Firth, Alex
What’s Happening to Me?
Illustrated by Adam Larkum. 2007. 48 pp. $6.99 pbk. Usborne Publishing. 0794515142. Age 10 and up.

Tags: boys, preteen, body, puberty, growing up, nonfiction, physical, anatomy, changes

Written for boys, this book explains in detail what happens to the male body as it reaches and continues through puberty. The facts are presented in short, easy to read chapters in a straightforward manner, mostly steering away from slang words for body parts and functions. The cartoonish illustrations at times present a humorous look at body odor, squeaky voices, and acne; at other times, the illustrations are used to explain in detail the reproductive parts of the body and the changes that will occur. Though this requires anatomically correct illustrations, the information tastefully focuses on accurate presentation. The book also includes a chapter on girls and briefly but explicitly describes the differences in their bodies and how puberty occurs for females. Some parents may find these topics and illustrations uncomfortable, so it may be best for the parent to read the book first so that an educated decision can be made. With this in mind, this book may not be suitable for a school library but would be an appropriate addition to a public library collection. ( )