A medical doctor and a registered nurse answer questions about puberty collected over years of experience conducting classes for young people and their parents or trusted adults.Questions about body changes; feelings; friendships and relationships; sex, sexuality, and gender identity; and babies reflect preteen concerns, are loosely organized by subject, and are answered honestly and informatively. The dos-à-dos format (girls' queries on one side, boys' on the other) has the advantage of allowing readers to concentrate on their own issues but also to explore the ways others think. The authors have specialized in adolescent health care for over 30 years; their understanding of and sympathy with the age group are evident. Often the answers include gentle reminders that families and cultures differ; the young readers should also be consulting parents or trusted adults—there are even helpful suggestions for how and when to approach sensitive subjects. This revision of a 2012 title includes many of the original questions and sensible answers but has been expanded to reflect today's changing attitudes and understandings about gender fluidity. Young people with a range of hairstyles and skin tones are shown engaged in various activities—alone, with one another, and with adults. The design, helpful diagrams, and occasional appealing illustrations have not changed significantly, but the new information will make this a sensible purchase even for those who own the first edition. An excellent addition to the "growing-up" shelf. (Nonfiction. 9-12)

Gr 5-8 Real kids ask real questions of professionals who know not only how to talk to them, but also how to relate knowledgeable, age-appropriate answers in an engaging manner. The book offers information for girls on one side and for boys when it is turned over (or vice versa), which suits the binary nature of the topic perfectly. Illustrations are on target and intelligently used. The comprehensive book covers anatomical and emotional changes, reproduction as a biological process, sex, masturbation, dating, and some of the emotional differences between boys and girls. Other gender-specific topics are also included. The information is presented in a friendly, compassionate manner, and the book is a great way to start a conversation with preteens or tweens. It serves as a model for answering their questions and lets parents know what kids are really thinking. If you can only afford one book on puberty for this age group, this is the one to have.— Cindy Wall, Southington Library &; Museum, CT

A medical doctor and a registered nurse answer questions about puberty collected over years of experience conducting classes for young people and their parents or trusted adults.Questions about body changes; feelings; friendships and relationships; sex, sexuality, and gender identity; and babies reflect preteen concerns, are loosely organized by subject, and are answered honestly and informatively. The dos-à-dos format (girls' queries on one side, boys' on the other) has the advantage of allowing readers to concentrate on their own issues but also to explore the ways others think. The authors have specialized in adolescent health care for over 30 years; their understanding of and sympathy with the age group are evident. Often the answers include gentle reminders that families and cultures differ; the young readers should also be consulting parents or trusted adults—there are even helpful suggestions for how and when to approach sensitive subjects. This revision of a 2012 title includes many of the original questions and sensible answers but has been expanded to reflect today's changing attitudes and understandings about gender fluidity. Young people with a range of hairstyles and skin tones are shown engaged in various activities—alone, with one another, and with adults. The design, helpful diagrams, and occasional appealing illustrations have not changed significantly, but the new information will make this a sensible purchase even for those who own the first edition. An excellent addition to the "growing-up" shelf. (Nonfiction. 9-12)