Below Your Belt: A Pelvic Heath Handbook for Girls

Gr 4–8—How does one rule the pelvic area like a queen? With knowledge and confidence, according to Lavender and Ihm. Readers learn what constitutes the pelvic region (the pelvic bones, muscles, and organs), as well as how the digestive, reproductive, and urinary systems function within the region. The authors then focus on healthy practices, which include eating enough fiber to avoid constipation, doing exercises aimed at improving pelvic strength, and keeping track of one's menstrual cycle. Lavender and Ihm bring together different topics related to the pelvic region into one comprehensive guide with the goal of educating girls in order to ensure a lifetime of pelvic health. In an effort to tap into youth culture, the authors use text messaging—style abbreviations. For instance, the phrase pelvic floor muscles becomes PFM and know your cycle is shortened to KYC. This may be frustrating for readers with less than perfect recall; however, a "Text It" lexicon is provided. Information is presented in an accessible format with many highlighted subsections and cute, colorful illustrations that add a decidedly lighthearted feel while augmenting the text. The extensive resources include books for kids and parents as well as online sites. The chummy tone will attract readers, but it might also deter the more sophisticated. Regardless, the content is useful and the title is unique.