You-ology

April 15, 2022
Grades 4-7 This reassuring and preteen-friendly guide to puberty mixes factual information with short stories that feature a diverse cast of characters to show how relatable puberty is. Chapters define body parts and their nicknames and the physical changes that occur during puberty (e.g., getting body hair, breasts, erections, and periods). The book covers period products available and how to use them. In discussing the social and emotional feelings young people have during puberty, it explains how it's natural for them to be curious about their bodies and lists safe places to go for information. It briefly discusses masturbation, pornography, privacy, boundaries, consent, and sexual abuse. The book sensitively describes puberty from the point of view of gender-diverse and transgender youth. It also explains why puberty is an important time to develop healthy habits. A useful and reassuring body-positive book with colorful illustrations (some not seen) and catchy chapter titles. Back matter includes an EDI statement by the American Academy of Pediatrics, a glossary, and fun facts.

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June 1, 2022

Gr 6 Up-The American Academy of Pediatrics makes a statement on inclusivity with a puberty guidebook for all young bodies. Written by three physicians, the book frames puberty through normalcy, positivity, and acceptance. The text covers most of the bases: beginning with "Friends and Feelings" as a first chapter, which makes explicit the intention of promoting emotional, mental, and physical health. It continues on to topics like breasts, skin, testosterone, body odor, and more, with each chapter introduced by a short story from one of six young people, whose unique characteristics and diversity demonstrate the intersectionality and complexity of their lives. Though purporting to be inclusive and featuring two transgender main characters, the particular puberty concerns of trans youth are covered only superficially, and the language used is clunky at times. Relationships and sex are not discussed, though masturbation is explained and normalized. The authors take a highly cautionary tone about pornography, and send a strong message about sexual abuse. The age-appropriate and accurate information is presented in large blocks of text, with little formatting to break up the content. The colorful illustrations are sparse and serve as a break for the eyes, featuring the cartoonlike characters common in puberty books, but with few diagrams or images of body parts detailed enough to add value to the text. VERDICT While not at the forefront in terms of pushing boundaries on inclusivity in puberty texts, this book benefits from having the backing of a trusted and reputable source, and is full of important and useful information. A recommended purchase.-Clara Hendricks

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