Growing up An inclusive guide to puberty and your changing body

Greener's guide to puberty hits many positive notes: it depicts a diverse range of young people; it distinguishes between biological sex and gender identity; and it provides tween-appropriate information about the maturation process. Specifically, the author discusses hormonal changes to ovaries and testicles, growth spurts, physical body changes (breast development, periods, beards, voice changes, erections), and puberty-related emotional changes. She also touches upon consent and dangers connected with online activities. Information is presented simply using two sizes of text that distinguish main points and details. Owen's colorful digital artwork appears on every page. Most illustrations portray gender-indeterminate individuals involved in social situations (playing soccer, attending sleepovers); a few depict locker room nudity or diagrams of sexual organs; and smaller inset art is used to add details. Because the intended audience is young and the coverage so broad, much of the presentation is very general, which may result in some confusion. Appended with additional questions and a glossary, this should be most useful as an introduction for young tweens.

A guide to the ins and outs of maturation. Greener and Owen's book covers physical and emotional changes, friendship, self-care, and digital citizenship and safety. Written in second person, the text addresses young readers directly, inviting them to consider their own experiences. The book both normalizes and affirms the diversity of human bodies and experiences, whether biological realities ("These changes happen at a different speed for everyone") or bodily autonomy and choice ("Not every grown-up can or will choose to use their body to make a baby. There are lots of different ways to be a grown-up"). Illustrations rendered in gentle hues include informative biological diagrams and tools such as menstrual products; the art portrays people of diverse racial identities, abilities, religions, and body sizes going about their lives. A section on boundary setting addresses consent and the importance of listening when someone says no, though it doesn't address affirmative consent. The author doesn't discuss transgender experiences (beyond acknowledging that some people's gender identities are at odds with the sex they were assigned at birth) or puberty blockers; still, her use of words such as some and most helps to avoid overgeneralization: "During puberty, most people born with a vulva will start having periods." Frequent reminders to talk with a "grown-up you trust" responsibly keep the focus on young readers and their potential needs. An extensive and accurate puberty primer. (extra questions readers might have, resources, glossary) (Nonfiction. 8-14) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.