It's Perfectly Normal: Changing Bodies, Growing Up, Sex, and Sexual Health

Okay, so I thought nothing would make me blush when it comes to talking to my son about sexuality, but this one challenged me. I actually didn't even give it to my son, who is totally the right age for it, because I couldn't handle one little thing...I'M HORRIFIED at myself! But there's an illustration of mom and dad having sex, and, well, I just don't want him visualizing me in that position. Is this awful of me? I think it is, but I can't get past it. The information in this book is thorough and perfect, but that was just a little too much. If I could eliminate that page, I'd hand it right over to him. Thankfully, there are plenty of other resources out there for him.

"It's Perfectly Normal" by Robie Harris and Michael Emberley provides information about sex and sexuality. Targeted for ages 10 and up, it is an excellent guide, not only for adolescents, but for adults as well, especially when discussing these topics. I highly recommend this book.

Information is given in a straightforward, honest manner. The style is to present things with easily understandable "technical" terms and explanations, but to also include some of the terms that children might have heard. For example, when addressing testes, there is an explanation why these might also be called balls or nuts. The authors do not avoid topics such as oral or anal sex, but also they do not dwell on them in great detail. It's important to note show more that the authors repeatedly emphasize personal responsibility, such as avoiding unwanted pregnancy and avoiding sexually transmitted diseases, as well as ways to do so.

In light of the 2022 Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade, that section of the book is now in need of revision, but aside from that, I found this to be an excellent book. show less

I can see why this book may be deemed "offensive" by some. It is very blunt in how it addresses sexuality. There are many drawings of naked people of all ages and shapes and races; I don't see this as a bad thing, though. Everything builds towards the message of the very title of the book--it's perfectly normal to have a body with these parts, and have them do certain things, or to have intense dreams with bodily responses, etc. This is intended for a middle grade audience, and offers a simply-stated approach to try to alleviate kids' fears.

Even when the artwork shows people straddling each other, it's the kind of thing you'll see on midday TV these days, only this book introduces information about sexual consequences like STD and show more pregnancy, too. I see It's Perfectly Normal as a good starting point for an honest conversation where a family can then discuss their beliefs and answer questions. This book was certainly more informative and honest than the sex ed course I took back in high school (which came too late for a lot of kids, anyway). show less

This book is exactly what I want as a future family reference. I love that It's Perfectly Normal provides honest, accurate, thoughtful, and clear information for tweens and young teens about puberty, sex, pregnancy, STDs, sexual orientation, and more. It is exactly what a good nonfiction book should be. Without honest answers from reliable sources, young people get a lot of misinformation from peers and their own assumptions. I read both this book and the younger companion book in the Family Library called It's So Amazing, so I could have accurate and age-appropriate books on hand for my son's now and future questions. I've taught middle/jr. high school students for many years and think that this book will best serve middle school show more students (6th-8th grade), but depending on the kid and his/her questions, this book is rightly labelled as 10 and up. I love that both books are divided into 1-2 page, well-titled sections, so that more mature, for some controversial, content areas can be easily skipped over, or returned to when the young person is more ready. How people handle teaching sex-ed to their children is such a personal decision. Please review before you share. We are our children's most important teachers; having a good book helps. show less

Informative and comprehensive. At least introductory information on any topics I can think to include in this type of book. I liked that it was inclusive and noted REALLY hard topics such as sexual abuse. A cartoon bird and bee provide commentary to lighten the mood of this awkward content. I read the 2020 revision.

I think I remember my mom trying to get me to read the original while I was in elementary school. I refused to have anything to do with it and it was returned to the library unopened. I was like bee and really didn't want to know. Wish I could provide perspective between then and now.

This book is very well written and covers most every topic about sexuality and sexual health from puberty to parenting. I was particularly impressed that they covered homosexuality as being perfectly normal, along with many variations of sexuality. The images are all cartoon like, and the text is light and directs children to confide with someone they trust for more information or to answer any questions. Great resource for parents or pubescent children looking for some answers and direction.

Written for the pre-teen set (or even older), this book on human sexuality is packed full of information, all presented in a straightforward, non silly way. And that makes it most useful for starting conversations with kids who are heading into puberty with lots of questions.