Book Review
A short overview of this book
Positively Izzy By Terri Libenson is a book for tweens about the drama, angst and humour of middle-school life.
This book is ideal for tweens who are either going to middle school or about to. It is one of those books that normalises the social changes that happen as you grow up and go through puberty ie that time of working out who you are! Books like this are important as it normalises it and lets kids know that other kids are going through this too.
It is also a great book to use as a conversation starter and will help with talking to your daughter about the changes that puberty and middle school will bring.
Ideal Age
Ideal for children aged 8 to 12 years.
Buy this book
✅ Buy a copy of Positively Izzy By Terri Libenson 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, where I review books and help parents feel more comfortable with sex education. Today, I want to talk about a really great book called Positively Izzy by Terri Libenson. It’s a middle school book that normalizes the ups and downs of growing up.
As kids go through puberty, their bodies change and so do their thoughts about themselves and the world around them. It’s that stage where they’re trying to figure out who they really are and what life is all about. You know, the big questions! Who am I? Where do I fit in? It’s a time when they start to separate themselves from their families and discover their own identities.
Books like Positively Izzy are so important because they make kids realize that they’re not alone. Other kids are going through the same things, like feeling left out when friends start hanging out with new people. It can be tough to understand and navigate, and that’s where books like this come in handy. They normalize these experiences and show that it’s okay to feel the way they do.
So, what’s the book about? Well, it follows two different girls. One of them is dealing with a friend who’s found someone new to hang out with, which can bring up some social issues. The other girl is a daydreamer who struggles in school because her imagination takes her on wild adventures. The book explores their relationships with family, friendships, and even touches on liking boys. There are some funny and cute moments too, like when they’re daydreaming and watching soaps, wondering about French kisses!
The story culminates in a school talent show where the girls’ lives intersect in unexpected ways. It’s a reminder that sometimes we have to put ourselves out there and discover our talents and what makes us comfortable.
I highly recommend this book for middle school girls. It’s relatable and normalizes the experiences they’re going through. You can easily borrow it from the library and give it to your tween to read. It’s a great conversation starter too! You can read it together and share your own stories about school and growing up. Trust me, it’s a helpful tool for understanding and navigating those tricky middle school years.
I hope this review was helpful and gives you a good sense of what Positively Izzy is all about. Give it a go and start those important conversations with your kids. Cheers!
