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

I read all the reviews on amazon, among others. I decided to get the book to read with my 10 year old daughter. It does have cartoon graphics to illustrate each chapter, but there is nothing "sexy" about those (you can find them online if you search). It does discuss homosexuality, birth control, abortion, as well as menstruation, puberty, etc, etc. everything.So, this is a very personal decision, but I decided that a book this thorough would be the perfect guide to use with my kid. Because, next year she will go into 5th grade and they will start teaching a class on a watered down version of these topics. Also she is already hearing random stuff at school and after school. Who knows what exactly, and from which kid(s). So I decided that I'd rather go through all these topics with my daughter BEFORE she learns "the truth" from someone else. Plus, when will I talk to her? When she is past puberty and too "embarrassed" to talk? Now is a good time. She still listens to me :)So, I sat down with my daughter and explained why I got this book. I told her it's highly controversial because people have different beliefs. I said we should not talk about this at school, but the reason I am going through it with her is because I know she will hear bits and pieces out there, and I don't want her to feel confusion, embarrassment, or fear. I want her to feel like she can come to me any time and I will listen and help guide her. She was happy that would talk and had lots of questions as we approached each chapter.I did NOT hand over the book. I keep the book, and explained that it's not for her friends to see. Their parents can decide how to educate their kids. We need to respect each other. :) I acted naturally through this conversation.So approaching controversial topics may seem tough, but we are still going through it, and it's amazing how many questions she has, and how open and comfortable she felt. for instance: homosexuality... We read the chapter and then I asked her what she thought, before I spoke. I explained to her our beliefs as a family, and we talked a little about politics and religion. She is 10, so I kept it light. Whether I said homosexuality is wrong or right is not the point here. The point is that this is an opportunity to sit down and discuss it with my kid. By reading the book, we are not saying "go do it". It's also to me an opportunity to discuss privacy and respect.With the pic of the girl looking at herself in the mirror... My daughter giggled, and I said, "well, don't you look at yourself? In private? It's good to know your body. To look for moles, changes, etc. It's natural to be curious, but it is a private act. And all the book is illustrating is, this is a natural act that everyone does." We only read a chapter at a time, and we find that each discussion brings up other discussions such as skin cancer, health, hygiene, etc.Sorry this is a long review and I am not claiming to be a writer. I won't go into how I handled each topic, because maybe it's overkill, but already five other friends have bought this book. We see this book as a tool, and funny that my friends and I don't necessarily see eye to eye one very topic. We decided that we prefer to go over every topic, especially the super controversial ones... because if We don't go over these with our kids... Who will??Good luck!!

love the premise of giving this to your child to read things that are hard for us adults to talk about but there are just too many graphic (cartoon style) pictures,even showing masturbating and other graphic things lol ugg. I originally bought this for my 10 year old son but there is no way I can give him this book, want him to have the info..but not thrown in his face! there was no need for such graphic pictures on every page...reading about it is one thing..to see what these cartoons are doing..no. just no.

This book is mostly great. It has lots of illustrations that are anatomically correct and explicit, but cartoony. It shows anatomy of sex organs, puberty, sexual feelings, masturbation and so forth. It goes into pregnancy and childbirth...so far, all good. It goes on to describe sexual intercourse...okay...no problem...made me cringe a little, bur no biggie...it says its for age ten and up, but some of the discussions that arise in the intercourse chapter are not appropriate for a ten year old. Seriously, I am not a prude. I am a college level biology proffesor, I regularly talk to my child about anatomy and am open about bodily functions, etc. I am personally sex-positive and not even slightly shy in that arena. And I found my self shocked, reading a detailed description of oral and anal intercourse in a book designed for ten year olds....that's too much...

I am a sex educator and recommend this book and others in this series constantly. Written at an age appropriate level, this book answers so many questions kids have and give parent useful guides/tools for discussions.

Excellent book to introduce your child to their changing body and explanations for sexual terms and body parts. Shared this book with other parents in our child's class at school and was used by many of them for their children. Great for children 10-12 yrs old.

This was the first book I bought in this series after seeing a faux report of a crazy ex comedienne trying to stop a school from using it (turns out they weren't!) In sex ed classes. I didn't think it would be a real book, but low and behold it is and it is outstanding! It covers everything without sugarcoating or stretching any truths. It's factual, to the point, and honest without bias for anything but truth and quality education. I've bought copies for friends and encourage everyone I know with kids to check it out.

It's hard enough to talk to your kids about sex and the human body so let this book guide you on how to do it. I have two boys and I can pick out bits and pieces to keep it age appropriate and show them more of the book as they become ready and mature enough. Definitely helpful.

We are going through this book with our 9 year old son. He was reluctant at first but once we started reading the book he has enjoyed it. It gives a lot of good information and opens the door to talk about any questions they have. So far the it's been a great experience for our entire family.