Does This Happen to Everyone?: A Budding Adult's Guide to Puberty

Gr 6–9—Puberty does indeed happen to everyone—bringing with it physical and emotional changes. Originally published in Germany with support from the Berlin Family Planning Centre, this quirky guide tackles 70 of the most frequently asked questions from tweens and young teens on body changes, sex, pregnancy, crushes, and other related topics. Helms provides straightforward and nonjudgmental answers to some hot-button topics ("How Old Do I Have to Be Before I Can Get the Pill Without My Parents' Consent?"; "Am I Allowed to Watch Porn Online or on My Phone?"). Von Holleben's clever and eye-catching photos provide a whimsical touch to the subject matter, though some may find the images a bit risqué (a neat row of various sized carrots demonstrates that everyone's body parts are unique, while another photo depicts preteens blowing up condoms into balloons). While this is a fairly comprehensive examination of the topic, there isn't much information addressing LGBTQ issues. This may not be the ideal primer on puberty for everyone, but those looking for a title with a light tone and a sense of humor will find this a solid choice to help open the dialogue between parents and kids who are on the cusp of maturing from children into young adults.—Elaine Baran Black, Georgia Public Library Service, Atlanta