World Famous Comics: It's Perfectly Normal: Changing Bodies, Growing Up, Sex, and Sexual Health (Robie Sex Books)
It's Perfectly Normal: Changing Bodies, Growing Up, Sex, and Sexual Health (Robie Sex Books)
By: Robie H. Harris Publisher: Candlewick Average Rating: Binding: Paperback Label: Candlewick Number of Items: 1 Number of Pages: 96 Publication Date: July 22, 2004 Reading Level: Young Adult Release Date: July 22, 2004
Product Description: "Alternately playful and realistic, Emberley's . . . art reinforces Harris's message that bodies come in all sizes, shapes, and colors — and that each variation is 'perfectly normal.'" — PUBLISHERS WEEKLY (starred review)
When young people have questions about sex, real answers can be hard to find. Providing accurate, unbiased answers to nearly every imaginable question, from conception and puberty to birth control and AIDS, IT'S PERFECTLY NORMAL offers young people the information they need — now more than ever — to make responsible decisions and to stay healthy. Already used as a trusted resource in twenty-five countries around the world (and translated into twenty-one languages), IT'S PERFECTLY NORMAL marks its tenth anniversary with a thoroughly updated edition that includes the latest information on such topics as birth control, hepatitis, HIV, and adoption, among others. This definitive new edition also reflects the recent input of parents, teachers, librarians, clergy, scientists, health professionals, and young readers themselves.
Great book I bought this book to help get through 'the talk' with my daughter. It was very blunt and to the point, but I think that is a great thing.
highly questionable this book is one of the top 10 most highly questionable books in 2007. it ranked #9. i think parents should explain these things. your child should hear it from you.
It's Perfectly Normal This book is just what every parent of a preeteen needs. It covers all the "taboo" topics many parents are uncomfortable discussing with their kids. I feel better knowing my daughter is armed with facts as she enters her teen years.
Just the right amount of knowledge What I love about this series of books (we also own "It's So Amazing") is that they give enough information to answer the questions your kids may have about growing up and sex, but they don't overwhelm them. The characters of "Bird" and "Bee" also reinforce the fact that learning about the subject matter can be both interesting (Bird's perspective) and kinda uncomfortable/gross (Bee's perspective)...and that either feeling is not only okay, but normal.
My daughter and I read this book together, so that I can answer any additional questions that may come up. I highly recommend this book as part of your child's sexual education.
I question the age appropriateness of this book Let me start off by saying that I'm a 26 year old guy, single, with no kids. I hear about this book from a conservative watchdog group and to satisfy my curiosity I read it for myself. I was surprised to find it in my local library in the juvenile section considering how controversial this book is.
The content itself is not that much different than what I learned in 5th, 8th, and 11th grade. It describes the biological differences between men and women, the changes that occur in puberty, and the process of birth. The section on abortion is politically balanced -- which is surprising for a book promoted by Planned Parenthood. The author also reiterates thought out the book that sex can be dangerous and should only be done when you are mature enough for it. She says that the only safe and guaranteed way to avoid STD's and pregnancy is abstinence, which is what I learned in school.
However, the book has a lot of things that are inappropriate for 10 year olds. It gives way too much information on the use of contraception. It also graphically shows the naked male and female body, including an erect penis, repeatedly. It shows a boy and a girl masturbating. It also shows a couple having sex twice in the books. It condones homosexuality and makes no mention of marriage. I'd be concerned that kids mike think they are "mature enough" before they really are given this information and imagery.
Personally, I would not consider giving it to anyone under 13 or 14 to read, if even that. I would not want to have it in my personal library, and I might not even want my kids to read it at all. Other people might think that this material is appropriate for their children, and that's okay. That is their right as parents. In my mind the book doesn't necessarily deserve 1 star but it doesn't deserve more that two.
Anything Goes Trivia
Trevor
Megaton Man
