English
Middle Grades
Bodies
summary
I have a couple of books for that that can help tackle conversations with topics surrounding those awkward puberty years. Thinking back on being that age makes me cringe. Too many hormones, no one knows what’s happening and we have ALL the feelings about it. If you’re scrambling to find resources about any of this, read on!
It’s Perfectly Normal: Changing Bodies, Growing Up, Sex, Gender, and Sexual Health
By Robie H. Harris & Michael Emberly, Published by Candlewick Press
This newly updated book is a massive compendium that contains everything important and everything that’s embarrassing to ask about. Inside are tons of illustrations of different body types and gender expressions, as well as a plethora of information about puberty, menstruation, and what the heck all of those bananas hormones are all about.
There are a huge number of topics covered, and I really appreciate that internet safety is also covered!
There is also information about STI’s and pregnancy; which I would basically drive a truckload of these books into the neighboring states that have abstinence-only education in the public school system and frisbee them into the hands of all preteens that I come across. More *truthful and trustworthy* information is helpful for making informed decisions for young people, and this book covers a huge amount of topics that are often met with shame and misinformation.
Own Your Period: A Fact-Filled Guide to Period Positivity
By Chella Quint & Giovana Medeiros, Published by Quarto Kids
Humans of all different gender menstruate, but a lot of the information that we receive about it silos it to being a “women’s issue” rather than a more nuanced one. I really appreciate that the language used in the book is just “you” and doesn’t assign a gender to any menstruating person.
Chella Quint has written an approachable book that’s filled with information all about periods and the history of products and cultural shame. It provides resources about different products, sustainable options for menstrual products, and what is and isn’t typical.
The illustrations are really cute, and I love the diversity of different humans that are shown! Having the myths and a bit of history about different cultural stigmas associated with menstruating can help combat and dismantle these falsehoods.
These books were kindly sent by the publishers linked above near the titles. However, all opinions and decisions to pair are my own!