Boy Talk

by Caroline Plaisted

Discusses body changes that happen to boys during puberty, such as acne, body hair, body odor, mood swings, crushes, and more, and gives suggestions to teen boys for taking care of their hygiene and keeping good relationships.

48 pages, Hardcover

First published July 1, 2011

About the author

Caroline Plaisted is a British author and editor with a deep passion for children's literature. She grew up in London and initially pursued a career in ballet, attending the Royal Ballet School. However, her love for books led her to work at a charity promoting reading across the UK, followed by a role at the House of Commons. She then found her true calling in children's publishing, later moving to the BBC where she managed both children's and adult books. After the birth of her first child, she became a freelance book editor and started writing children's books. Caroline also edited a magazine for English teachers and a regional publication about Kent, where she now resides.

Reviews

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clear, accessible language gives the facts in a conversational, reassuring tone. I purchased this for the puberty section of my school library, along with its companion, Girl Talk, but they both include much more about pre-teen and teen health and day-to-day issues.
I did appreciate that the author seemed to rewrite some sections specifically for boys (or girls, the female version) but some parts were simply cut-and-pasted. Not a big problem for the topics in which this was done, such as in the "Notes for Parents and Teachers" But with other topics, such as braces, there is different information presented.

Illustrations are clear, and also humorous when appropriate.

I wonder what my boy students will think of it...

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This well-written and honest look at boys and puberty is both an informative and entertaining read. The informational text is spread throughout pages full of bright colors, funny pictures and varied fonts that make this book attractive and appealing to tween readers. Portions of the pages are nicely sectioned off, encouraging the reader to delve into whatever portions of the page most catch his eye. The friendly narrative voice and the second person narrative style will pull readers in and make the book more personal. A descriptive table of content and thorough index are included for quick reference. If you have boy beginning puberty, ages 10-12, check out this book and share.

[Hillingdon Libraries]

Find this book at Hillingdon Libraries