A refreshingly affirming exploration of an often taboo topic.
An illustrated book about vaginas and the bodies that have them.
In an ideal world, young people would freely access accurate information about bodies, including those with vaginas. Inspired to fill the deep information gap that exists on this topic, Rodgers, a gynecologist with daughters, has created an educational and empowering book that normalizes change and difference. With inviting sections that reflect genuine questions (“Why do we have vaginas?” “What’s it supposed to smell like down there?”), Rodgers addresses key topics like puberty, pubic hair, and periods and offers thoughtful discussions of gender identity, consent, and sexting. She acknowledges that some topics may rouse discomfort but enthusiastically asserts, “You own your body! You deserve to understand it so you can be empowered to make decisions about how to take care of it.” Rodgers’ body-positive tone and Le Large’s inclusive illustrations make for a fun, accessible book that offers readers from any gender an entry point to understanding vaginas, their function, and their care. Highly effective double-page spreads feature a spectrum of vulvas and hymens in different skin tones and shapes and period blood in a range of colors. People depicted are racially diverse, too, and this visual inclusivity underscores Rodgers’ resounding message: Everyone is different, and we can be proud of our unique selves. A helpful glossary and index will guide readers to find the information they seek.
A refreshingly affirming exploration of an often taboo topic. (Nonfiction. 8-18)Pub Date: Feb. 28, 2023
ISBN: 978-1-68449-284-8
Page Count: 64
Publisher: Neon Squid/Macmillan
Review Posted Online: Nov. 15, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 2022
PERSPECTIVES
This introduction to puberty may be particularly helpful for girls looking ahead to that stage.
A growing-up guide for preteen girls.
This puberty-navigation guide covers girls’ bodily changes, body care, health, relationships with family and friends, staying safe, and handling stress. In many cases the author, a registered nurse, has covered the same material as she did in various editions of this title as well as The Boy’s Body Book. This girls’ book skips the topics of sleep and performance-enhancement drugs in favor of a section on eating disorders. As in the boys’ book, controversial subjects are addressed generally and conservatively if at all. She includes a rough diagram of female reproductive organs and tells her young readers about menstruation and visiting a gynecologist but not how babies are made. She talks about having boys as friends, saying “Don’t put pressure on yourself to call any of your close friendships ‘dating.’ ” The strength of this title is its emphasis on good grooming, healthy living habits, and positive relationships. Added for this fourth edition is new material on interacting with adults, personal empowerment, body language, reputations, and “learning disabilities,” helpful information for the growing segment of the preteen population identified with cognitive and social learning differences. Tallardy’s cartoon illustrations show girls and adults of varying ethnicities and provide a cheerful accompaniment.
This introduction to puberty may be particularly helpful for girls looking ahead to that stage. (resources, index) (Nonfiction. 8-12)Pub Date: Nov. 14, 2017
ISBN: 978-1-60433-714-3
Page Count: 148
Publisher: Cider Mill Press
Review Posted Online: Sept. 17, 2017
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 2017
BOOK REVIEW
Worthy of a superhero.
A humorous and touching graphic memoir about finding friendship and growing up deaf.
When Cece is 4 years old, she becomes “severely to profoundly” deaf after contracting meningitis. Though she is fitted with a hearing aid and learns to read lips, it’s a challenging adjustment for her. After her family moves to a new town, Cece begins first grade at a school that doesn’t have separate classes for the deaf. Her nifty new hearing aid, the Phonic Ear, allows her to hear her teacher clearly, even when her teacher is in another part of the school. Cece’s new ability makes her feel like a superhero—just call her “El Deafo”—but the Phonic Ear is still hard to hide and uncomfortable to wear. Cece thinks, “Superheroes might be awesome, but they are also different. And being different feels a lot like being alone.” Bell (Rabbit & Robot: The Sleepover, 2012) shares her childhood experiences of being hearing impaired with warmth and sensitivity, exploiting the graphic format to amplify such details as misheard speech. Her whimsical color illustrations (all the human characters have rabbit ears and faces), clear explanations and Cece’s often funny adventures help make the memoir accessible and entertaining. Readers will empathize with Cece as she tries to find friends who aren’t bossy or inconsiderate, and they’ll rejoice with her when she finally does. An author's note fleshes out Bell's story, including a discussion of the many facets of deafness and Deaf culture.
Worthy of a superhero. (Graphic memoir. 8 & up)Pub Date: Sept. 2, 2014
ISBN: 978-1-4197-1020-9
Page Count: 248
Publisher: Amulet/Abrams
Review Posted Online: July 21, 2014
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 2014
PERSPECTIVES
PERSPECTIVES
BOOK TO SCREEN
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