Synopsis
Insightful and considerate answers to 70 questions boys and girls have about puberty and young love. Even before they experience puberty and young love themselves, girls and boys have many questions about sex and sexuality. Parents often don't know the best way to answer them and it's practically impossible to find the right time to start a conversation about the birds and the bees. Especially today, when most young people have access to the internet and its explicit or dubious content, it is extremely important to address the topic of sex education with children proactively and give it the attention it needs and deserves. As daunting as it might be for parents to take the lead, leaving the internet or a classmate to "explain" sexuality is not an option. Thankfully, the book Does This Happen to Everyone? offers a welcome alternative with a contemporary look and feel that is both fitting for kids and appealing to adults. Does This Happen to Everyone? is an empathetic and entertaining publication that radiates joy, imaginativeness, and fun. In it, Photo artist Jan von Holleben and writer Antje Helms provide answers to the most important questions about puberty in words and images that are relaxed and uninhibited, yet suitable for children. The book takes questions, worries, and fears seriously and responds to them in a direct, yet sensitive way that anyone can understand.
Reviews
Gr 6–9—Puberty does indeed happen to everyone—bringing with it physical and emotional changes. Originally published in Germany with support from the Berlin Family Planning Centre, this quirky guide tackles 70 of the most frequently asked questions from tweens and young teens on body changes, sex, pregnancy, crushes, and other related topics. Helms provides straightforward and nonjudgmental answers to some hot-button topics ("How Old Do I Have to Be Before I Can Get the Pill Without My Parents' Consent?"; "Am I Allowed to Watch Porn Online or on My Phone?"). Von Holleben's clever and eye-catching photos provide a whimsical touch to the subject matter, though some may find the images a bit risqué (a neat row of various sized carrots demonstrates that everyone's body parts are unique, while another photo depicts preteens blowing up condoms into balloons). While this is a fairly comprehensive examination of the topic, there isn't much information addressing LGBTQ issues. This may not be the ideal primer on puberty for everyone, but those looking for a title with a light tone and a sense of humor will find this a solid choice to help open the dialogue between parents and kids who are on the cusp of maturing from children into young adults.—Elaine Baran Black, Georgia Public Library Service, Atlanta
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