The next generation feminist Book List

Children’s books about human reproductive biology / anatomy

AMAZING YOU! GETTING SMART ABOUT YOUR PRIVATE PARTS

by Gail Saltz

Ages 4 to 8.

“A first guide to body awareness for preschoolers.” Straight forward without giving more information that most preschoolers would ask for. Good information for parents included. The text includes, “Lots of people have their own special names for their private parts, but it’s a good idea to know what the real names are, too.”

AN EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN’S GUIDE TO TOUCH: TEACHING SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL BOUNDARIES TO KIDS

by McKinley Hunter Manasco.

The rules of physical contact can be tricky to grasp and children with special needs are at a heightened risk of abuse. This friendly picture book explains in simple terms how to tell the difference between acceptable and inappropriate touch, thereby helping the child with special needs stay safe.

IT ISN’T RUDE TO BE NUDE

by Rosie Haine.

All ages

This beautiful and brilliant picture book celebrates all bodies in every colour, shape and size you can imagine! All bodies are brilliant bodies, no matter what they look like. They will change as you get older, some things will change quicker than others, some might not change at all!

WHAT MAKES A BABY?

by Cory Silverberg, illustrated by Fiona Smyth

age guide 4-8

Perfect for the age when kids are asking a lot of “how’s” and “why’s”, What Makes a Baby satisfies youngsters who are curious about babies and where they come from.

Making A Baby: An Inclusive Guide to How Every Family Begins

by Rachel Greener, ill. by Clare Owen

4+

In this honest, accessible illustrated guide to how babies are made, young readers can find out exactly what is needed to grow a baby, from introducing the basic building blocks of life such as sperm and eggs, to explaining the different ways that these building blocks can be put together to create a family. Working closely with a leading national LGBT organisation, this inclusive guide to Making a Baby covers sex, sperm and egg donation, IUI, IVF, surrogacy and adoption, as well as explaining how a baby grows in the womb and about different kinds of births.

THE AUTISM-FRIENDLY GUIDE TO PERIODS

by Robyn Steward.

This is a detailed guide for young people on the basics of menstruation. It also breaks up information using flaps and step-by-step photos of how to change pads and tampons, it discusses alternatives to tampons and pads, and gives information about possible sensory issues for people with autism.

IT’S SO AMAZING! A BOOK ABOUT EGGS, SPERM, BIRTH, BABIES, AND FAMILIES

by Robie H Harris and Michael Emberley

Age guide 6 -12

An enthusiastic bird and reluctant bee narrate the comic cartoon panels that illustrate human bodies and reproduction with an emphasis on how families are created, including adoption, with an overall spirit of celebration. Specific topics covered include intercourse, birth control, chromosomes and genes, adoption and adjusting to a newborn sibling. Masturbation, sexual abuse, HIV and AIDS and homosexuality are handled intelligently and sensitively.

SEX IS A FUNNY WORD: A BOOK ABOUT BODIES, FEELINGS AND YOU

by Cory Silverberg, illustrated by Fiona Smyth

Age guide 8-10

An award-winning comic book, Sex is a Funny Word provides a comprehensive look at what the word “sex” means, in particular, for a diverse cast of characters. Exploring gender, bodies, and sexual orientation, this book discusses respect, boundaries, and safety in an open and thoughtful way that facilitates similarly open and thoughtful conversations

IT’S PERFECTLY NORMAL: CHANGING BODIES, GROWING UP, SEX, AND SEXUAL HEALTH

by Robie H Harris and Michael Emberley

Age guide 9 -12

An updated edition of what is called the definitive book on kids’ sexual health. Includes a brand-new chapter focusing on safe Internet use. Universally acclaimed classic that is a cutting-edge resource for kids, parents, teachers, librarians, and anyone else who cares about the well-being of tweens and teens. Offers young people the information they need to make responsible decisions and stay healthy. A New York Times Book Review Notable Book of the Year and An American Library Association Notable Children’s Book. This book was updated in 2014. The updated version includes information about internet use, gender ID and more that the previous version did not have.

TELL ME ABOUT SEX, GRANDMA

by Anastasia Higginbotham.

age guide 4+

Patiently forthcoming with lessons your parents redacted, this necessary conversation stresses consent, sex positivity, and the right to be curious about your body. The dialogue focuses on the dynamics of sex, rather than the mechanics, as Grandma reminds readers that sex is not marriage or reproduction, and doesn’t look the same for everyone. Instead, each person’s sexuality is their very own to discover, explore, and share if they choose.

WHAT’S THE BIG SECRET?: TALKING ABOUT SEX WITH GIRLS AND BOYS

by Laurie Krasny Brown and Marc Brown

Age guide 4 -10.

Makes the content of sexual anatomy, sexual development, and reproduction seem like normal conversation for children and adults. Sensitive reference to masturbation and intercourse.