiology, menstruation, erections and ejaculation, changes in body shape and smell, changes in emotions, masturbation, families and pregnancy, birth control/family planning, sexual abuse, STD's and AIDS - everything! The best part, though, is the two page spread of drawings of different types of naked bodies: fat, thin, tall, all colors, all ages, even people in wheelchairs. These two pages alone are worth the price of the book.

51 of 60 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful, thorough book, BUT..., June 28, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: It's Perfectly Normal: Changing Bodies, Growing Up, Sex, and Sexual Health (The Family Library) (Hardcover)

The thoroughness of this book is key for your preteen to get the truth about his/her body and other sexual topics. It really contains almost anything a preteen would want to know. The two-page spread of naked bodies is reality without being pornography! It's really a hit over the head that most people don't look like supermodels! (your kid might feel better about his/her body - chances are, they have a more attractive one!) BUT...some of the info is embedded in other sections; repetition might have been useful for a child who is picking and choosing what material he/she is ready for. This book is NOT for the age group it's recommended for; you should start with "It's So Amazing" - a five-star book in every way. Finally, "Normal" equates a crush with "sexual attraction" and I'm not so comfortable making that assumption! A nine-year-old need not consider that he/she is already experiencing sexual attraction. You might want to explain how it feels (for each gender) to be sexually attracted to someone, and that he/she might not feel that way for many years (especially if it's a girl, she might only desire as much as kissing!). Perhaps the first time he/she feels sexually attracted is the bench mark when he/she should make sure to read the rest of the book!

83 of 102 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It's Perfectly Normal, January 7, 2001

By	Human Capital "stark reality" (Sacramento, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: It's Perfectly Normal: Changing Bodies, Growing Up, Sex, and Sexual Health (The Family Library) (Hardcover)

Kids talk about sex A LOT. The problem is they often pass on incorrect information. This book is perfect to make sure that what they learn is correct, accurate and healthy. I read 1/3 of this book to my 9-year-old daughter and despite the late hour, she was mesmerized. The pictures are explicit, but is necessary so that children make no mistake about what is being discussed. It also has funny cartoons that address people's attitudes about sex, and which a kid can relate to. I like the part where it covers the various definitions of sex: gender, desire, reproduction, intercourse and homosexuality. Kids really do get warped concepts of sex and this book covers all the ways people talk about it (silly jokes) and their attitudes about it. The book also covers anatomy, puberty, families and babies, birth control, and staying healthy. It's well organized, well-written and concise. I recommend every parent who hears the word sex uttered from their child's lips, read this book to him/her. Even teenagers can benefit from this information.