Changing You: A Guide to Body Changes and Sexuality by Gail Saltz

Short Summary

Changing You: A Guide to Body Changes and Sexuality by Dr. Gail Saltz is an illustrated, age-appropriate puberty book that helps children understand how their bodies grow and change. It explains anatomy, puberty, reproduction, and body safety in a calm, supportive way – perfect for helping kids make sense of what’s happening as they grow up.

Age Group

Suitable for children aged 8 to 12 years.

Topics Discussed

Puberty

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Buy a Copy

Buy a copy of Changing You: A Guide to Body Changes and Sexuality by Gail Saltz from Amazon.

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What this book is about

  • Changing You begins by explaining why it’s important to talk about our bodies and celebrate the amazing things they can do.
  • It introduces puberty as a natural process that happens to everyone, helping kids understand both the emotional and physical changes they might experience.
  • The book clearly explains anatomy, using illustrations to show body parts such as the penis and vagina, and describes how these parts develop as kids grow.
  • It covers puberty for both boys and girls, including hair growth, hormonal changes, and menstruation, with practical information about periods and body care.
  • There’s also a gentle, factual explanation of how babies are made, describing sexual intercourse as something adults do when they love each other and want to have a baby.
  • The section on birth includes both vaginal and caesarean deliveries, giving children a realistic picture of how babies enter the world.
  • Importantly, the book discusses body autonomy and safety, teaching kids that they have the right to say no to unwanted touch.
  • It also introduces the idea of sexual feelings in a reassuring way, normalising curiosity while encouraging children to talk to a trusted adult if they ever feel worried or confused.
  • While the book doesn’t cover masturbation, it still provides an excellent foundation for understanding puberty, reproduction, and boundaries.
  • Warm, factual, and easy to follow, Changing You is a fantastic first puberty book for kids and a great tool for parents to use in open, supportive conversations about growing up.
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I hope you find this book review helpful!

Happy talking!
❤️ Cath

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Cath Hakanson is a qualified family sex educator, sexual health nurse and author with 30+ years of clinical and education experience. As an AuDHD parent of two neurodivergent children, she creates clear, practical sex ed resources that help parents talk about bodies, puberty, consent, porn, relationships and sex without shame or judgement.