It's Perfectly Normal: Changing Bodies, Growing Up, Sex, and Sexual Health by Robie H. Harris, Michael Emberley

From the Publisher

"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.

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. (Sept.)

Children's Literature

This book is more for the middle schoolers since it offers more detail and subject coverage than other books on the same topic. It is not for the faint-of-heart. Sexual reproduction, abstinence, abortion, birth control, sexual abuse, STD's (sexually transmitted diseases), HIV/AIDS are all discussed. There are lots of color drawings, presented in a non-threatening way by using a bird and a bee for discussion, and by using language easily understood by kids. My kids (ages 11, 13, & 14; 2 boys, 1 girl) read the book and unanimous stated that they liked this book and were glad it was available in the house-but they would never let anyone see them select it from a library shelf. It is a book that should be read and discussed with an adult and especially a parent.

Children's Literature

The author's and illustrator's understanding of and respect for children in evident throughout this book. Ms. Harris covers the same material as Ms. Patterson in It's OK to Be You, but treats the issue of homosexuality more explicitly and non-judgmentally adds information about aborted pregnancies. She's also included information about sexual abuse and sexually transmitted diseases, including AIDS, and an index. A bird and a bee add light-hearted commentary.

VOYA

The third edition of this award-winning book on human sexuality will be welcomed by curious adolescents everywhere. Harris's writing style is straightforward and lively, and Emberley's eye-catching illustrations are still edgy and fresh. Colorful, witty cartoons depict bodily processes such as menstruation and ejaculation in the style of a graphic novel, and every conceivable body type, age, and race are represented somewhere in the book. The Bird and the Bee, two characters who carry on a continuous background dialogue supplementing the main text, are especially amusing. The bulk of the text has not changed; however, some of the information, such as the segment on birth control, has been updated to include recent developments. The section on abortion now has more current legal information, including relevant court cases, such as a 2007 Supreme Court ruling further restricting intact dilation and extraction. The information on sexually transmitted diseases, AIDS, and HIV has also been updated, and helpful discussions of the HPV vaccine and Internet safety have been added. The final chapter, "Staying Healthy," stresses the importance of taking responsibility for one's actions and decisions in addition to taking good care of one's body. Harris and Emberley offer encouragement, openness and understanding to young readers who are personally in need of this kind of information as well as to those who are just interested in reading about the birds and the bees. Previously published in 1994 and 2004, this excellent updated resource will be a valuable addition to any library collection. Reviewer: Dotsy Harland

School Library Journal

Gr 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

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