Book Review
A short overview of this book
Nonnie Talks About Sex…& More by Mary Jo Podgurski is a fantastic book for tweens and their parents that talks about what sex and sexuality is all about.
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 tells the story of 3 children who are involved with a sexting scandal at their local school. They spend some time with Nonnie who helps them to understand what sex and sexuality is all about. Sexting is also talked about throughout the story. The author uses the Circles of Sexuality model by Dr Dennis Dailey which provides a holistic approach where the emphasis is on sexuality and not just sexual intercourse.
This is a lovely book that isn’t just a storybook, but a workbook as well. It is divided into chapters, with an activity at the end of each chapter. Which means that you can then talk about what was just discussed and apply it to your child and family.
This is an expensive book but it really does provide a guided opportunity for parents to talk with kids about sex. A book that all parents really should consider buying.
Ideal Age
Ideal for children aged 10 to 13 years.
Buy this book
✅ Buy a copy of Nonnie Talks About Sex…& More 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 wanted to share with you 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.
So, Sex Ed Rescue is all about making talking to your kids about love, sex, relationships, puberty, growing up, porn, and everything related to sexuality easier for parents. We have a website with tons of blog posts, resources, tools, and tips to help you navigate these conversations. If you’re interested, check out our website at Sex Ed Rescue.
Now, let’s talk about this awesome book called Nonnie talks about Puberty by Mary Podgurski. I absolutely love this author and her books. In fact, I own most of them and I’m reviewing them because I want more people to know about them. They’re beautifully written and cover important topics in a gentle and approachable way.
This particular book is all about gender, race, consent, and even touches on topics like sexting and porn. It’s truly inclusive, targeting youth of all genders, including those who are transgender, gender fluid, or questioning their gender. It’s one of the few books out there that really caters to these children.
The book revolves around two main characters, Alex and Tamika, and introduces a few other kids as well. It starts off by talking about the importance of friendships and how things can change as we grow up. Then, it gradually eases into the topic of puberty, explaining it in a natural and comfortable way. The author does a fantastic job of making the information flow smoothly.
The book covers a range of topics, from gender and pronouns to the physical changes that happen during puberty. It also talks about hormones, taking care of our bodies, dealing with pimples, and even touches on pleasure and consent. The author really knows how to simplify complex concepts and make them understandable for kids.
She also addresses the experiences of transgender and intersex children during puberty, which is so important. Puberty can be a time of self-discovery for many kids, and this book acknowledges and normalizes that. It helps all children understand and accept that everyone is different, and that’s totally okay.
I love how the book includes activities and reflection points for parents and children to work through together. It’s like an activity book with a story that sparks conversations. The illustrations are great too, helping to explain things like periods and bodily changes.
Overall, Nonnie talks about Puberty is a fantastic book for children, regardless of their gender identity. It’s not about pushing any agenda, but simply about providing information and fostering understanding. It’s a gentle and supportive resource that can make the journey through puberty a little easier for kids.
I hope this review helps you, and if you’re interested, be sure to check out Sex Ed Rescue for more resources and information. Cheers!
