Almost 12

by Kenneth N. Taylor

Author Kenneth Taylor gives parents a successful and important tool for teaching their children about the wonders of human reproduction. Written to be read page-by-page with a child, Almost 12 follows the progress of human life from conception to birth, highlighting key facts and important moral values. With its question-and-answer section, art, photography, and easy-to-read format, children ages 10-12 will discover the miracle of birth in an effective and non-threatening way. Revised and updated for a new generation, Almost 12 also contains a new chapter to discuss premarital sex and sexually transmitted diseases.

Genres: Science, Parenting, Christian, Family, Nonfiction

64 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1968

About the author

Throughout his publishing career, Dr. Kenneth Nathaniel Taylor's dream was for all peoples of the world to read and understand God's Word and experience its power at work in their lives. From his earliest children's books to his generous support of Christian ministry, this vision was (and still is) reflected in his work. Ken Taylor, founder of Tyndale House Publishers, died in June 2005 at the age of 88. Early in his publishing career in the 1950s as director of Moody Press, Dr. Taylor wrote several children's books. Born out of experience with his own ten children, "Stories for the Children's Hour," "The Bible in Pictures for Little Eyes," and others are now being enjoyed by a third generation of children. "My First Bible in Pictures" was included in "Publishers Weekly"'s list of "All-Time Best-Selling Children's Books" in 2001. His love for children (including his 28 grandchildren and 35 great-grandchildren) continues to inspire new titles. In fact, it was his children, in their confusion over the meaning of the King James Version, who prompted his mission to make the Bible understandable for everyone. Dr. Taylor's "Living Letters," a thought-for-thought translation of the New Testament Epistles, was published by the newly formed Tyndale House Publishers in 1962. The complete "Living Bible" followed in 1971 and has now sold over 40 million copies in its many editions. In 1996 Tyndale House introduced the "Holy Bible," New Living Translation. In keeping with Dr. Taylor's vision of Scriptures that everyone can read, the New Living Translation is a thought-for-thought translation that is exegetically accurate and idiomatically authoritative. Ninety of today's leading Bible scholars worked with Tyndale House to develop this easy-to-understand translation. Tyndale has become one of the top evangelical publishers in America and today publishes books, several Bible lines, periodicals, and videos. During the past 40 years, Tyndale House has distributed over 100 million Bibles, New Testaments, and Bible portions worldwide. Dr. Taylor used the success of "The Living Bible" to further his mission by distributing all its royalties to Christian ministries worldwide. He founded Living Bibles International (which merged in 1992 with the International Bible Society) for translating, publishing, and distributing modern-language versions of the Bible around the world. His life of service has been recognized with at least 30 honors and awards from different organizations, including four honorary doctorates. In October 2000, Dr. and Mrs. (Margaret) Taylor were awarded the Distinguished Service to Family Award by Wheaton College. A graduate of Wheaton College, with graduate studies at Dallas Theological Seminary and Northern Baptist Theological Seminary, Dr. Taylor held 15 directorships with Christian organizations at home and abroad.

Reviews

[Kailee · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was written for Christian families. Not for kids who were adopted or whose father is out of the picture.

Gives incorrect information: states a woman produces an egg each month. A female is born with all her eggs and merely releases 1 (sometimes more) per month.

Uses out dated language such as "petting".

Implies that the only way sperm is emitted in an adolescent boy is through wet dreams.

And the real kicker is when the author states that premarital sex is one of the worst sins. While it is in fact a sin, there are no greater sins. Sin is sin. None is worse than the other.

Oh and then on the next page, he says to keep your hands to yourself if you are a boy and do not permit petting if you are a girl. As if the roles of initiation cannot be any other way.

Overall, it's a crappy, outdated book with misinformation.

[Radiolab]

Radiolab asked listeners for their sex ed recommendations.

Sara, a Radiolab listener, says, "My mom gave this book to me to teach me about sex. It was an awkward conversation and the book is overtly religious in its viewpoint (Christian, teaching abstinence), but reading it was a pivotal moment in my life. I felt like my mom trusted me as a grown up for the first time; I was 10."

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice short and to the point book about puberty and sex. A good starting point for more discussions as things come up. Written from a Christian (biblical) perspective. I did not agree with every sentence but a starting point.

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a brief, clear presentation of the facts of life to a child of "almost 12". I wish I'd had this several years ago! It was included in the Sonlight science F curriculum for our homeschool, but I think it would be an asset to any family needing to share this information.

[Karen]

Recommended by an older version of Honey for a Child's Heart book..krb 11/24/20

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprisingly well done, tasteful way of teaching children about the change, sex, and God's design.

[Pamela]

Zero stars

[Analia Belle Gonzalez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was how I was told. I thought it sufficient, but I don't really remember everything it contained.

[Jodi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great book to read with my boys. It jump started a very open and mature discussion. The book may have been dated but I was able to fill in what I needed and clarify what I felt needed clarification. The boys asked great questions and were able communicate openly and without embarrassment. I wish I had a similar book for my older kids when it was time for the "talk". I wouldn't just hand the book off to kids--it works better as a conversation starter.

[Shannon Whitaker · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is intended for Christian preteens. I don't feel as if it gave adequate information about the topic. This book should not replace communication between parents and preteens. It does use precise medical terminology.

[Mark Bunch · Rating 3 out of 5]

Got this one in 1972- I was 11 years old. My best friend's mother bought us both a copy . Mark B. Ashford and Mark C. Bunch-the two Marks- were never the same. It was time to chase tail I like any red blooded American boy.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ha! This was the book my parents gave me to read instead of giving me "the talk."

[Leichty Library]

Copies: 1

[Gary]

>"Almost 12 is a book for Christian kids and others who want
> to know what God has to say about sex so they can do what
> is right and can please Him."

...

'Nuff said.

[Tammy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Does a good job of telling about conception and puberty in a clear-cut easy way.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Covers the topics in an informing way that can be used for discussion if necessary.