Changing You: A Guide to Body Changes and Sexuality

by Gail Saltz, Lynne Avril Cravath (Illustrator)

Puberty can be an exciting—and confusing—time for children. In her follow-up to her bestselling Amazing You! , Dr. Gail Saltz navigates curious youngsters through body changes for boys and girls, reproduction, and emerging sexuality with her renowned brand of warmth and candor. Lynne Cravath’s lively illustrations provide just enough detail while underscoring the direct and honest tone of the text. This refreshingly accessible picture book also includes an author’s note to parents.

Genres: Nonfiction, Childrens, Parenting, Picture Books

48 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Jeff · Rating 3 out of 5]

This would have been a good book to have at hand when my kids were little.

Not sure why it shows up on lists of books some people want removed from public libraries. A parent in my local library district asked that it be moved to the adult section of the library.

[Molly · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't really care for this one. Here's the description of what sex is: "when a man and a woman love each other and decide that they want to have a child...." That's really all you need to read to know it's going to be narrow, not super-inclusive, and not even really accurate. I get it that this is a really hard topic to broach in a sensitive way, but I just don't think this was it.

[Kate Buechler]

As a public librarian reading through my system's collection of puberty and sex education books, this is not one I would recommend. There are newer and more comprehensive materials out there.

[Carly · Rating 3 out of 5]

only negative comments I have are referring to menstruation as a “cleansing” of the uterus…implications of dirtiness should not be in children’s puberty books and perpetuates the idea that mensuration is a dirty thing. I’m being linguistically picky, but still.

It is heteronormative (it focuses mainly on explaining sex as procreative and the physiology of pregnancy) but it is anatomically accurate (does mention the clit¡) and is progressively illustrated and in many ways is a good introductory book for ages 8-11. It wouldn’t be a horrible addition to a kid’s bookshelf as long as it isn’t the only book addressing topics of sex, love, and puberty in their little library.

[Sarah Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

My son was reluctant to hear anything about puberty, changes or how babies are made so I picked up a couple books from the library. He also wasn't a fan of sitting and reading them alone. I asked him if he would read them with me and he did. This was the one that we started with. It gave all the necessary info, but with cartoony graphics that made it easier for him to deal with. It does mention that touching yourself is normal and okay, which may be against some peoples religious beliefs, but since it is not against mine I had no problem having him hear that. I would recommend a quick run through before you allow your child to read it. It didn't bother me one bit, but I could see how it could bother others and their personal beliefs that they teach in their families. I saw nothing wrong with the information given in this book. If you are open minded and looking for something to ease your kids into a talk this might be just what you need to get started. My son is 10 years old, and though I was worried it would be too cartoony and young for him he actually enjoyed reading it with me. He's just not currently a fan of the subject, which is normal because it can be awkward to some people.

[Alexandria · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book talks about how a person's body grows when they begin puberty. Some of the information is a little too detailed for a classroom book. However I would tell parents to look at this book if their child is asking questions and they do not know how to answer. One day when I have a family of my own, I will hopefully remember this book and buy it so my child doesn't have any misconceptions about what is happening when they reach puberty.

[Chelsea Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this because a local group in my area wants this book to be reshelved out of the childrens (0-11) section and put in the adult section. Their complaints were as follows:

"Encourages innocent children to touch themselves and explore their bodies until they are ready to have sex. "

Having read this, I believe it's perfect for the target age to teach them how their body is changing and what to expect in the future. I appreciate that the illustrations are anatomically correct while still being cartoonish.

I feel this is the perfect book to start a conversation with a child who's on the verge of puberty.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read it with my 10 yr old boy. I was so impressed she included the breakdown of the vulva and included the clitoris! I thought it was a great puberty book.

[Cedric · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful explorations!

[Jodysegal · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Changing You is a slight book (at 30 pages) that packs in a lot of information for tweens about physical development and sexuality. Each two-page spread addresses a topic, such as when puberty hits, physical changes in girls or boys, how babies are created and born, and feeling comfortable with one’s own body. Topics are informative and accessibly addressed with very detailed graphics. Full-page pastel, naïve art helps reduce the intimidation factor, though they may appeal more to girls than boys. The book is body-positive, reassuring young readers that it is normal to touch one’s body for pleasure in private, though the discussion and depictions are limited to heterosexual models. Most two page spreads feature both white and people of color. The book concludes with a one-page guideline for caregivers to consider before talking to their child about sexual development, but no other reference resources.

[Miri Gifford · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a fantastic approach to explaining puberty and sex, so much better than Hair in Funny Places. There's a note at the beginning to parents, followed by guidelines at the end for having this discussion with their kids. The illustrations are fun and very educational. I think allowing your kid to just read this on their own, then asking them what they thought of it afterward, would be an excellent way to educate them and let them know that the human body is not something to fear. The book also lets kids know that if they don't understand something, or if someone ever wants to touch their body in ways that make them uncomfortable, they should talk to an adult they trust. I can see this being the book I choose to use in the future.

[bookworm22 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very good book for a pubescent teenager or just pre-pubescent. It goes over sexual development and more explicit sexuality. There may be messages in the book that some do not agree with but that, in itself, could generate discussion about how to make decisions regarding sexuality, pornography, and other related issues...

[Catherine · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't love how some of the information in this book is presented. The book certainly has all the information you would want your child to have, but isn't presented with the values I would prefer to teach my children

[Marti · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very simplistic version of puberty, good for an introduction to the issues. Spent two separate pages discussing masturbation, which seemed very excessive.

[Lindsay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad information, but the focus is on sexuality in heterosexual relationships, and some of the illustrations express gender stereotypes.

[Maggie Ignasiak · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book thoroughly explains puberty, intercourse, and reproduction. My main issue is that in three different parts of the book, it references marriage as a near necessity for intercourse and reproduction.