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The Boys' Guide to Growing Up: Choices and Changes During Puberty
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About The Boys' Guide To Growing Up: Choices And Changes
Product Description The Boys' Guide to Growing Up gives boys with intellectual disabilities the facts they need to navigate puberty. Written at a third-grade reading level for boys aged 9-16 with Down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy, mental retardation, fragile X, or other special needs, this book is the companion to The Girls' Guide to Growing Up (2011), also by Terri Cowenhoven. The author, a certified sexuality educator, draws on more than 20 years experience conducting workshops on puberty and sexuality issues with boys, girls, families, and professionals. The book's succint text, realistic illustrations, and learning activities enable boys to read the book themselves or follow along with the aid of an adult. Its reassuring, matter-of-fact tone shows boys what changes--inside and out--to expect during puberty, and how to manage them: -Growth spurts and bigger muscles -Voice cracking and deepening -Blemishes and oily skin -Body and facial hair -Moodiness -Crushes, flirting, and sexual feelings -Erections, wet dreams, and masturbation The Boys' Guide to Growing Up gives practical advice on commonplace concerns such as shaving, what to do about zits, and how to smell nice. More complex and essential topics are covered too, such as how to know when flirting is reciprocated (or not!), how to hide or discourage an erection in public, what information is okay to share with others versus what should remain private, and how to stay safe. It's a must-have book for boys on the brink of puberty, teens who are in the midst of it, and the adults who care for them. Also check out Terri Couwenhoven's book for teaching children with Down syndrome about puberty and sexuality, Teaching Children with Down Syndrome about Their Bodies, Boundaries, and Sexuality. From School Library Journal Gr 4 Up-All teens should be knowledgeable about the hormonal onslaught that pumps through their bodies, transforming their looks and affecting their moods. This book is geared to boys with "developmental disabilities." It explains basic information that includes body changes in growth, hair, skin, voice, and feelings. It is not a sex guide though it does not shy away from emerging sexuality. The simple language is deliberately clear and direct, enhanced by several black-and-white anatomical illustrations. Probably the most essential message is that children and young adults need to be aware of inappropriate physical contact and not become victims. Special-needs children and teens are particularly vulnerable due to their dependency on others. An important section is "Public or Private," which differentiates between what is appropriate and understanding what is not. While this is an important resource for parent, caregivers, and pre-pubescent and pubescent boys, there are some weak spots. The author's use of slang to keep the text familiar and approachable makes the book immediately dated. She refers to couples as "sweethearts," and makes comments like, "Shaving the hair on your face can help you look clean." Yes, but not shaving may make you look movie-star cool, and this side of teen attitude is ignored. The frequent use of exclamation marks becomes annoying. All in all, though, this volume will come in handy in addressing a subject area that is frequently avoided.-Alison Follos, formerly at North Country School, Lake Placid, NYα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. Review Puberty tends to hit us all like a bag of bricks. The Boys' Guide to Growing Up: Choices & Changes During Puberty is a practical advice guide for preteens and young teenagers as Terri Couwenhoven advises boys through this time of transition, dealing with all of the changes that barrage one during this time, dealing with everything from acne, hair, strength, and those pesky girl things. The Boys' Guide to Growing Up is worth considering for the young future man in one's life. -- Children's Boo
