Common Sense Media Review
By Darienne Stewart
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Modern update improves empowering sex ed classic.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
WHAT'S GOING ON DOWN THERE? A BOY'S GUIDE TO GROWING UP discusses the physiological and emotional changes boys -- and girls -- experience during puberty. It starts by discussing anatomy and physical changes with puberty. A chapter outlines how girls are changing too, explaining menstruation before discussing sexual intercourse, birth control, safe sex, and sexual exploration and mature relationships. An entire chapter is devoted to sexual harassment, explaining what it is, how to avoid doing it, and what to do if you're being harassed.
Is It Any Good?
The sexual landscape has shifted since Karen Gravelle first published this book for boys in 1998, and her welcome revision speaks to current concerns about social media, harassment, and body image. The frankness of What's Going on Down There? may prompt some blushing, but boys will be relieved to see so many of their common worries addressed. Gravelle goes beyond anatomical basics to explain why sexual harassment is a concern for everyone, to discuss the importance of the HPV vaccine, and to debunk myths about penis size and masturbation.
Overall, the breadth and detail make this an excellent choice. But it makes a major misstep: A collection of men's thoughts on what they wished they knew as boys includes a quote about being "a lot more aggressive with girls," and another that says "what [girls] say isn't always what they mean." Coming at the end of the book, these comments undermine earlier messages about consent and respecting the wishes of others.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the explicit detail in What's Going on Down There? A Boy's Guide to Growing Up. Does reading this book make it easier to talk about puberty and sex?
Do you think this book is appropriate for kids your age? Do you think some adults might not like this book? Why?
Do you still have questions this book didn't answer? If so, bring your questions to a trusted adult.
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Robert Leighton
- Genre : Body Awareness
- Topics : Friendship
- Book type : Non-Fiction
- Publisher : Bloomsbury Children's Books
- Publication date : June 20, 2017
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 144
- Available on : Paperback, Nook, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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