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

by Robie H. Harris

Harris, R. (2009). It’s perfectly normal: Changing bodies, growing up, sex and sexual health. Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press.

Children and teens are curious about sex and their changing bodies, and they have A LOT of questions. Many times they seek out the answers from their peers who provide information that is inaccurate. It’s Perfectly Normal is an excellent resource for children who are entering puberty and are curious about their developing bodies and sexuality. Sparing no detail, it provides honest, unbiased and accurate information on every conceivable topic from changes in the body, to the various types of sex, to family planning, to internet safety. This non-fiction text is organized in 6 parts: What is Sex?, Our Bodies, Puberty, Families and Babies, Decisions, and Staying Healthy.  Narrated by a bird and bee character, the authors provide illustrations and text to convey the different talking points in straight forward language that is age appropriate and unintimidating. A detailed table of contents and index will help readers find exactly the information they are looking for.  Harris and Emberley (Illustrator) consult with professionals around the world including teachers, child development specialist, health professionals, and scientist to make necessary changes and ensure that each edition contains the most up to date and accurate information.  This book does a wonderful job of representing the diverse collection of humanity and assures them that everything they are experiencing is "perfectly normal."  Recommended for ages 10 and up.