Common Sense Media Review
By Darienne Stewart
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Informative, updated, explicit sex ed book.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 12 parent reviews
Parents say opinions on this book vary significantly, with some labeling it as inappropriate and overly graphic for children while others commend it as a useful educational resource on human sexuality for teens. Critics express concerns about its political slant and the depiction of sexual content, whereas supporters argue that it provides necessary, science-based discussions that can help open honest conversations about complex topics.
- inappropriate content
- varying opinions
- educational resource
- graphic depictions
- political slant
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 7 kid reviews
What's the Story?
IT'S PERFECTLY NORMAL starts by defining sex: gender, reproduction, desire, and intercourse. It depicts different types of bodies and internal and external sex organs, then explains how girls' and boys' bodies -- and feelings -- change during puberty. The section on families discusses sexual intercourse, conception, pregnancy, birth, and other options for starting families (such as in vitro fertilization -- IVF -- and adoption). Another section focuses on making decisions about abstinence, postponing sexual intercourse, and using contraception, and outlines current U.S. laws regarding abortion. The final section covers online safety, sexual abuse, sexually transmitted infections, HIV/AIDS, and making healthy, responsible choices.
Is It Any Good?
Human sexuality is timeless but not unchanging -- and this fresh update of Robie H. Harris' 1994 classic helps guide kids coming of age at a time when digital media can be both a blessing and a curse. It's Perfectly Normal aims to arm kids with knowledge to make informed, thoughtful decisions about their sexual behavior and relationships, and it does so with a frankness that some families will find refreshing while others may feel it's inappropriate.
Harris and illustrator Michael Emberley take a straightforward and inclusive approach, portraying a diverse range of ethnicities and body types, discussing different religious and personal beliefs, and encouraging respect for individual preferences. They also dive into contemporary concerns about cyberbullying, respecting boundaries, sexting, and online pornography and misinformation. Parents should review it first to make sure it's right for their children and to prepare for follow-up conversations.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why people often are uncomfortable talking about sex and whether It's Perfectly Normal makes it easier. Are you more comfortable talking about sex with your family, or do you prefer learning from books like this?
Have you come across sexual content online or in talking with friends that's upsetting or confusing?
Do you have unanswered questions after reading this book? If so, talk to your doctor or another trusted adult.
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Michael Emberley
- Genre : Body Awareness
- Topics : School ( Middle School ) , STEM
- Book type : Non-Fiction
- Publisher : Candlewick Press
- Publication date : August 8, 2014
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 10 - 18
- Number of pages : 112
- Available on : Paperback, Nook, Hardback, Kindle
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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