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Asking About Sex and Growing Up: A Question-And-Answer Book for Boys and Girls
Today's children hear about sex all the time-on television, in the movies, and from their friends. But what they hear and see does not always give a healthy or even an accurate view of sexuality.This unique book, the only one of its kind for preteens, uses a question-and-answer format to offer straightforward information on a wide variety of subjects that often concern and mystify young people.
96 pages, Paperback
First published November 24, 2009
77 people are currently reading
208 people want to read
About the author
Joanna Cole
488 books205 followersJoanna Cole, who also wrote under the pseudonym B. J. Barnet, was an author of children’s books who teaches science.
She is most famous as the author of The Magic School Bus series of children's books. Joanna Cole wrote over 250 books ranging from her first book Cockroach to her famous series Magic School Bus.
Cole was born in Newark, New Jersey, and grew up in nearby East Orange. She loved science as a child, and had a teacher she says was a little like Ms. Frizzle. She attended the University of Massachusetts and Indiana University before graduating from the City College of New York with a B.A. in psychology. After some graduate education courses, she spent a year as a librarian in a Brooklyn elementary school. Cole subsequently became a letters correspondent at Newsweek, and then a senior editor for Doubleday Books for Young Readers.
She is most famous as the author of The Magic School Bus series of children's books. Joanna Cole wrote over 250 books ranging from her first book Cockroach to her famous series Magic School Bus.
Cole was born in Newark, New Jersey, and grew up in nearby East Orange. She loved science as a child, and had a teacher she says was a little like Ms. Frizzle. She attended the University of Massachusetts and Indiana University before graduating from the City College of New York with a B.A. in psychology. After some graduate education courses, she spent a year as a librarian in a Brooklyn elementary school. Cole subsequently became a letters correspondent at Newsweek, and then a senior editor for Doubleday Books for Young Readers.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
August 10, 2020
This book is okay. It does certain things really well but it lacks in other areas.
One of it's strengths is that it cover a wide variety of topics which may concern children who are entering puberty (8-12). Subjects are discussed in a blatant yet age-appropriate manner. The chapters on sexual abuse and pleasure are particularly well done.
However I do have several issues with the book with regard to it's lack of diversity and inclusivity. As with many sexual education materials targeted towards children, the book is very binary (it is both hetero-normative and cis-normative). In particular I noticed that the book was not Ace inclusive. Gender diversity and diversity in sexual orientation seem thrown in as an after thought. Included in that section was a line about how Greek times were more accepting of homosexuals which is a wild oversimplification and not entirely historically accurate. I also didn't think it was great that the readers were encouraged to wait until their late teens to decide on their sexual orientation. While childhood and teen years may be a time for exploration for some, others feel very secure in their gender identity or sexual orientation from early on. I don't think these people should be invalidated. The illustrations were also not very diverse in terms of body type. I would have liked to see more disability representation in both the content of the book and illustrations.
I also found certain topics were over simplified which I assume was to make it more approachable to the target audience. However the choices for what was emphasized verses omitted I found strange. For example, in the chapter on birth control methods; while less commonly used forms of birth control were explained, other more popular methods were merely mentioned, others were omitted entirely. I would have liked for the section on STIs to be more flushed out. I found the descriptions to be fear-mongering in that it worst-case-scenario outcomes listed without mentioning that these are rare and only occur when the disease is left untreated. While not as problematic the section on biology was also oversimplified, in particular I would have liked to see the cervix mentioned.
There were some odd writing choices such as referring to breasts as "sex organs" as opposed to "secondary sex characteristics". Definitions of key terms that children may not be familiar with were also not always provided. It also struck me as odd that the author encouraged pregnant people to drink milk in particular.
I didn't appreciate the negative attitude towards abortion or unplanned pregnancy. Both were made out to be extremely negative and life-altering experiences. I understand the intention was to discourage young people from taking risks which may result in an unplanned pregnancy before they are ready. However, unplanned pregnancies are not always bad and in many cases can be a happy surprise. In addition, many people get abortions without any negative feelings or guilt. Abortions are a part of life and while they should be avoided, they do not necessarily have to be a traumatic. experience.
My final issue with the book was with the explanation of intercourse. Only heterosexual intercourse was explained and it was penis-focused. There was no mention of cliteral stimulation orgasms for people with vulvas, which I feel does them a disservice.
Overall despite my issues I think the book is fine, but certainly due for an update. It isn't exhaustive, nor does it claim to be. It should be used as a supplementary tool to open conversations.
One of it's strengths is that it cover a wide variety of topics which may concern children who are entering puberty (8-12). Subjects are discussed in a blatant yet age-appropriate manner. The chapters on sexual abuse and pleasure are particularly well done.
However I do have several issues with the book with regard to it's lack of diversity and inclusivity. As with many sexual education materials targeted towards children, the book is very binary (it is both hetero-normative and cis-normative). In particular I noticed that the book was not Ace inclusive. Gender diversity and diversity in sexual orientation seem thrown in as an after thought. Included in that section was a line about how Greek times were more accepting of homosexuals which is a wild oversimplification and not entirely historically accurate. I also didn't think it was great that the readers were encouraged to wait until their late teens to decide on their sexual orientation. While childhood and teen years may be a time for exploration for some, others feel very secure in their gender identity or sexual orientation from early on. I don't think these people should be invalidated. The illustrations were also not very diverse in terms of body type. I would have liked to see more disability representation in both the content of the book and illustrations.
I also found certain topics were over simplified which I assume was to make it more approachable to the target audience. However the choices for what was emphasized verses omitted I found strange. For example, in the chapter on birth control methods; while less commonly used forms of birth control were explained, other more popular methods were merely mentioned, others were omitted entirely. I would have liked for the section on STIs to be more flushed out. I found the descriptions to be fear-mongering in that it worst-case-scenario outcomes listed without mentioning that these are rare and only occur when the disease is left untreated. While not as problematic the section on biology was also oversimplified, in particular I would have liked to see the cervix mentioned.
There were some odd writing choices such as referring to breasts as "sex organs" as opposed to "secondary sex characteristics". Definitions of key terms that children may not be familiar with were also not always provided. It also struck me as odd that the author encouraged pregnant people to drink milk in particular.
I didn't appreciate the negative attitude towards abortion or unplanned pregnancy. Both were made out to be extremely negative and life-altering experiences. I understand the intention was to discourage young people from taking risks which may result in an unplanned pregnancy before they are ready. However, unplanned pregnancies are not always bad and in many cases can be a happy surprise. In addition, many people get abortions without any negative feelings or guilt. Abortions are a part of life and while they should be avoided, they do not necessarily have to be a traumatic. experience.
My final issue with the book was with the explanation of intercourse. Only heterosexual intercourse was explained and it was penis-focused. There was no mention of cliteral stimulation orgasms for people with vulvas, which I feel does them a disservice.
Overall despite my issues I think the book is fine, but certainly due for an update. It isn't exhaustive, nor does it claim to be. It should be used as a supplementary tool to open conversations.
August 30, 2016
My wife found our 9-yr-old daughter sneaking a read of this book at our library. She ended up checking out the book in order to have an honest and frank talk about sexuality, something our daughter is obviously interested in. We reviewed this book last night and were deeply dismayed by the poor teachings that are reeking havoc on our society. Joanna Cole is old school - demand my rights, do what feels good and don't judge me - attitude is so disjointed and illogical...it makes my heart hurt.
Joanna equates sex with love when it is really a very small portion, almost shallow view, of love. True love (agape) is of the will, and trumps both friendship love (philo) and pleasure love (eros). I will never talk to my children about sex outside of the context of true love.
Joanna's advice is very conflicting. At one point she talks about the joys of child birth, and at another she says that only negative consequences can occur from a pregnancy at a young age. She says the only sure way to avoid pregnancy and STD's is abstinence, but then tells the reader it is impossible to abstain from sexual relations because you will naturally want to do it. That's like saying everyone will want to steal (time or money) at some point in their life, so instead of encouraging and promoting protection of other people's property, let's just find ways for people to steal things safely. Just like there is no victim-less crime, there is not victim-less abuse of God's gift of sex.
Joanna explains the scientific process of creating a child. She has to refer to "it" as a baby, because that's what "it" is. Any other term would be more confusing for a preteen. But later, when dealing with a "pregnancy", "it" can be terminated. And she lists many reasons why "it" should be terminated. None of the joyful reasons of parenthood made it into this chapter. No mention of what abortion actually is. Joanna is very big on respecting other people's sexual preferences/desires, but when it comes to respecting small children in the womb, this principal is dropped for convenience. I have tremendous respect for all women who protect the lives of their children, who will not bully their children to fit their lifestyle preferences, who selflessly sacrifice convenience for responsibility, who give hope. With life there is hope, no matter how bad circumstances are today. I believe people can change. I don't believe people are confined to predetermined destinies or infallible statistics. People defy data. People can be educated and empowered. Don't quit on people. Love them all. No one should be bullied, ever, even if they are destroying themselves. The best thing we can do is offer forgiveness, and perfect forgiveness is found in Christ.
This book reflects a broken society, broken commitments, broken trust, broken relationships, broken principals. I will teach my daughter the whole truth about sex, and how awesome it can be in the safety of a committed relationship, bound by God in marriage, rooted in true love...a love of the will (agape) which brings forth companionship (philo) and happiness (eros).
Joanna equates sex with love when it is really a very small portion, almost shallow view, of love. True love (agape) is of the will, and trumps both friendship love (philo) and pleasure love (eros). I will never talk to my children about sex outside of the context of true love.
Joanna's advice is very conflicting. At one point she talks about the joys of child birth, and at another she says that only negative consequences can occur from a pregnancy at a young age. She says the only sure way to avoid pregnancy and STD's is abstinence, but then tells the reader it is impossible to abstain from sexual relations because you will naturally want to do it. That's like saying everyone will want to steal (time or money) at some point in their life, so instead of encouraging and promoting protection of other people's property, let's just find ways for people to steal things safely. Just like there is no victim-less crime, there is not victim-less abuse of God's gift of sex.
Joanna explains the scientific process of creating a child. She has to refer to "it" as a baby, because that's what "it" is. Any other term would be more confusing for a preteen. But later, when dealing with a "pregnancy", "it" can be terminated. And she lists many reasons why "it" should be terminated. None of the joyful reasons of parenthood made it into this chapter. No mention of what abortion actually is. Joanna is very big on respecting other people's sexual preferences/desires, but when it comes to respecting small children in the womb, this principal is dropped for convenience. I have tremendous respect for all women who protect the lives of their children, who will not bully their children to fit their lifestyle preferences, who selflessly sacrifice convenience for responsibility, who give hope. With life there is hope, no matter how bad circumstances are today. I believe people can change. I don't believe people are confined to predetermined destinies or infallible statistics. People defy data. People can be educated and empowered. Don't quit on people. Love them all. No one should be bullied, ever, even if they are destroying themselves. The best thing we can do is offer forgiveness, and perfect forgiveness is found in Christ.
This book reflects a broken society, broken commitments, broken trust, broken relationships, broken principals. I will teach my daughter the whole truth about sex, and how awesome it can be in the safety of a committed relationship, bound by God in marriage, rooted in true love...a love of the will (agape) which brings forth companionship (philo) and happiness (eros).
February 20, 2010
The big kid (11) is asking questions! So I'm doing my best to be prepared to give honest yet age-appropriate answers. This books has a frank approach that should help adults and kids learn about and talk about this sensitive subject. I like the range of topics as well.
May 9, 2013
I won't say who chose this book off of the .25 cart at the library, but will say it was a curious kid.
Although this book is a bit outdated and the picture on the outside looks like it is intended for very young kids, I found it perfect for my new teen.
Straightforward and informative. I liked the format of the book the most. It is set up in a question, answer format. They are typical questions that most kids ask and they are answered in a matter of fact, informative way. I think that the question format made my kids feel more comfortable asking me questions and it showed them that the questions that they had were completely normal.
I think that we're a pretty open family and we've had our fair share of sex discussions and body changes talks. However, there were a lot of, "I never knew......." statements that came out of my kids' mouths as they read.
Glad we read it.
Although this book is a bit outdated and the picture on the outside looks like it is intended for very young kids, I found it perfect for my new teen.
Straightforward and informative. I liked the format of the book the most. It is set up in a question, answer format. They are typical questions that most kids ask and they are answered in a matter of fact, informative way. I think that the question format made my kids feel more comfortable asking me questions and it showed them that the questions that they had were completely normal.
I think that we're a pretty open family and we've had our fair share of sex discussions and body changes talks. However, there were a lot of, "I never knew......." statements that came out of my kids' mouths as they read.
Glad we read it.
May 4, 2013
It's not going to be everyone's cup of tea--especially those that hold some very particular views regarding sex, homosexuality and birth control. But if you're expecting a basic straight-forward fact book on sex for kids that doesn't shy away from sexual terminology and is not based in religious values or standards, this is a decent question and answer book.
The chapter on sexual abuse is particularly, important, although I think it could have gone a little further, particularly answering some questions regarding those who have survived sexual abuse. It also doesn't mention date rape.
But for librarians who have a parent coming in who needs a down-to-earth book for their kids who may have trouble asking questions, this is a good tween Q&A, if a little dated already. If a parent is skeptical about it, they should read it themselves first.
The chapter on sexual abuse is particularly, important, although I think it could have gone a little further, particularly answering some questions regarding those who have survived sexual abuse. It also doesn't mention date rape.
But for librarians who have a parent coming in who needs a down-to-earth book for their kids who may have trouble asking questions, this is a good tween Q&A, if a little dated already. If a parent is skeptical about it, they should read it themselves first.
January 28, 2014
Has all the regular information, but I disagree with the way the author handles the topic of masturbation. Basically she says some people think it's OK and others don't, but the part I dislike is this: "If adults tell you it is bad to touch yourself, remember that this may have more to do with their feelings that with what is right or wrong for you." NO. You, the author, do not get to override the parents and tell children they can do whatever they want sexually. That is not your place. The author also teaches kids how to masturbate. This is inappropriate.
There is also a ridiculously exaggerated picture of pregnancy showing ridiculously large breasts and very skinny arms.
There is also a ridiculously exaggerated picture of pregnancy showing ridiculously large breasts and very skinny arms.
August 6, 2022
This is a very straightforward book that is great for early adolescents who have questions about everything sex, but are afraid to ask.
I especially appreciated how there are chapters about love and crushes, and the author makes a point to talk through the seriousness of choosing to have sex, and the importance of love in a person's life with - or without - sexual relationships.
The Q&A format is clear and concise and it seems like a great reference book to keep around. The author, who wrote the Magic School Bus, knows how to write for kids.
My only quibbles were with a few technical errors (e.g. it says no sterilization is reversible, which is untrue: vasectomies are!) and with pretty much all the language in the GLBT chapter ("homosexual", "lifestyle", etc). But the book was written in an era when those terms were more prevalent, even before gay marriage was legal! So I just gave it to my kids with the caveat to not take too much from that particular chapter (it's still positive about same-sex relationships, just uses terminology that is harmful and/or outdated). Also, the book is terrible about representation in its illustrations - almost all white people.
Overall I recommend this book to parents of adolescents who are looking for one more resource that goes beyond the sex ed curriculum and dives into a more holistic explanation of relationships.
I especially appreciated how there are chapters about love and crushes, and the author makes a point to talk through the seriousness of choosing to have sex, and the importance of love in a person's life with - or without - sexual relationships.
The Q&A format is clear and concise and it seems like a great reference book to keep around. The author, who wrote the Magic School Bus, knows how to write for kids.
My only quibbles were with a few technical errors (e.g. it says no sterilization is reversible, which is untrue: vasectomies are!) and with pretty much all the language in the GLBT chapter ("homosexual", "lifestyle", etc). But the book was written in an era when those terms were more prevalent, even before gay marriage was legal! So I just gave it to my kids with the caveat to not take too much from that particular chapter (it's still positive about same-sex relationships, just uses terminology that is harmful and/or outdated). Also, the book is terrible about representation in its illustrations - almost all white people.
Overall I recommend this book to parents of adolescents who are looking for one more resource that goes beyond the sex ed curriculum and dives into a more holistic explanation of relationships.
August 15, 2022
I picked this up at a library sale and recently read it with my kids. Given that both of my kids are dyslexic and have some receptive language difficulties, I liked that this book had a rather simple Question and Answer format and did not overload them with information even though it covered a wide breadth of topics from puberty to having crushes to the difference between sexual abuse and making love in a direct and frank manner. It was easier for them to follow than some other books we have tried and also allowed them to ask questions and for me to share my feelings and values.
It does show how fast things have changed that even though this was revised in 2009 the information is already dated. Gay marriage has been legalized but access to safe, legal abortion is under threat. There is also a greater variety of period products and birth control but the book at least introduces the fact that these things exist. The book does promote tolerance and discussion so it was easy enough to explain that things have changed or to share my feelings about a certain topic with them.
I'd recommend this for people with younger kids as an introduction to the topic and kids who have issues with information processing (are autistic, dyslexic, etc).
It does show how fast things have changed that even though this was revised in 2009 the information is already dated. Gay marriage has been legalized but access to safe, legal abortion is under threat. There is also a greater variety of period products and birth control but the book at least introduces the fact that these things exist. The book does promote tolerance and discussion so it was easy enough to explain that things have changed or to share my feelings about a certain topic with them.
I'd recommend this for people with younger kids as an introduction to the topic and kids who have issues with information processing (are autistic, dyslexic, etc).
June 26, 2017
This book was published in 1988 written by Joanna Cole and illustrated by Alan Tiegreen. This book is extremely controversial, in my opinion, because it teaches young children about sex and other topics. Most parents would not want their children to read this book without their permission, as well as might not want their children to read it at all because of the ideas it contains; some parents never give their children “the sex talk”. However, I think that this book could be an extremely beneficial tool for parents to use when giving their children “the sex talk”. It is age appropriate, and is able to answer many of the questions children have. It would also be extremely helpful to parents who do not know how to introduce this kind of material to their children. Additionally, it teaches children about sex in a way that is much healthier than the media shows. I do not think that this book should be banned, however I do think that parents may feel uneasy about their children reading the book unless they are the ones who are providing it and they are reading it at home. I would be happy to use a book like this for teaching my children.
October 27, 2025
A bit antiquated but frank and factual. It is not overpowering with extra chit-chat that would overwhelm the target audience of 8-12 year old children.
I love that the author stresses right at the beginning that families that openly talk about sex and growing up are just the best! I have taken this road with my 17-year-old daughter and it has really paid off. She is so relaxed knowing throughout her adolescence that she could ask her parents ANYTHING (and she has!). You are really doing a disservice to children when you outright forbid talking about changing bodies, sex, and love feelings. Parents actually had sex to produce this child... time to take responsibility and raise a confident, knowledgeable young adult ready to deal with life.
I love that the author stresses right at the beginning that families that openly talk about sex and growing up are just the best! I have taken this road with my 17-year-old daughter and it has really paid off. She is so relaxed knowing throughout her adolescence that she could ask her parents ANYTHING (and she has!). You are really doing a disservice to children when you outright forbid talking about changing bodies, sex, and love feelings. Parents actually had sex to produce this child... time to take responsibility and raise a confident, knowledgeable young adult ready to deal with life.
February 10, 2022
Magic School Bus series writer Joanna Cole wrote this in 1988 and then a new edition was published in 2009 with new material. It is dated now, but at the time was a progressive sex education effort, and frankly it is still better than the majority of the sex ed out there today.
Don't have much that would add to the criticism of this book-- so many interesting reviews already. Other reviews mention my main criticisms (sex organs vs. secondary sex characteristics, heteronormativity, dated terms for LGBTQ folks, etc etc etc.....)
Don't have much that would add to the criticism of this book-- so many interesting reviews already. Other reviews mention my main criticisms (sex organs vs. secondary sex characteristics, heteronormativity, dated terms for LGBTQ folks, etc etc etc.....)
August 9, 2020
This was the book my mom got to teach me about sex when I was eleven. Once a year or so I pull it out to roast it. This year, I decided to check who wrote it, expecting some elderly Christian lady. No, it was Joanna Cole.
The author of Magic School Bus taught me how to fuck and what a penis was. Anyway, this book gives you the dirty details and doesn't hate gay people. What more can you ask from one of these?
The author of Magic School Bus taught me how to fuck and what a penis was. Anyway, this book gives you the dirty details and doesn't hate gay people. What more can you ask from one of these?
April 6, 2021
I originally bought this book for my health classroom. While it does cover a wide range of topics, the book is extremely heteronormative. It refers to “husbands and wives” pretty much any time sex is mentioned. It used outdated and hurtful terminology when referring to the LGBTQ community. There are far better books out there to help educate or expand a child’s knowledge on their body and/or sex and this one isn’t it. I will not be putting this on our classroom bookshelf.
March 3, 2022
Due to a quest to read all of the banned books on a "frequently banned books" list, I came across this book. It's very clinical and anatomically correct. However, it's quite heteronormative and cis-centered. However, it will answer questions about hormonal and physical changes as well as sex organs and proper naming. It can be used, but, as an ally, I know there needs to be more books that help trans and gender-nonconforming children as well as queer-identifying.
March 29, 2019
Read to get comfortable talking to my kids about everything. This is definitely an older book, so some stuff is old school, however the explanations to most questions is clear and to the point for young minds. Considering it's written to youth in question/answer format, it's complete. The author did well. Good amount of pictures but not too overwhelming.
September 22, 2022
I screened this book before giving it to my teenage son and reading certain chapters with my preteen daughter. While somewhat dated, I thought it was well done, straight forward, and age appropriate. I would feel comfortable giving it to my daughter to read in entirety once she hits middle school age.
March 16, 2025
An obviously dated but still invigorating educational book about puberty and sexual intercourse. Found this in my book pile while sorting and remembered reading it when I was like ten. It covers some subjects well, other ones not so well. Decent.
June 7, 2023
A very informative and nicely-illustrated book. I highly recommend it.
June 16, 2024
Not a book for children it teaches masturbation and about homosexuality it tells kids to ignore their parents
September 4, 2019
I’ve been doing a little research for my preteen. I found the information in this book to be informative, science-based, and appropriately geared toward the preteen set.
February 6, 2017
This book, written for preteens, is excellent. There are not a lot of pictures or diagrams, so it is definitely more for a kid who is comfortable with getting their information through text. What's nice is that the text is so simple and non-judgmental. From periods to abortions to everything in between, the book acknowledges that many of these topics are in hot debate without sacrificing the basic definitions.
My only concern is with the lack of asterisks. It's fine to boil down topics to their bare bones so long as you acknowledge that fact explicitly. Use words like "most" instead of "all". Let the reader know there are other resources that offer more depth. For example, when answering the question about breast size, the book correctly notes that breast size has nothing to do with the milk ducts in producing milk, so women with big boobs and women with small boobs can both nurse their babies. Fine. But it then claims that all women make just the right amount for their babies. This is not true. It's statements like this that lead to women freaking out about how they must be deficient if they aren't making just the right amount for their babies.
Cole understands that girls who have not been told about their periods may think they are seriously injured when it finally starts for them. But that extends to her other answers. Telling girls that some people may find their periods 'uncomfortable' works the same way; when the cramps start coming, the girls may think they have serious health issues. As long as a parent is there to provide scaffolding, this book is one of the best I've found on this topic.
My only concern is with the lack of asterisks. It's fine to boil down topics to their bare bones so long as you acknowledge that fact explicitly. Use words like "most" instead of "all". Let the reader know there are other resources that offer more depth. For example, when answering the question about breast size, the book correctly notes that breast size has nothing to do with the milk ducts in producing milk, so women with big boobs and women with small boobs can both nurse their babies. Fine. But it then claims that all women make just the right amount for their babies. This is not true. It's statements like this that lead to women freaking out about how they must be deficient if they aren't making just the right amount for their babies.
Cole understands that girls who have not been told about their periods may think they are seriously injured when it finally starts for them. But that extends to her other answers. Telling girls that some people may find their periods 'uncomfortable' works the same way; when the cramps start coming, the girls may think they have serious health issues. As long as a parent is there to provide scaffolding, this book is one of the best I've found on this topic.
September 14, 2012
Written in a matter-of-fact and understanding way. It has enough detail to answer questions sincerely, yet not cause information overwhelm.
Chapters include: How Girls Grow Up, How Boys Grow Up; Touching Feels Good; What is a Crush?; What is Sexual Intercourse?; Having a Baby; etc.
The inside cover says the book is for "Ages 8 Up", but the description says it's geared for preteens. All kids are different of course, but my 9 year old is a pretty innocent kid. I think the parts about growing up would be good for him now, but the details about sex (orgasms, etc) would be better in a true preteen age.
Chapters include: How Girls Grow Up, How Boys Grow Up; Touching Feels Good; What is a Crush?; What is Sexual Intercourse?; Having a Baby; etc.
The inside cover says the book is for "Ages 8 Up", but the description says it's geared for preteens. All kids are different of course, but my 9 year old is a pretty innocent kid. I think the parts about growing up would be good for him now, but the details about sex (orgasms, etc) would be better in a true preteen age.
July 24, 2010
For kids that are beginning to find themselves questioning their bodies or the opposite sexes....this book does a great job at being both tasteful yet informative. With a mixture of ilustrations that are not TOO graphic, yet still informative, the author does a nice job of going through the various stages of puberty, reasons for sex, pregancy, and other difficult subjects that some parents might not feel comfortable with in talking to their own kids. A great book that should be in every library's collection.
August 3, 2014
This is my third book to read about puberty from Boys and Girls, I really enjoy this book and ask real questions about changeing there life during the puberty and also getting a new baby.
So I read half of the book and I lean little bit more because before I was classes with heath course and lean about inside from Boy and Girls. Also this book was pictures to understanding and it vary good information. So this book it amazing because is during the puberty there life also about make real baby from Boy to Girl they have allot of information and it great.
So I read half of the book and I lean little bit more because before I was classes with heath course and lean about inside from Boy and Girls. Also this book was pictures to understanding and it vary good information. So this book it amazing because is during the puberty there life also about make real baby from Boy to Girl they have allot of information and it great.
October 25, 2014
Not overly graphic and geared primarily toward pre-teens, it's secular approach and inclusion of topics such as masturbation, orgasms, etc. may make some parents uncomfortable. That doesn't mean that the whole book is worthless - some parts may be more in tune with what you're trying to say and how your'e trying to say it. I for one think it takes an age-appropriate approach to very mature topics. It's a pretty honest and straightforward book.
December 15, 2015
I've been looking for a book to help explain the facts of life to my preteen daughter. Some of the information presented in this one is very helpful, but, because of my beliefs, I don't agree with the way that certain subjects are portrayed. I believe that there are some things that are best left to individual families to discuss.
August 20, 2016
Read for banned book week preparation. While the copy I read was from 1988 and a little outdated in terms of homosexuals being able to marry, I found all the information to be correct. I also really appreciated how sex positive and self respect the book encouraged. Good book for a teenager going through the changes, even if it's a little old.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews