Book Review
An overview of the book
My Changing Body book (Girl’s Edition) by Linda Picone is a puberty book for girls that talks about everything that girls may possibly want to know about puberty, love, relationships and sex.
This book was published in 2010 and is probably the most diverse puberty book that I have found. By diverse, I mean that it also covers topics like transgender and intersex ie topics that most other books have yet to include. It is also very comprehensive and includes a lot of really good sexual content for older kids.
There is also a Boy’s Edition available.
My Changing Body book (Girl’s Edition) starts off with the physical changes that happen to the body. It talks about the whole body and then moves onto the emotional changes. Your emotions and also your friendships will change as you go through puberty. It introduces the concept of sexual thoughts, explaining why you start to think about peers in a new and sexual way. It also talks about what it means to be male or female, and that sometimes we can be in the wrong body.
The changes to the reproductive organs are outlined in their own chapter. The changes to the outside parts ie the breasts and genitals (vulva and vagina) are discussed in greater details as well as the workings of the internal reproductive organs ie the menstrual cycle and periods. Masturbation or sexual arousal when you touch yourself is briefly explained.
My Changing Body book (Girl’s Edition) dedicates a whole chapter to explaining what sex is all about. The information is simple but it provides a really nice overview of not just the physical but also the emotional aspects of sex. The different types of sex are also discussed along with consent. I am glad that consent is included, as it is increasingly being ignored by teens, which can lead to accusations of rape. Porn is also discussed in that it is one way to learn about sex but that it is often inaccurate.
Falling in love is next, where dating, love vs like, sexual values and beliefs (or morals), same-sex attraction and making a commitment. These are described very age-appropriately, written simply but with enough information to make sense.
My Changing Body book (Girl’s Edition) then moves onto looking after your body. Eating properly, getting enough sleep, exercising or playing sport, and having a healthy (not obsessed) self-esteem and body image. Self-care specific to girls includes gynae care (Pap Smears, pelvic examinations, breast checks, thrush, urinary tract infections, Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) and sexually transmitted infections. Dangerous activities such as alcohol, drugs, smoking and driving are also included. Some risks aren’t discussed ie porn, sexual selfies and sexting.
The next chapter is dedicated to birth control ie how to not have a baby. Puberty is all about making the body fertile, which means that kids need to know that there is a real risk that sexual intercourse can lead to pregnancy. All of the different methods of birth control are discussed in enough detail.
My Changing Body book (Girl’s Edition) then talks about conception ie how the sperm and egg meet up. Pregnancy is discussed, along with miscarriages and abortion, as well as labour, birthing and the responsibility of looking after a baby.
Ideal Age
Ideal for children aged 14+ years.
Buy this book
✅ Buy a copy of My Changing Body book (Girl’s edition) by Linda Picone from Amazon.
Video Transcription
A transcription in case you are more of a reader than a listener
Hey there! Let’s dive into the book Okay, My Changing Body For Girls by Linda Picone. This book is all about puberty and sexuality, perfect for girls who are a bit older and going through those changes. It was published in 2010, so it’s been around for about five or six years.
The book covers a bunch of important topics. First, it talks about basic anatomy, so you’ll learn about the changes happening down below and the development of your breasts. It also touches on your emotions and identity, helping you become the amazing person you are. Plus, it explores what sex is all about and what it means.
You’ll also find chapters on falling in love, dating, and taking care of your body. Remember, your body is unique and it’s important to treat it well. The book even covers birth control and pregnancy, so you can learn about those topics too.
At the back of the book, there’s a big glossary that explains all the different terms. It’s super helpful if you come across something you’re not familiar with. Oh, and there’s a section on labor and anesthesia, but keep in mind that some of the terminology might not be used in Australia.
Now, when it comes to contraception, the book mentions the pill, but it’s a bit outdated. These days, there are more options available that don’t require taking a tablet every day. Things like patches, implants, and injections have become more popular. Contraception has actually changed a lot in the past few years, making it easier for girls to find a method that works for them.
The book also touches on different types of sexual activities, like oral sex. However, it doesn’t go into explicit details or talk about pornography. It’s more focused on providing relevant information in a way that’s appropriate for your age.
Overall, this is a great book for older kids who want to learn about puberty and growing up. It’s not too overwhelming, but it still gives you a lot of valuable information. If you’re around 12 or 13, this book could be a good fit for you. Of course, there are other books out there designed for 14 to 15 year olds if you’re looking for more in-depth content.
So, if you’re on the lookout for new books to talk to your kids about growing up, I definitely recommend considering Okay, My Changing Body For Girls as a valuable addition to your collection. I hope this review helps you out! Cheers!
