Harris. R. H. & Emberley, M. (2014). It's Perfectly Normal. Boston, MA: Candlewick Press.
Summary
A handbook on what is happening to your body inside and out during the stage we call puberty and young adulthood. It covers, hygiene, maturity, sex, birth, and choices people must make as they get older. The illustrations are specific but not so professional looking that readers will be shocked or repulsed, maybe just blush a little. The book covers topics that many parents may be too embarrassed to discuss with their child. Or maybe teens are too embarrassed to talk to their parents about them. Either way, the book is a good way to get the discussion going. I was surprised to see the details on the mechanics of sex but glad to see that the authors also included alternatives like abstinence.
Commentary
A resource of this type is very useful. I am unsure if it needs to be included in a school library. Teens need to learn these topics but there are some who still feel that it is a families responsibility to inform and decide when to inform. It is obvious that young people need to be taught about safe sex from professionals or parents instead of each other but that is not mandatory. And due to that fact, the issue of teen moms, and rising STD will continue to happen. The book is a perfect solution to how to tackle these issues. Adolescence is a very confusing time. The body is changing inside and out rapidly. The pace is so fast before they can come to terms with one change another one is coming down the pike.
Connections to other books
Connection to Text
This book is an expository nonfiction book. There aren't photographs but plenty of illustrations and a few diagrams. It's purpose is to inform readers. I don't think the language will unintentionally influence students to do anything. The content is well balances to give a full explanation on all sides.
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