It's Perfectly Normal

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 7, 2015

Review

This update of the acclaimed title covers questions and issues around growing up, our bodies as they change in puberty, sex and keeping oneself healthy and safe as pertains to our bodies and sexual choices. There is not a single topic that is not explained and illustrated, at least not that I can imagine. Some of the additional issues in this update include internet safety, sexual abuse, and LGBT issues, HIV and AIDS, as well as emergency contraception. There are some ares which parents or others might object to, such as the segment on LGBT and the fact that some people disapprove of LGBT people and that "These people's views are based on fears and misinformation, not on facts." Certain religious groups, particularly, may find this statement offensive, short-sighted or false. Another downside to this book are the illustrations which appear very dated. One picture includes a boom box, which young people nowadays will wonder at. The anatomically correct illustrations are great, I believe, and the cartoon-strips are amusing and illuminating. There are a cartoon bird and a bee throughout the book making comments which are entertaining and allow children to realize that they need not feel grossed out about these issues. All in all, this will be a great addition to shelves and will help young people deal with their inquiries and receive mostly correct information.

Overall Book Score: very good