Changing You!: A Guide to Body Changes and Sexuality » (Reprint)

Dr. Gail Saltz makes frequent appearances on the Today Show. She lives in New York City.

Lynne Cravath lives in Phoenix, Arizona.

Puberty can be an exciting—and confusing—time for children. In her follow-up to her bestselling Amazing You! , Dr. Gail Saltz navigates curious youngsters through body changes for boys and girls, reproduction, and emerging sexuality with her renowned brand of warmth and candor. Lynne Cravath's lively illustrations provide just enough detail while underscoring the direct and honest tone of the text. This refreshingly accessible picture book also includes an author's note to parents.

Children's Literature

In a book about sexuality for children, it is critical that the information be authoritative, accurate, and yet accessible; this book qualifies on all counts. Dr. Saltz is both a professor of psychiatry and a practitioner. Targeted for seven to ten year olds, this is her second book for children on the topic, and is clearly intended as a guide for parents—a read-along rather than a read-alone work. The focus here is on the physiological changes accompanying puberty and reproduction. A "Note to Parents" opens the book and encourages treating questions from children as opportunities for parents to become the authoritative source of information about sexuality. Needless to say, that means the relevant adults should read this ahead of time to familiarize themselves with the anatomical language, increase their comfort level with the subject, and prepare to frame the presentation—which places sexual behavior strictly in the context of procreation—within their own moral/behavioral expectations and values. Brightly colored illustrations are humorously drawn and reflect internal and external anatomical details for different ages and with some moderate representation of racial diversity. A closing page of guidelines advises parents to respond to the specific information needs of the child rather than overwhelming them with unsought information, and to present information about key changes (such as menstruation) in advance of their occurrence. The accurate textual and visual information and the friendly tone of the writing make this book appropriate for middle school libraries as well; although the picture book format may make it feel too young for readers in this age group.Reviewer: Paula McMillen, Ph.D.