Customer Reviews
Just what I was looking for 
2007-10-19
I just got this book in the mail, which I ordered for my 11 year old daughter. It covers everything girls should know by the time they are twelve or thirteen. The book describes "what's happening to my body" clearly, and without talking down to the reader. The pictures are accurate pencil drawings, not ridiculous cartoons like I have seen in some other books. I appreciate it, as it explains "sex" in a detailed way, which will spare me the having to watch my daughter's face contort while I try to explain how the P. gets into the V. She'll be able to read it in the privacy of her own home, and be able to use it as a reference on an ongoing basis. The book also covers many other useful topics, like appreciating your body the way it is (by eating well and NOT dieting), what boys go through in puberty, and "body hair, perspiration and pimples." I would have loved a book like this at that age. In sixth grade, I remember spending a lot of time talking about and giggling about "sex," all the while having virtually no idea what I was talking about. My main sexual education came from school (watered down and P.C.) and the book "Scruples," which I got a hold of from a neighbor at around 14. I want my kids to have better information than I did! Regarding age: each kid will be ready for this book at a different age. My nine year old daughter is still very much a `kid,' and this book would be way over her head at this time. But there are some girls I have seen who are quite mature by the time they are 10. So you have to judge for your child. But I think certainly, this type of information should be made available by the time a girl is 14, at the latest.
Totally inappropriate for a per-pubescent! 
2007-08-24
The book's attempt to cover all of human sexuality is also it's pitfall. It cannot cover the information both a 9-year old and a 15-year old need to digest.
My original review of this book was rejected by Amazon, probably because I used the book's own explicit words for the graphic details of sexual stimulation and activities. Yes, the language and visuals are by far more than a child needs to learn all at once.
I cannot imagine what the author and the publisher were thinking when they released this book. Beware.
Wonderful and informative 2007-01-06
When I was nine, I was given this book along with "the talk". While talking is certainly something parents should do with their children to inform them about sex, they should also give them this book. It clearly explains sexuality with a main focus on puberty using small words and fairly large type for easy reading. By the age of twelve I had mostly outgrown this book because of the focus on puberty, so this book is best given earlier. This book also contains a short chapter on what is happening to boys at this age, which was also immensely useful.
As a short aside, I would like to mention that I am horrified by some of these reviews. If you wait to give this book to your daughter, or refrain entirely because it has an illustration of male genitalia, or because it mentions masturbation, or it doesn't promote the religious message of you have to wait until marriage, or that homosexuality is wrong and a sin, that is a bad decision. Children already know about sex from their classmates, and they don't know correct information. Some kids are already having sex at twelve. And if you wait to give this to your child, they won't know how to do it safely. I know you think, "oh, my ________ would NEVER do that". They may. And if they don't by age twelve or thirteen, they still will probably have done something sexual by the time they are sixteen or seventeen. And by the way, if you don't let them see an illustration of male genitalia, they will look it up. Trust me.
Excellent and informative 2006-10-22
I read this book in fifth grade, and I still remember it to be interesting and informative. Some reviewers have mentioned that it provides too much information for younger readers; at age 11 I personally had no problems with it. Nationwide the trend has become to provide less information in regards to puberty, sex, etc. It's important that teenagers and to-be-teenagers are well-informed, and there is nothing in this book that should be disturbing or traumatizing. As the author suggests in the book, any reader who finds the information to be too thorough may simply skip over the parts irrelevant to her. In addition, readers may always come back to the book at a later date and more mature age, but there is good information in it for the pre-teen set as well.
Overall, I would strongly recommend this book as a factual and informative read. It's also well-written and interesting enough to read in one day.
Way too much information for a young girl 
2006-08-22
I bought this book with the intention of giving it to a girl who just turned 12. Both her mother and I agreed it was way to much information and the illustrations were too graphic for a 12 year-old. The intent of the book is commendable but some parents may take issue with the author's opinions on the subjects covered. It might be better for an older girl but parents/relatives should read the book carefully before handing it over to even a young teenager.
Great for 11-13 range 
2008-07-07
As a 23-year old woman who read an earlier edition of this book when I was 13, I do remember it being informative and helpful. Now, as an educator, I have since revisted the book and I must agree that, although it is not suited for those under the age of 11, it is certainly more than appropriate for the 11-13 category.
Several readers mentioned the advanced content and graphics within the book and suggested waiting until girls are 16 or so before reading it. I must say, growing up in a strict, religious and well-educated family, as well as living in a fairly well-off, small town and attending private school, I was familiar with 100% of the book's content by the time I was 12 and by the time I was 16, nearly 50% of those around me were already having sex or engaging in other sexual activities. So, although I do agree that 8-10 year-olds should not be reading this book, parents do need to realize that their children will learn ALL of this info by the time they finish 6th grade- there's really no way of getting around it, regardless of what kind of environment you try to raise your children in- and I know my parents tried their best to do just that.
As parents and educators, we must try to be realistic and still strike a balance. I think that girls in the 11-13 category are perfect for this book; no younger, no older.
A Very Pleased Customer 2008-06-08
My mother gave this book to me when I was 10 years old and it answered ALL my questions about what my body was going through. It did not offend me, disturb me or make me run out and have sex.
If you want your child to understand the consequenses of having sex too soon or why abstinence is important, YOU should explain it to them. It's one thing to depend on a book to teach your child the anatomy of sex, but the personal feelings, values and expectation of a parent cannot be expressed by someone who doesn't even know your child.
Anyway, if you childs virginity is something you want to presereve, you should willing to talk about it yourself, not rely on a book to do it for you.
Changes 2008-04-22
This book has been very helpful for me in explaining the changes my daughter's body is currently going through. She has also found it interesting, I thought I would not have to deal with this for another year (she is 9)or so but here it was.
I would would recommend this book to parents of girls entering adolescents.
Very Helpful
Good Introduction 2008-01-23
When I was about 10-11, my mom got me this book. I found it super helpful to have a book like this to answer some of my more embarrassing questions on my own. I really liked the fact that there were questions from real teenagers. I could relate to many of their concerns. If you haven't seen the pictures in the book, there are some black and white drawings of different body parts. They are not lewd in any way. At the same time, if this book is being given to a younger child, you might want to talk about what information is going to be provided in the book. This same advice goes toward the section talking about sex. In the grand scheme of the world, the sex section isn't that graphic, but for some kids (and parents) it can be a bit to handle.
In short, if you are giving this book to a child, look it over first. See if it is appropriate for your child's maturity level. With that said, I really liked this book. I felt it went over several of my concerns when I went through puberty. I also liked the fact that the book was useful for a long period of time. I found myself referring to different sections of the book for a year or two. I'll admit that some sections were over my head when I first started reading the book, but as those sections became relevant they became more understandable to me.
Essential reading for young girls and women 2007-12-28
My mother bought me an earlier edition of this book when I was nine. I am 23 now, and over the years I have recognized again and again how much I have benefited from What's Happening to my Body. Puberty can be a confusing and scary time... I remember many times when I went to the book for information when I was worried that I wasn't "normal." The real life anecdotes were especially comforting to me (and even funny sometimes!) because I knew I wasn't alone. Ultimately, this book empowers young women to know and care for their bodies as well as their minds.
The information I learned in this book actually made me significantly more knowledgeable than my schoolmates in junior high and high school when it came to women's health issues, sexuality and birth control. The reading level is simple and the author provides helpful illustrations. I have to say that I disagree with the comments suggesting the illustrations are too "graphic" or "scary." Perhaps reading and discussing the anatomy section with your children would be helpful to both parent and child.
Having the knowledge I gained from this book allowed me to make responsible and informed decisions, and I really feel that it played a large part in how comfortable I am with my body and health now. Even today, my female friends often ask me health-related questions - What's Happening to My Body encouraged me to continue educating myself on these important issues throughout my life.
I absolutely intend to provide my children with this book (there is also a version for boys, which my mother gave to my younger brother - I read it too!). The knowledge I gained from this book has been indispensable.
