The Facts on Sex Education

"People feel better about themselves when they understand how and why their bodies work the way they do. Facts empower us when they are put in a context that lets us understand how [they] are relevant to our lives," writes Ruth Bell in Changing Bodies, Changing Lives, the workhorse of teen sexuality books. That empowerment most effectively begins in early childhood and builds year by year as mental and emotional growth brings up new questions and interests.

Preschoolers and primary-grade students notice the physical differences between boys and girls, often in natural interactions. Their mothers become pregnant and new babies bring profound change to their families. They wonder about their own origins; Joanna Cole's colorful photo-essay How You Were Born emphasizes how parents love their babies even before they are born. Some students enter puberty as early as third and fourth grade; Marc and Laurie Brown address their questions with humor and charm in What's the Big Secret? Upper elementary and middle school curriculums include human growth and development. Robie Harris's It's Perfectly Normal and It's So Amazing! disarm the squeamish and dispense accurate information on sex and sexual health with comic aplomb. Lynda Madaras's What's Happening to My Body? books for boys and girls superbly pinpoint the changes of puberty while providing sensitive reassurance about what's normal.

High school students inhabit adult bodies but often lack the maturity to see past the excitement of the present moment. STDs, pregnancy, and date rape are real dangers as they explore their own sexuality with other not-quite grown-ups. They need accurate and comprehensive information to guide and assure them.

The authors of each of the books listed here consistently seek to provide young people with relevant facts and emotional support, empowering them to take personal responsibility in making wise choices regarding their sexual activity and health.–Joyce Adams Burner

BROWN, Laurie Krasny. What's the Big Secret? Talking about Sex with Girls and Boys. illus. by Marc Brown. Little, Brown. 1997.
Gr 2-4 –The Brown team takes a lighthearted approach to the physical differences and similarities between boys and girls, appropriate touching, internal sex organs, intercourse, pregnancy, and birth. The anatomical diagrams, while portrayed in cartoon-style illustrations, are complete and thoroughly labeled. Using correct names for body parts is encouraged. In taking the weirdness out of talking about sex with children, this book offers visual appeal for younger children and sufficiently detailed information for older ones, thus filling the gap between preschoolers' books about birth and preadolescents' books about puberty.

COLE, Joanna. How You Were Born. photos. by Margaret Miller. Mulberry. 1993.
PreS-Gr 3 –This book for parents and children to share features vivid full-color photographs, many of fetal development in utero, as well as drawings of fetal development and birth. An introduction for parents warns of the misconceptions children may have about pregnancy and childbirth and encourages answering their questions with only as much information as they want at the moment.

DOUGLAS, Ann. Before You Were Born: The Inside Story! illus. by Eugenie Fernandes. photos. by Gilbert Duclos. Owl. 2000.
Gr 1-4 –This comforting book tells of what life is like in the womb. Descriptions of fetal movement, nutrition, and sensations, addressed directly to the child ("Sometimes loud bangs startled you, and your mother could feel you jump") are supplemented by "Baby Science" sidebars that provide suggestions for simulating aspects of the pre-birth experience. The developing fetus is shown growing in the mother's uterus in soft pastel illustrations; color photographs and sonograms also supplement the text.

FARMER, Patti. What's He Doing Now? illus. by Janet Wilson. Firefly. 1996.
PreS-Gr 3 –Big-brother-to-be Lewis is skeptically curious about the new baby on the way, expressing his ambivalence and concern in wry comments. "He's going to look like a prune when he comes out," he says regarding amniotic fluid. Mom orders liver for dinner, and Lewis comments, "Give the kid a break, Mom. Have a hot dog." Lewis's parents consistently reassure him of his special place in the family. Watercolor-and-pencil illustrations exquisitely capture Lewis's emotions as well as his parents' love.

GIRARD, Linda Walvoord. My Body Is Private. illus. by Rodney Pate. Albert Whitman. 1984.
PreS-Gr 4 –Julie doesn't want to sit on Uncle Ted's lap–he rubs her arms and smells of tobacco–but she worries that he will be angry if she refuses. Mom says Julie's feelings are more important than Uncle Ted's, and they discuss good and bad touch, reinforcing Julie's right to say "no" when she is uncomfortable or feels her privacy is violated. Children will easily identify with the child's conflicted emotions, and the gentle drawings and eloquently direct dialogue encourage young readers to maintain healthy boundaries of their own.

HARRIS, Robie H. It's So Amazing! A Book about Eggs, Sperm, Birth, Babies, and Families. illus. by Michael Emberley. Candlewick. 1999.
Gr 2-6 –An inquisitive Bird and a disconcerted Bee portray the differing reactions of children to sexual matters in this exploration of how a baby is conceived and grows. The authors address relationships, sexual identity, sexual abuse, STDs, and emotions in a particularly age-appropriate manner that conveys accurate information and healthy attitudes, amid comic asides from the Bird and Bee. The cartoon-style art, done in colored pencil and watercolor, includes people of all shapes, sizes and ethnicities.

MURKOFF, Heidi. What to Expect When the New Baby Comes Home. illus. by Laura Rader. HarperCollins. 2001.
PreS-Gr 3 –Children vacillate between fascination and anxiety while awaiting the arrival of a new sibling. Murkoff reassuringly answers questions like "What do new babies eat?," "Why do new babies cry so much?," and the all-important "Why do new babies get so many presents?," ever respectful of tender, perhaps ambivalent, feelings. Simple suggestions of ways to interact with the infant complement the text. Softly tinted illustrations portray family members lovingly caring for one another.

ROSENBERG, Maxine B. Mommy's in the Hospital Having a Baby. photos. by Robert Maass. Clarion. 1997.
PreS-Gr 2 –Many children meet a new sibling in the hospital. Rosenberg prepares them for this visit with photographs taken in a maternity ward and simple descriptions of hospital care and routines, designed to reassure youngsters that Mommy is being well cared for. Breastfeeding, umbilical cords, ID bracelets, and hospital beds are discussed, although labor and the birth process are not.

ROYSTON, Angela. Where Do Babies Come From? DK. 1996.
PreS-Gr 2 –This "first" book shows young children that all babies start with eggs, whether hidden in a plant's flower to be pollinated by a bee or growing inside a mother duck to be fertilized by a father duck. The simple text moves from plants and birds to explain that kittens and human babies also start with eggs that grow inside the mother. The stunningly bold photography that characterizes many DK titles illustrates the book.

SEARS, William, Martha Sears, & Christie Watts Kelly. Baby on the Way . illus. by Renée Andriani. Little, Brown. 2001.
PreS-Gr 3 –This title presents a simple exposition of pregnancy and childbirth, specifically mentioning some of the physical effects of pregnancy–fatigue, nesting, thirst, nausea, aches. Sidebars entitled, "What You Can Do" and "Answers for the Very Curious" further explain the birth process and facts about newborns in child-friendly ways and encourage sibling involvement. Softly colored painted illustrations show ways the child can help an expectant mother and greet the new baby.

CHAIET, Donna. Staying Safe on Dates. Rosen. 1996.
Gr 6-10 –Straight talk on handling various dating situations characterizes this volume that emphasizes personal awareness and responsibility in developing safety skills. Chaiet encourages teens to set and maintain verbal and emotional boundaries for relationships. Dating violence, including date and acquaintance rape, is discussed, as is societal conditioning and self-defense, all set within the context of real-life examples. The clearly written and easy-to-read text is effectively illustrated with both color and black-and-white photos.

HARRIS, Robie H. It's Perfectly Normal: Changing Bodies, Growing Up, Sex and Sexual Health. illus. by Michael Emberley. Candlewick. 1994.
Gr 5-8 –Fun dominates the cartoon-laden pages of this comically serious look at puberty and sex. Appealing to middle schoolers' unique sense of humor, Harris offers a refreshingly candid look at everything from conception and puberty to birth control and AIDS, presenting accurate information. Humorous but insightful comments by Bird and Bee, the wisecracking duo of It's So Amazin g!, reflect the ambivalent feelings readers may have about sex, being both fascinated and repelled by the subject. It's perfectly normal!

HUGHES, Tracy. Everything You Need to Know about Teen Pregnancy . Rosen. 1999.
Gr 6-10 –"Pregnancy means making lots of decisions." Hughes addresses the many questions that arise when a teenager finds that she is pregnant and gives practical advice on the causes and nature of pregnancy, prenatal care, adoption, and abortion. Nonjudgmental and sympathetic, the author guides readers through self-assessment to personal decisions with clear, direct counsel. The large-print text is easy to read and comprehend.

LOULAN, JoAnn & Bonnie Worthen. Period: A Girl's Guide. rev. ed. Book Peddlers. 2000.
Gr 4-8 –Period is a comforting and informational look at menstruation, related in simple terms as a normal process that all girls experience. Practical in its advice on the use of feminine-hygiene products and reassuring in its acknowledgment of the mixed feelings girls have about menstruating, it employs a question-and-answer format, a description of gynecological exams, and a guide for parents. Simple line drawings grace the text with portrayals of girls coping with new feelings and situations.

MADARAS, Lynda with Area Madaras. The What's Happening to My Body? Book for Boys: A Growing-Up Guide for Parents and Sons. ––––. The What's Happening to My Body? Book for Girls: A Growing-Up Guide for Parents and Daughters. ea vol: Newmarket. 2000.
Gr 4 Up –In this great pair of books, Madaras writes in an honest, sensitive, nonjudgmental tone that reassures readers with straight talk about the physical and emotional changes of puberty. For both genders, she discusses the stages of development and very specific particulars about normal changes. The author considers how to deal with romantic and sexual feelings, and advises girls on handling unwanted attention due to early development. Loads of specific and detailed information is packed into these books. The introduction, addressed to parents, offers advice on discussing sexuality with adolescents.

PARRAMON, Merce. The Miracle of Life. Chelsea House. 1994.
Gr 5-8 –Bold, colorful illustrations make even anatomical diagrams of genitalia attractive in this handsome look at reproduction and fetal development. The text is concise and clearly written, setting forth the biological information matter-of-factly, but the pictures, complemented by excellent captions, really make this extraordinary book come alive.

SILVERSTEIN, Alvin, Virginia Silverstein, & Robert Silverstein. The Reproductive System. 21st Century Bks. 1994.
Gr 5 Up –The Silversteins present a solid comprehensive overview of human reproduction, as well as a glance at the plant and animal worlds. Male and female reproductive systems, menstruation and ovulation, intercourse, and fertilization are explained clearly and presented as scientific information. Genetics, pregnancy, and fetal development lead into a look at newborns and complications. No bells and whistles here–just the facts and plenty of them.

WOODS, Samuel G. Everything You Need to Know about STDs: An Introduction for Teens. Rosen. 2000.
Gr 5-8 –Woods provides an easily understood look at sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV and AIDS, syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, genital herpes, genital warts, and human papilloma virus. General information on transmission, prevention, and safe sex precedes specifics on symptoms and treatment, with "case histories" interspersed to bring home the likelihood of contracting an STD by failing to make wise choices regarding sexual activity.

AYER, Eleanor. It's Okay to Say No: Choosing Sexual Abstinence . Rosen. 1997.
Gr 8 Up –Abstinence is presented as the only foolproof means of birth control as well as a path to personal empowerment, self-respect, and confidence. Teens making this choice go against peer pressure, media, and cultural influences, and their own hormonal urges. The dangers of teen sexual activity are outlined, and the easy-to-read text contains personal accounts of teens coping with the ramifications of their choice to have sex or remain abstinent. Advice on making sexual abstinence work concludes the book, which makes no reference to religion as a basis for choosing abstinence.

BASSO, Michael J. The Underground Guide to Teenage Sexuality. 2nd ed. Fairview Press. 1997.
Gr 9 Up –Dispelling myths and arming teen readers with the facts, Basso takes a proactive approach, recognizing teen sexuality as a powerful force and providing answers to tough questions in a matter-of-fact tone. Anatomy, puberty, emotions, STDs, conception, birth control, intercourse, abstinence, date rape, abortion, and homosexuality are addressed.

BELL, Ruth with contributions by members of the Boston Women's Health Book Collective and the Teen Book Project. Changing Bodies, Changing Lives: A Book for Teens on Sex and Relationships . Times Bks. 1998.
Gr 9 Up –This classic treatment of teen sexuality and health is as powerful as ever. Created by the same group that produced Our Bodies, Ourselves (Peter Smith, 1998), the book emphasizes empowerment with information that is personally relevant. Contributors include hundreds of teens, parents, health educators, teachers, medical practitioners, and researchers. Minimally illustrated with black-and-white photos of teens, this candid, vibrant portrayal of sexuality, emotional and physical health, and the array of choices available features stunning depth and breadth.

BENEDICT, Helen. Safe, Strong, and Streetwise: Sexual Safety at Home, on the Street, on Dates, on the Job, at Parties, and More. Little, Brown. 1987.
Gr 8 Up –Learning to protect oneself is a vital component of sex education for teens. Benedict explains the what and why of sexual assault, teens' sexual rights and responsibilities, safety for both genders, and self-defense. Date rape, flashing, harassment, and parties are covered, as is safety in places like elevators and schools, and while baby-sitting. Very practical and supportive counsel is offered without a hint of sensationalism.

BRYNIE, Faith Hickman. 101 Questions about Sex and Sexuality: With Answers for the Curious, Cautious, and Confused. 21st Century Bks. 2003.
Gr 8 Up –These questions were collected from middle and high school students, and the answers consistently move readers away from embarrassed giggles toward solid information that will aid in making wise and safe choices regarding sex. Brynie emphasizes abstinence as the only sure way of avoiding STDs and pregnancies but also gives detailed information on contraception.

GOTTFRIED, Ted. Teen Fathers Today. 21st Century Bks. 2001.
Gr 9 Up –Teen pregnancy creates fathers as well as mothers, and their feelings and responsibilities are equally important. First-person accounts portray teen fathers interacting with their own parents as well as facing the physical realities of pregnancy and birth. Long-term implications of fatherhood on the young man's educational and financial future are also examined. Gottfried juxtaposes common myths, for example that teen fathers are only seeking casual sex, with realities–in this case, surveys that show that many teen fathers have an ongoing relationship with the mother.

IMMELL, Myra H., ed. Teen Pregnancy. Gale/Greenhaven. 2001.
Gr 9 Up –This compilation of articles on various aspects of teen pregnancy draws from sources as varied as scientific journals, teen mothers' diaries, and The National Review. Health-care professionals, educators, journalists, social workers, and pregnant teens contribute to its comprehensive examination of the issues and dilemmas involved. A good source for reports, the book will also hold the interest of more casual readers who can pick and choose from its many offerings.

LITTLE, Margorie. Sexually Transmitted Diseases . Chelsea House. 2000.
Gr 9 Up –This serious look at STDs begins with introductions by C. Everett Koop, former Surgeon General, and Sandra Thurman, director of the Office of National AIDS Policy. A survey of the history of STDs is followed by general information on transmission and detection, then specifics on individual diseases including AIDS, and advice on STD prevention. No warm fuzzies here, but a sobering examination of deadly and debilitating diseases that informed and careful teens can avoid.

MCCOY, Kathy & Charles Wibbelsman. The Teenage Body Book. rev. ed. Perigee. 1999.
Gr 9 Up –This standard, comprehensive work on teen health and sexuality, revised and updated, still offers solid answers to serious questions. Chapters include topics such as overcoming body-image anxiety; drugs, drinking, smoking, and peer pressure; sexual orientation; depression, anxiety, and stress; teen pregnancy, birth control, and parenthood; STDs; fad diets; sports medicine; and crisis counseling. Information new to this edition includes alternative medicines and therapies, and ethnic differences in physical development. Tried and true!

MARCUS, Eric. Is It a Choice? Answers to 300 of the Most Frequently Asked Questions about Gays and Lesbians. HarperSanFrancisco. 1999.
Gr 7 Up –Teens coming to terms with their own sexual orientation will find clear, compassionate information here. From the very basic ("What is a homosexual?") to the very specific ("What do kids call their two same-sex parents?"), Marcus exposes stereotypes about homosexuals. Coverage includes self-discovery and coming out, family and children, dating, relationships and marriage, work, and socializing and friends. Politics, activism, the military, religion, discrimination, mass media, and AIDS are also within the book's comprehensive scope.