Book Review
A short overview of this book
Changing You: A Guide to Body Changes and Sexuality by Gail Saltz is a picture book that prepares kids for the changes that puberty will bring.
This is a lovely book that provides a very nice introduction to puberty. Which means that you can prepare your child for puberty sooner, rather than later. Kids who have an early introduction to puberty are much more accepting of the changes that it can bring. And books like this can help with starting the conversation in a way that feels natural (and not awkward).
This book only shows a circumcised penis ie where the foreskin has been removed. It does not show an intact penis (with a foreskin).
This book does talk about sexual intercourse.
You can learn more on this page about how to talk to kids about puberty.
Ideal Age
Ideal for children aged 8 to 12 years.
Buy this book
✅ Buy a copy of Changing You by Gail Saltz from Amazon.
Video Transcription
A transcription in case you are more of a reader than a listener
Hey there! I’m Cath Hak, and welcome to Sex Ed Rescue, my YouTube channel where I review books and make videos about sex education. I also have a website where I help parents find better ways to talk to their kids about sex. Today, I want to talk about a book called Changing You by Dr. Gail Saltz. I actually bought her other book and loved it, so I decided to splurge and get this one too.
First off, let me say that I think this book is fantastic. It was published back in 2007, but the information in it is still relevant today. The book starts by explaining why it’s important to talk about our bodies and the changes they go through. It emphasizes that our bodies are amazing and do some really cool stuff.
As kids get older, they start growing taller and their bodies start changing in other ways too. Sometimes these changes can feel confusing and make kids feel different. Before the physical changes happen, there are some internal changes that occur, like hormones kicking in and mood swings. I think it’s great that the book addresses this.
The book goes on to explain the different parts of the body, like the penis and the vagina, with illustrations to help kids understand. It also talks about the changes that happen during puberty, like hair growth and the development of sexual organs. There’s even a mention of safety, like wearing a jock strap.
For girls, the book covers the changes that happen to their bodies, including periods. It explains what periods are and how they work. I just realized that this is actually the second illustrated book about puberty that I’ve come across, so I’ll need to update my information on that!
The book also talks about how babies are made, explaining that when a man and a woman love each other and want to have a child, they have something called sexual intercourse. It’s described in a very age-appropriate way, emphasizing that it’s a special way for people to express their love for each other. The book even includes a section on birth, discussing both vaginal birth and the possibility of a baby being delivered through a C-section.
Towards the end, the book reminds kids that their bodies are wonderful and that they have the right to say no if someone tries to touch them in a way they don’t like. It’s an important message about body safety.
Lastly, the book touches on the topic of sexual feelings. It acknowledges that as kids’ bodies change, they may start having thoughts about sex. It reassures them that it’s completely normal and that everyone’s thoughts may be a little different. If any thoughts ever worry or scare them, the book encourages kids to talk to a trusted adult, like a parent.
I didn’t find any mention of masturbation in this book, but Dr. Gail Saltz does talk about it in her other book. Overall, I think Changing You is a great resource for younger kids to learn about puberty and the changes their bodies go through. It’s informative, age-appropriate, and covers important topics in a supportive and reassuring way.
I hope this review helps! Cheers!
