Reviews

ï¿1/2Gr 5-10ï¿1/2A wryly humorous approach to the topic, coupled with colorful cartoons, makes this a particularly friendly book. Bailey takes an honest, nonjudgmental tone in the clearly and cleverly written text, busting myths, dispelling confusion, and calming fears for readers whose ï¿1/2world has suddenly got a whole lot weirder, ï¿1/2 thanks to raging hormones. The coverage is comprehensive, including everything from body image to crushes to STDs. The author continually emphasizes a young personï¿1/2s right to choose not to engage in sexual activities, although no reference to abstinence is specifically included. Teens are encouraged to wait until they are involved in a mature, loving relationship, and not give in to peer pressure. The chapters on relationships are especially insightful, highlighting the differences in how boys and girls see sex and listing reasons and ways to say ï¿1/2No.ï¿1/2 The comical illustrations portray a variety of teens in typical scenarios, ranging from getting a leg wax to being confronted with a broken condom to having a pelvic exam. Anatomical diagrams clearly depict and identify the different parts of internal and external sex organs. Color-blocked sidebars with pertinent information appear on nearly every spread.ï¿1/2 --Joyce Adams Burner, Hillcrest Library, Prairie Village, KS School Library Journal, January 2005