It's Perfectly Normal A Book about Changing Bodies, Growing Up, Sex, and Sexual Health

The book is widely praised as a comprehensive and informative guide to puberty, sexual health, and human anatomy. Reviewers appreciate its scientific yet simple language, making complex topics accessible and easy to understand for young readers. Many highlight its non-judgmental and objective tone, which normalizes conversations around bodies and sexuality, frequently reinforcing the message that "it's perfectly normal." The book covers a vast array of subjects, including physical changes during puberty, reproduction, sexual orientation, various family structures, internet safety, and preventing abuse, filling a critical gap in sex education. Its comic-style illustrations are generally lauded for being friendly, diverse, and effective at explaining concepts without being pornographic, helping children feel secure about their own bodies and understand biological processes. Reviewers often express a wish they had such a resource in their youth, noting its progressive and inclusive approach to sensitive topics.

Despite its merits, a significant number of reviewers find the book's content, particularly its illustrations and direct descriptions, to be too graphic or explicit for its recommended age group of 10-year-olds. Concerns are raised about the depiction of naked bodies, the sexual act, and detailed descriptions of childbirth, with some critics labeling these elements as inappropriate or overly revealing for young children. This directness leads to strong opposition from religious and traditional perspectives, who feel the book contradicts their values regarding sexuality, promotes premarital sex, or is too liberal. Some reviewers believe certain topics, such as detailed abortion laws or specific types of intercourse, are unnecessary for the target audience. There are also minor criticisms regarding the clarity of distinction between "sex" and "gender" in older editions, and a few instances where the level of detail or specific illustrations were considered excessive or less than ideal.

Overall, "It's Perfectly Normal" emerges as a highly valuable, albeit controversial, resource for sexual education. Reviewers generally agree that it serves as an excellent tool for parents to initiate honest, factual conversations with their children about their changing bodies and sexual health, especially in an era of prevalent misinformation. However, due to its explicit nature, it is almost universally recommended that parents read the book themselves or with their children, exercising discretion to select sections appropriate for their child's maturity level and family values. The book is best suited for tweens aged 10 and up, and young teenagers, as well as adults seeking to better understand or communicate these topics. While it may not be appropriate for every family or every child, it is widely considered a crucial, comprehensive guide for those seeking to provide accurate and non-judgmental information about human development and sexuality.