Rating: 
Summary: All in all pretty good
Review: My son was really glad I got him this book because he was having some quesitons to things that were uncomfortable. He has read the book cover to cover and says he feels prepared for things that might happen to him.
Rating: 
Summary: Eye Opening, to say the least
Review: Now out-of-print, Karen Gravelle's "What's Going on Down There," book was one of the 1990's greatest hypes due to its' graphic depiction of sex. Where else can you see Madonna strutting down Miami Beach with Vanilla Ice naked, or see Mariah Carey making out with such celebrities as Isabella Rossellini and Naomi Campbell? The book, which was bounded in an orginal format involving two sheets of metal, each numbered, and sealed in a Mylar plastic sleeve is genius. Although it is a book that is highly likely to cause airport security to open your bags, Gravelle must have had a reason to do something so creative, yet so risque.
Truly, "What's Going on Down There" remains a classic due to its main goal of reopening the sexual revolution in the evangelicalism the 1990's brought. Homosexuality, lesbianism, and fetishes were all somewhat taboos to be discussed or shown in public, however nowadays attitudes have changed. In some ways, Gravelle was a pioneer, and as so, she deserves credit for being the most outrageous, daring woman of the 20th century.
Rating: 
Summary: how 'bout a book for 9-10 year olds !?
Review: Okay here's another example of a book giving too much info too early on! I leafed through the beginning of the book; ok, good-but- the remainder of this book is way too graphic for my 9 1/2 year old. I agree with kimc1616's review 100% I'm returning my copy!
Rating: 
Summary: Almost a FIVE Star, but I'm returning it.
Review: The book is everything the previous reviewers have said it is. Extremely well done. I really liked the way the subject manner was handled. Any kid would really enjoy reading and would understand what the authors were saying. However, since the book condones abortion and masturbation, and doesn't really promote abstinence and responsibility, I'm returning it. It was intended as a gift and I would not want it to reflect by views.
Rating:
Summary: What's going on down there
Review: The boys I sent this book to are a bright avanced 10 year old and his brother, a bright less advanced 13 year old. They have had the book for a few weeks. They love it and can't/won't put it down. They read certain parts over and over. They giggle and whisper in their rooms. They have to be threatened so they don't take it to school. They LOVE it! Other mothers are begging to borrow it for their sons. I highly recommend it.
Rating:
Summary: Most of the book is great, but...
Review: The tone of this book is definitely geared toward the pre-teen male. There are funny cartoons about embarrassing situations and almost any weird question you ever had as a kid is addressed.I have one major problem with the book, however. Throughout the discussion of intercourse and birth control, the words "boys" and "girls" are used repeatedly and interchangeably with "men" and "women." I don't consider myself terribly prudish, but the image of "boys" and "girls" deciding which birth control to use before they have sex isn't necessarily an image that I want to instill in my young son's mind.
Rating:
Summary: An excellent book for pre-teen and early-teen boys
Review: There are many books for pre-teen and early-teen girls about the changes they will encounter during puberty, but there have been slim pickings for the boys. I'm aware of the other offerings in the category, but none of them handles the sensitive and anxiety-producing questions like this book does. The text should pose no problems for moderate to good readers, and the author interjects a little humor now and then to keep the sometimes-scary topics a little lighter. The author does a good job remaining morally neutral on such issues as birth control, masturbation, and pre-marital sex, leaving it to the parent(s) to instill these values -- as I believe it should be. I recommend that all parents pre-screen books for their kids, and then discuss them once they're reading. Don't assume this book (or any other) can take your place. I am particularly impressed with the sections on every boy's favorite toy and favorite pastime: penises and masturbation (what sexuality book for preteen boys could *not* address these biggies?). The author lays out the facts, includes a few illustrations to break the ice, and reassures the reader that seemingly-constant, unpredictable erections are not that big a deal, and that penis size really *doesn't* matter. [Not that many boys will believe that right away, but the author does present the material and make a convincing case.] Overall, this is a book I would highly recommend (I'm saving a copy until my son will need it).
Rating:
Summary: Good information-pefect for its target audience
Review: This is a very illustrative book for adolescent's (even adults) that provides essential information about a very normal process of life- going from childhood, to adolescence to adulthood. Young teens have questions, many of the answers they ascertain are from a wrong source or one that gives partial information. The book however clarifies many questions in a plain and fun to read way which is the type of language that a young teenager may appreciate. Chances are anything too complicated will not be read but it is light in tone but accurate in detail which I find makes it ideal for young males and females to read. I read the Spanish version which is a translated version of English (Que pasa alli abajo) and I found it quite enlightening and could easily be understand. The way the information is presented is valuable for the target audience. Teens need to know and understand their corporal changes, know the implications of early intimate relations, STDs etc. In the day and age in which we live kids increasingly have more exposure to these themes at an early age and it is important that they get correct information and not a fabricated version from their peers. As a parent you may want to read the book and then decide if it's adequate for your teens. I thought it was superb for the target audience.
Rating:
Summary: I keep recommending it again and again.
Review: We are at a time in society where 10 year old kids are making babies. My son was 10 when he read this book and I must say I couldn't have bought it at a more perfect time. This book explains the changes his body is going through and will go through in a few years. When I asked him if he understood what he was reading, he told me that he already knew or was feeling some of what the book outlined - He just didn't understand "WHY." He even translated to me in his own words what each chapter was about. I remember thinking to myself, not only is this book educational, it's also an easy and interesting read. I am a single mother and there is no way I could have ever answered his questions without this book. This book has made me and my son's life a little less complicated. Thank you Karen Gravelle, et al - Me and me son really needed this book.
Rating:
Summary: Just In Time
Review: We are at a time in society where 10 year old kids are making babies. My son was 10 when he read this book and I must say I couldn't have bought it at a more perfect time. This book explains the changes his body is going through and will go through in a few years. When I asked him if he understood what he was reading, he told me that he already knew or was feeling some of what the book outlined - He just didn't understand "WHY." He even translated to me in his own words what each chapter was about. I remember thinking to myself, not only is this book educational, it's also an easy and interesting read. I am a single mother and there is no way I could have ever answered his questions without this book. This book has made me and my son's life a little less complicated. Thank you Karen Gravelle, et al - Me and me son really needed this book.
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