It's Perfectly Normal

Harris, R. (2009).  It's perfectly normal:  Changing bodies, growing up, sex, and sexual health.  Boston, MA:  Candlewick Press. It's Perfectly Normal touches upon the issues of the changes that happen to the body when growing up, sexuality, making babies, and staying healthy.  The book is divided into seven sections:  Lots of Questions, Our Bodies, What is Sex?, Puberty, Families and Babies, Decisions, and Staying Healthy.  As you go through the book, special terms are defined on the side with actual definitions from a dictionary.  The author also uses illustrations and descriptions to explain what parts of the anatomy are used when it comes to the changes in puberty and sexuality.  As an overprotective mother, when I first opened this book, I thought, “what is this book doing in our library?”  After reading the book, I realize that I could have used this book to help explain many of the questions my sons had on sexuality when growing up.  I also realize many parents are not able to or willing to discuss some of the difficult topics in this book, but I feel that a student (10 or above) can pick this book up on their own and be able to have a better understanding of what is going through their bodies as they are growing up. I also liked how it brought to light difficult decisions they might have to make at one point in their life, such as abstinence or being active, and present it in a way so that they make logical decisions and not based on perceived taboos.  Harris consulted many doctors, nurses, psychologists, nurses, parents, members of clergy, and scientist to create this book.  As you read the book and encounter topics that require decisions, she is not bias, but presents two points of view and lets the reader make their own decision.