LSSL 5385: Book 6


It’s Perfectly Normal
By Robie H. Harris and Michael Emberley



Harris, R. H., & Emberley, M. (2014). Its perfectly normal: changing bodies, growing up, sex, and sexual health. Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press.

            This is the 20th Anniversary edition of the book and is updated with new and relevant scientific and medical information, and now includes information about gender identity.  This book is written for an adolescent audience and provided information about growing up, changing bodies, sex, puberty, and staying healthy.  The book is broken up into six parts and provides information in kid friendly language.

Part One:  What is Sex?
Explains the different meanings of the word sex, and broadens the scope to discuss sexual reproduction, sexual desire, and sexual intercourse.  How we identify is explained with the terms heterosexuality and homosexuality, and how people can be straight, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer. 
Part Two:  Our Bodies
This part displays graphic illustrations on multiple body types of females and males and that we come in all different sizes and shapes.  It goes into detail both the inside and outside of female and male sex organs. 
Part Three:  Puberty
This part discusses puberty and hormones and what changes to expect in your body if you’re male or female.  How both the egg and sperm travel are explained, and a visual is provided as well.  They share how to take care of your body with good hygiene, and how they could be feeling a range of emotions as their body goes through puberty.  Masturbation is discussed and stressed that it’s perfectly normal, that people of all ages do it. 
Part Four:  Families and Babies
Provides information on how to take care of babies and kids and that there can be all sorts of families.  It describes pregnancy and birth and provides graphic illustrations to go along with the information.  Alternative means to having a baby are explained when couples can’t have a baby in the traditional way.
Part Five:  Decisions
This section discusses the decisions of postponement, abstinence, birth control and abortion.  The different contraceptives are explained and shown with visuals how they are placed on both males and females. 
Part Six:  Staying Healthy
This last section talks about sexual abuse, sexually transmitted diseases, making responsible choices, and how to conduct yourself online. 

            It’s Perfectly Normal is a phenomenal book that covers many topics that adolescents are curious about and need to be informed about.  Parents should use this book as a resource to talk to their children about the changes occurring in the bodies and allows for discussion of any questions their kids have about sex.  The book is written in a kid friendly format, with illustrations and commentary comics from the bird and bee.  The author’s have even written another book geared toward a younger audience that is great as well.


Book Trailer:




Other Books by Robie H. Harris and Michael Emberley:




Other Books with Similar Themes:
                   

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