It's Perfectly Normal by Robie H. Harris

Harris, R. (2009). It’s perfectly normal. Boston, MA: Candlewick Press.

This is a nonfiction book which consists of important topics such as puberty and sexual health for today’s kids and teens. According to its cover it is now fully updated for its twentieth anniversary. It is the most trusted and accessible resource for kids, parents, teachers, librarians, and anyone else who cares about the well-being of tweens and teens. Perfect for health lessons. It provides accurate and up-to-date answers to nearly every imaginable question, from conception and puberty to birth control and STDs.

The book is presented in a very organized manner. It’s divided into chapters and its font is even teen and tween friendly. The book also includes detailed anatomy illustrations, but in a respectful and tasteful manner. I believe that the authors did an excellent job presenting the facts of sex and sexuality, babies, and related issues to puberty-aged kids. I believe it is an excellent resource to empower kids with straight facts in a plain and frank manner and avoid misinformation from peers and media. I like that it stresses the importance of waiting for teens to have intercourse, preferably much older, and the importance of and the reasons for “safer sex.”

Content is presented candidly with descriptions of some prevalent values but without value judgements. It is a useful tool for those who understand that kids will have questions about these topics whether we like it or not, and many times, earlier than we think. This book helped me connect to Havighurst’s Theory of Developmental Tasks in which he explains about the importance of adolescents adapting to their physical bodies. This book will help teens and tweens understand the changes their bodies go through during puberty and adolescence. The cover recommends the book for audience of 10 years of age and older and I agree with that as well. This marvelous book consists of 98 pages. Other books that could spark your interest if you like this one could be What's Happening to Me? written by Susan Meredith and Let's Talk about Sex by Robie Harris.