Reviews

Puberty is Gross, But Also Really Awesome by Gina Loveless, Lauri Johnson

satsumabug's review against another edition

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4.0

Comprehensive, inclusive, useful. I’ll update my review after reading it with my 8yo! (Who is not close to puberty yet, but likes information. And being prepared.)

deschatjes's review against another edition

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5.0

I recently bought this book to supplement the very old and very boring books that were on offer for our Middle school students about puberty and body changes. Luckily teens can now have more inclusive books around this topic and this book hits all the spots.

* Well designed with a great font and layout
* Illustrations are appropriate at just the right amount of detail
* Tone is child friendly without being too patronising
* On the spot with the topics that are likely to be "hot button" items with the target market
* Interesting tidbits on puberty in history and various parts of the world.

It will be a great addition to books like "Sex is a funny word"

jess_mango's review against another edition

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5.0

Ah puberty. Such an exciting time in our lives. Am I right?

I have an 11 year old son so we are just about RIGHT THERE, RIGHT NOW. So, when given the opportunity to get a review copy of this new book targeted at kids on the cusp of puberty, I was like "Yes please, I will take all the help that I can get!".

I was VERY impressed with this book. It is very well done and talks at the kids' level but in a very engaging, interesting and informative way. The book is even inclusive of gender fluid and transgender kiddos. There are subjects ranging from boobs, hair growth, the changes in genitals, menstruation, and more. All those things that can be icky and uncomfortable to talk about for some kids and parents. It is important for kids to know the facts about their own bodies and the bodies of those of the opposite sex. Having a sound scientific eduction on these matters is important for both their own understanding of themselves and their health but to help them be a better, nicer citizen to others.

I highly recommend this book!

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy!

ajay913's review against another edition

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funny hopeful informative lighthearted fast-paced

5.0

kaygee28's review against another edition

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funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced

4.25

90sinmyheart's review against another edition

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2.0

I did not care for this. Inclusive but not very body positive (which I should have guessed from the title). Bodies aren't gross or awesome they just... are. I liked the typography, though!

maryehavens's review against another edition

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4.0

I picked this up from the library because it's right in line with my kids' ages and it was on display.
I prefer the other puberty book that we read over this one because it was more comprehensive. However, this book made such a huge effort to be inclusive when it described family situations, gender, and the myriad of feelings of children during this time. I really appreciate Loveless's efforts to be so inclusive.
Both of my children saw me reading this and want to read it so I think that's a win. I wonder how they will react to "male/female assigned at birth" as a concept throughout the book. We have talked about transgendered people and my daughter has read every LumberJane at the library which includes just about every spectrum of the LGBTQIA rainbow. They may be aware of these concepts but I'm not sure how much interaction they have had with them.
Other highlights of the book: showcasing puberty in different cultures around the world, the repetition that hormones have so much to do with what's going on, the tech chapter, really the whole book was easy to read and engaging. Worth a look!

zellainy's review against another edition

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5.0

This is such an awesome, inclusive book about puberty. It's sparked some great conversations with my 9YO. The graphics are fun, and everything is broken down into easily digestible chunks, so kids can learn what they need to when they need to. Highly recommend.

beklovesbooks's review against another edition

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challenging funny informative lighthearted

2.5

The information was presented in a bold, funny, colorful way that would appeal to tweens. It was thorough covering many topics and adding lots of fun details. It seemed very sensitive to those in non-traditional families frequently substituting “step-mom”, uncle, or foster mom for parents in examples. It also strongly emphasized LGBTQ, first in a detailed chapter about what all was POSSIBLE in gender identity, sexuality, and everything related, then again in countless background references to two moms, cross-dressing etc. And there was a lot of information about how to better live out your non-conforming gender without or before surgery. If there are two extremes of how to handle this topic, this book was close to the liberal extreme.

arthur_pendrgn's review against another edition

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I'm far too old to be the intended audience. I read this book because it is one of several that a group is attempting to ban from our public library.

This is by far the most inclusive of the books that the group is attempting to ban. The author warns you up front and certainly tells the readers that questioning their birth-assigned gender is ok. The graphics are teen friendly (or what an adult thinks is teen friendly). The book cover, however, does not invite teens to pick it up. (Actually, I think most of these books this group is trying to ban have covers that would cause teens to die of embarrassment.)

I do not think this book is for preteens or to replace "the talk." It seems geared for teens already in the throes of puberty who have questions about whether their experience is "normal." To that end, Loveless does an excellent job of providing guidance as to when to see a doctor. She also provides resources and plenty of sources (with citations).

Loveless addresses the physical issues of puberty but also goes on to address bullying, self-confidence, mental health, technology & screen time. All of these are worthy topics; unfortunately, most of those chapters are what all adults say all of the time. Loveless does strive for a chattier, more inviting tone, and sometimes she hits it.

Overall, this is a handy resource.

As for banning it, nah. Like always, parents have the right to decide what their children see and hear. They don't have the right to police what others' children see and hear. If you don't think your kids should read this, don't let them.