Book Review: It's Perfectly Normal by Robie Harris and Michael Emberley

It’s Perfectly Normal: Changing Bodies, Growing Up, Sex and Sexual Health
by Robie Harris and Michael Emberley (j612.6 Har (2009 edition) and/or j612.661 Har (2021 edition))

It’s Perfectly Normal: Changing Bodies, Growing Up, Sex and Sexual Health is geared towards pre-adolescents who are eager to learn about their bodies, sexual activity, puberty, and the myriad other mysteries that they are facing as they are maturing. When I did a quick look at a review, written by someone who is opposed to the general concept of book banning, but still found themselves challenged by things in this book, I was provoked to take a look at it for myself. That review contained only a few pictures, and those were the little cartoons of couples engaging in sex. I couldn’t help but agree with the reviewer wondering, “Is this necessary?” But after looking at the whole book and seeing those images in context of other information; I feel this is a great book. The kind of book that it would be good to have on your shelf without a lot of fanfare, to just have for when the kids were ready to look at it.

 

The library owns two editions — the earlier, 2009 edition, has fewer pictures of same sex couples.

 

( official Michael Emberley feed on Instagram ) | ( official Robie Harris web site )

 

Recommended by Carrie K.
Bennett Martin Public Library — Public Service

 

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