Puberty

Children's Literature - Deanna D'Antonio

Puberty is one in a series of six books put out by Black Rabbit/Arcturus Publishing aimed at providing answers to teen questions on awkward or sensitive subjects. One of the better books in the set, Puberty uses plain language to lay bare all of the sometimes embarrassing, sometimes perplexing changes inherent to crossing from childhood into adulthood. Though by no means exhaustive, the book covers topics from acne to wet dreams with a fair amount of aplomb, and includes separate sections for girls and boys. It's a good reference for answering teen and pre-teen questions that, said aloud, are often accompanied by a good deal of stuttering and blushing. Explanations are frank and direct but, most importantly, reassuring. Throughout, careful attention is given to discerning between normal changes (including the emergence of homosexual feelings in some children) and those that may warrant the intervention of medical professionals (symptoms of bulimia or anorexia). A reference page in the back lists several web sites and books for further help and information. In addition to the physical changes taking place during puberty, the text also acknowledges the emotional and brain changes that occur, taking time to differentiate between normal mood swings/emotional outbursts and mental disorders which often make their first appearance during adolescence. Criticism with the book remains almost entirely with the publisher's chosen format—magazine style. Facts and information are broken up between general text, aside boxes, picture captions, advice column questions and a glossary at the end. Often ideas, vocabulary and important facts are mentioned in one area, but defined or explained elsewhere, leaving kids constantly flipping back and forth—much like attempting to watch two television programs at the same time or reading a choose your own adventure story. Advice given in blocks or in response to Agony Aunt letters should also match what appears in the general text. If the format is meant to allow kids to pick and choose what is read, rather than going straight through, then information needs to be consistent. Certain steps shouldn't be omitted in one area, simply for the sake of brevity or saving space. Reviewer: Deanna D'Antonio