What's Happening to My Body? Book for Boys : A Growing Up Guide for Parents and Sons

Rating:
Summary: GEESH!
Review: I ordered this book thinking that my 9 1/2 year old would learn a thing or two as the recommended age started at 9 years. This book is well written but for much older teens. I want my son to realize and understand about the changes in his body but at this age he doesn't need all the info on sex! Plus at this point in his young life he really doesn't need to learn slang words associated with these changes. This book is definitely too old for him. I'm returning my copy!

Rating:
Summary: Parents; yes- Teenage boys; no way.
Review: I thought this book was great. I read through it together with my son who is 11, then let him read it again afterwards. The author brings herself down to the childs level, using humor to keep their attention. I really appreciated the fact that she kept the whole book real, and in tune with the child and what he might have heard in school, or any other place, where the information might not be correct. She identifies the myths and then presents the information correctly. I felt that this book was definatly age appropriate for an 11 year old.

Rating:
Summary: Great Book
Review: I thought this book was great. I read through it together with my son who is 11, then let him read it again afterwards. The author brings herself down to the childs level, using humor to keep their attention. I really appreciated the fact that she kept the whole book real, and in tune with the child and what he might have heard in school, or any other place, where the information might not be correct. She identifies the myths and then presents the information correctly. I felt that this book was definatly age appropriate for an 11 year old.

Rating:
Summary: Parents; yes- Teenage boys; no way.
Review: I was looking for a book for my stepson, (he's almost 12) and noticed that this book received a lot of positive reviews- so thought I'd try it. I just wanted a book that my wife and I could read first; turn him loose with it on his own, then talk with him afterwards about what he thought of it. Unfortunately, we won't be giving it to him, and here's why:
This book doesn't really relate to 8 to 15 yr old boys- on their own level. The words are way too big, and the book's approach is way too clinical. I remember being a teenagage boy, and I think it's safe to say that if you try to work words like "bulbourethral glands" or "pre-ejaculatory fluid" into the conversation- you lose 'em REAL fast. No kid would EVER sit around reading it! Then about every 10th page, you'd find a crude drawing of everything from simply naked boys; to cross-sections of penises, breasts, and vaginas. It ranged from clinical to slightly creepy, and just put yourself in the shoes of a teenage boy: you may want to know what it feels like to touch a female breast, but cross-sections of milk ducts can be a little scary to think about. And really- who actually needs an arrow pointing to a "nipple", in order to know what (or where) it is? "Oh THAT's a nipple! How illuminating! Can't WAIT to get my hands on that uterine lining"!:-) Which brings me to my main complaint about the book: We searched cover to cover, but found NO sense of humor in the approach- and I believe that if you want to help teenage boys to be comfortable about the topic of sexuality - you need that. Let's just say that if you want to give your teenage boy a book that he'll actually read, enjoy,and benefit from - Keep looking.

Rating:
Summary: Wrong Again!
Review: I would just like to say that I am almost eleven years old,and all you people who say it's not for nine through twelve years old...you're wrong!I have been trying to find all information about this subject,and I have learned a lot.I used to be scared about getting my period,but not anymore.I'm actually kind of excited.I srongly recommend The Period Book for Girls(everything youre afraid to ask,but need to know).Thank you for reading my opinion and I hope you will not turn this book down.

Rating:
Summary: Fantastic and informative
Review: I'm a guy teen, and I found this book to guide me through theroughest times during puberty. It's very informative, and it answereda whole lot of my questions...it makes you feel comfortable with yourself. I highly recomend it.

Rating:
Summary: Pretty good book for pre teens
Review: Ms. Madaras does a pretty good job talking about the changes that boys go through during puberty. I think this book is good for pre teens and their parents. I also like her idea of introducing the topics of AIDS and STD's to this group. But the book does not serve older adolescents as well--the age group of 12-21. I know of a book by the Goldsteins--"Boys into Men: Staying Healthy Through the Teen Years" that is non judgemental, thoughtful and sensitive to the issues of adolescent boys. Dr. Goldstein is a physician who specializes in the care of adolescents. The Goldstein book goes into detail not only on growth and development, puberty, sexuality and nutrition, but also it addresses sensitive issues including behavior, mental and emotional health issues, gay adolescents, chronic conditions, understanding and taking charge of a teen's health care and many other issues. The book is really informative on sports medicine, outdoor issues and travel medical issues. The Goldstein book for the older adolescent, and the Madaras book for the preteen are a knockout combination in my view.

Rating:
Summary: Experience.
Review: My parents bought this book for me when I was becoming a teenager, and it helped a lot. Reading the book was a lot more comfortable than talking with my parents would have been. The personal ancedotes scattered throughout help to make the reader feel "normal". I'd recommend this to any parent, or just a kid who's curious.

Rating:
Summary: A Great scource of information!
Review: This book is a GREAT HELP! None of the health classes teach this, though they should. I reccomend it for every male who wants/needs information about puberty and sex, and what teen dosen't?

Rating:
Summary: Very complete information - better for older kids.
Review: This book seems to be very complete in its information, but I cannot agree with the reading level (9-12) for it! My son is almost 11 and is simply not ready to absorb this much detailed information. Some of the chapters I would love for him to read on his own, yet I cannot give him the book and tell him to avoid certain sections. So, I am keeping it for the future when I feel he is ready, maybe a year or so, and in the meantime am using it as my own reference for discussions with him. I am getting some other books that are aren't as "mature" for him to peruse right now... such as the workbook by the same author.