Karen Gravelle

This book is actually fabulous. The subject matter is presented factually, scientifically, but with a lightness that you need when dealing with matters that can be awkward. This is a book I wish I had growing up. Its views on sexuality are enlightened and mature. You learn not only about male, but female genitalia as well.

I was very impressed with the sections discouraging ever pressuring someone into intercourse, as well as several clear examples of what constitutes rape (and the show more consequences). I was equally impressed that the concept of retracting consent was discussed.

STI's are discussed at length. The life-cycle of pregnancy was well written, as it discusses every step of conception, from foreplay to birth. The idea that the responsibility of birth-control falls equally on each partner was pleasant, and i was also surprised that the more complex topic of abortion was discussed in a mature way.

The Question & Answer section was practical.
The section on hetero and homosexuality was wonderful.

The thing I enjoyed most about the book was that it soothes the reader of their main concern with "normality". The author reassures the reader throughout the book that they are completely normal individuals with the same fears and concerns and confusions as everyone else.

This book is an amazing introduction to sex and sexuality for young adults aged 10-13. I could not recommend it enough for them. show less

This book is all about how animals communicate, with each other and with us. It's written for young readers (I would say age group eight to twelve) but is very informative and I even learned a few things. While none of the topics are discussed in a lot of depth, they are all clearly presented. Each section is headed with a short descriptive passage of an animal interacting with others, and then the following chapter explains how this is possible. Not only the different methods animals use to show more communicate- sound, scent, touch, body posture and so on- but also why their communication abilities differ (animals that live underground or are nocturnal don't use many visual signals, for example). Animals featured in the book include honeybees, rattlesnakes, prairie dogs, housecats, chimpanzees, songbirds, elephants, seals, deer, frogs, sheep and even certain fish (which pulse electric signals to each other)! The final chapters discuss why dogs are so good at communicating with people (we share many similar types of signals) and how humans have taught signals and rudimentary language to dolphins, chimpanzees and gorillas. I was familiar with the apes briefly presented here- Lucy, Washoe and Koko. Even though this book is written for kids, it was a satisfying quick read for me.

from the Dogear Diary show less

Young people express feeling of pain, anger and guilt as they come to terms with the death of a parent, sibling or close friend. With special understanding because they've been thru it all 17 young adults discus death in this sensitive & caring book.

This book is part of a series called growing up in America, which talks about different cultures in America. This story follows a young girl named Alida and her family. They live right on a Bayou and the bayou is her favorite place to go. There's then a few pages that talk about the history of Louisiana. Then Alida's love of Cajun music is discussed. Mardi gras is also talked about. This story is interesting because it switches between the story of Alida and information about Louisiana.