It's Perfectly Normal: A Book About Changing Bodies, Growing Up, Sex, and Sexual Health

Harris, R. (1994). It's perfectly normal: A book about changing bodies, growing up, sex, and sexual health. Cambridge, Mass: Candlewick Press.

Human evolution is inevitable. Knowledge is power. It’s Perfectly Normal is a teaching tool to aide in the understanding of the human anatomy and the circle of life. This American Library Association Notable Children’s Book is a nonfiction book addressing topics often uncomfortable and embarrassing for parents and their children to discuss. The topics include the development of male and female bodies, hormones, sex, pregnancy, birth, sexually transmitted diseases, safe sex, abortion and making responsible choices. The book is updated to stay current with society today including a section on Internet safety. It is comprised of equal parts text and illustration as well as a table of contents and index. This gives the book ease of navigation for those only wanting to read specific portions of the book. While giving a wealth of factual information, comic relief is present through the discussion of the information presented by cartoon characters. The characters’ interaction gives voice to the confusion and awkward feelings the reader maybe experiencing. It is recommended for grades 5 and up and would be a great teaching aide for parents to ease the uncomfortable nature of discussing the facts of life and open the door to a healthy discussion. A great follow-up title for kids with further inquiries would be Sex, Puberty and All That Stuff: A Guide to Growing Up by Jacqui Bailey.