Book Review
A short overview of this book
Nonnie Talks About Puberty by Mary Jo Podgurski is an inclusive book about puberty for kids, whether they’re gender-conforming or not.
This is one of the many books in the Nonnie Series, which is a collection of books that approach tough conversations with kindness and respect. She has also written:
- Nonnie Talks About Sex
- Nonnie Talks About Puberty
- Nonnie Talks About Gender
- Nonnie Talks About Trauma
- Nonnie Talks About Pregnancy and Birth
- Inside Out: Your body is amazing inside and out and only belongs to you.
- Nonnie Talks About Consent
- Nonnie Talks about Relationships
I am a huge fan of these books as they are the sort of book that you can sit down and read together with your child, and complete the activities at the end of each chapter. Plus they lead into the topic very gently in a non-confronting way. These books are all based around the story of 2 children and a grandmother who helps them to understand tough topics.
This book looks at puberty and is very different from a lot of the other puberty books that are available. This book is different because it is inclusive, which means that if you have a child who is gender non-conforming or gender fluid, this book will make them feel included and welcome. And yes, the book is very inclusive to gender-conforming children as well and lets them know that puberty is a time of great change for everyone, and that for some kids that this is the time that how they feel about their gender may change.
So this book includes all the usual stuff about physical and emotional changes, as well as talking about sexual feelings, masturbation, wet dreams, periods, ejaculation, conception, sexual behaviour and sexual intercourse. Plus it talks about what a family can do if a child is gender fluid or non conforming.
I really like this book as it uses a story to talk about puberty, and the topic is introduced very gently. Plus it is inclusive, and the author weaves gender into puberty very nicely!
This book does talk about sexual intercourse.
Ideal Age
Ideal for children aged 8 to 12 years.
Buy this book
✅ Buy a copy of Nonnie Talks About Puberty by Mary Jo Podgurski from Amazon.
Video Transcription
A transcription in case you are more of a reader than a listener
Hey there! I’m Cath Hak from Sex Ed Rescue, and I’m here to give you a quick summary of a fantastic book about puberty for kids that’s super inclusive. If you have a child who’s nonconforming with gender, this book is a real gem.
The book I’m talking about is called Noni talks about Puberty by Mary Podgurski. It’s one of the few books out there that truly targets children of all genders, including those who are transgender, gender fluid, or questioning their gender. I absolutely adore this author and her books. In fact, I own most of them and can’t wait to review them all. She has a way of making these topics so approachable and comfortable for kids and parents alike.
The book starts off by introducing two main characters, Alex and Ternika, and a few other kids who join in on the journey. It’s not just a book, it’s an activity book where you can sit down with your child and work through it together. The story flows naturally and gently, starting with the importance of friendships and how things can change as we grow up.
One of the things I love about this book is how it tackles gender and pronouns right from the start. It’s not your typical puberty book, but that’s what makes it so special. Puberty can be a time of self-discovery for many kids, especially those who realize they’re transgender or don’t fit into traditional gender norms. The author handles these topics with grace and simplicity, making it easy for kids to understand and accept.
As you flip through the pages, you’ll find activities, questions, and information about the changes that happen during puberty. From hormones to pimples, the book covers it all in a relatable way. It even touches on pleasure, consent, and the different body parts. The author doesn’t shy away from important topics like periods, vaginal discharge, sperm, and ejaculation. She even explains how a baby is made!
But it’s not just about the physical changes. The book also explores sexual feelings, crushes, and the concept of feeling sexy. It delves into the topic of gender identity, showing that it’s okay to feel different and that everyone’s journey is unique. There’s even a character named Ava who comes out as a boy, and the book handles this transition with empathy and understanding.
Overall, this book is a must-have for all children, regardless of their gender identity. It normalizes the different experiences kids may have during puberty and promotes acceptance and understanding. It’s not about trying to convince children to be a certain way, but rather about helping them navigate the changes they’re going through and embracing diversity.
I hope this review helps you see just how amazing this book is. It’s a breath of fresh air in a world where inclusive resources can be hard to find. So, if you’re interested in making conversations about love, sex, relationships, and everything in between easier with your kids, be sure to check out the website Sex Ed Rescue.
Take care and happy reading! Cheers!
