Providing kids with an effective sex education is an important task for parents – yet often this vital part of parenting is downplayed or put off entirely. Parents may not know what kinds of sex education resources are appropriate for different age groups, or even the best way to present the kinds of pregnancy information kids need.
For the last fifteen years, however, child development specialist Robie H. Harris and illustrator Michael Emberley’s popular yet controversial book It’s Perfectly Normal: Changing Bodies, Growing Up, Sex & Sexual Healthhas been providing frank explanations about pregnancy, sex, and puberty that parents, teachers, and teenagers in over twenty countries have used in their sex education.
Created through consultations with parents, teachers, librarians, nurses, doctors, social workers, psychologists, scientists and clergy, It’s Perfectly Normal has received accolades from many sources including Parenting and Child magazine. At the same time, the book has been the subject of controversy, primarily for its anatomically correct illustrations, making its use a matter of personal choice for parents and teenagers.
It’s Perfectly Normal: Changing Bodies, Growing Up, Sex & Sexual Health
Recommended for ages ten and up, It’s Perfectly Normal provides in-depth explanations of sex and conception through a combination of textual explanations written by Harris and cartoon-style illustrations drawn by Emberley of developing bodies, female periods, sperm productions, fertilization, and birth.
Narrated by Bird and Bee, two cartoon animals who reflect different views on sex (Bird enjoys learning about sexual health while Bee is squeamish about sex education), the book answers questions about pregnancy, puberty, and sexual health for preteens and teenagers. While early chapters cover the basics of developing bodies and pregnancy, later sections also go into more controversial yet relevant topics such as masturbation, birth control, in vitro fertilization, artificial insemination, and abortion.
Notably, some of the chapters also deal with the social aspects of relationships – including sections that cover heterosexual, homosexual, and bisexual relationships, as well as building families through adoption.
In general, Harris and Emberley promote a positive, healthy attitude toward sex, encouraging mutual respect and personal responsibility in nonsexual and sexual relationships, while noting abstinence remains the surest way to prevent infection from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Sexual abuse and harassment is also addressed, and the author and illustrator make sure to devote a section to what constitutes sexual abuse and how to deal with these issues.
As a resource that has been published since the 1990s, Harris has promised that later editions will be updated as new health and science information becomes available, including information on STDs; such as HIV, hepatitis, and syphilis; and STD treatment. The 15th edition released in 2009 also includes a new chapter on Internet safety, reflecting the different concerns of the 21st century.
A Controversial Book
For all of the accolades and awards that It’s Perfectly Normal has received, this resource has also been a subject of controversy. In 2005, the book even topped the American Library Association’s list of most challenged books (ironic considering It’s Perfectly Normal is also an American Library Association Notable Children’s Book).
Chief among the criticisms is the book’s free use of nudity in its illustrations, which include scenes of sexual intercourse and two scenes of masturbation. Others have criticized the book on religious grounds or even accused the book of promoting sexual relations among minors (despite the fact that Harris gives many physiological, financial, and emotional reasons why young people should not rush into sexual intercourse).
Ultimately, while It’s Perfectly Normal is a good sex education resource for parents and teachers, its value can only be realized if parents and teachers take the time to read through the book prior to sharing it with their kids. Although the guide is recommended for kids ten and up, its age appropriateness can only be determined by those who know the maturity level of their kids or students.
Likewise, as well-written as this resource is, it cannot substitute for honest and open discussions about sexual health – although it can certainly provide good motivation for such discussions, as well as a welcome reference for information both adults and children are not familiar with. Overall then, the book is an excellent resource and supplement to sex education – so long as its readers know how to use it properly.
Read about Robie H. Harris' other sex education books at Sex Education Books for Children.
Harris, Robie H. and Michael Emberley. It’s Perfectly Normal: Changing Bodies, Growing Up, Sex & Sexual Health. Massachusetts: Candlewick Press. 2004. ISBN: 978-0-7636-2433-0
Michael Jung - Michael Jung is a professional writer, children’s literature specialist, and online book dealer whose articles, reviews, interviews, ...
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