Lots of kids see their first real taste of independence at the bookstore. Whether it’s being able to bike to the store alone, or pay with their own money (see my blog post about how the way children pay), kids enjoy a certain freedom at the store. With this freedom, and lack of prying parental eyes (or those of friends), comes the ability to choose what they really want.
Usually, these purchases are for the fiction titles. Kids will come in clamoring for the latest John Green book or the next book in a favorite series. Last week a boy, about 10 or so, came in holding a bike helmet, hair plastered to his head, and strode to the counter.

 
He stood tall and made eye contact as he asked for his book. “Do you have It’s Perfectly Normal?” I was struck by this. We sell this wonderful book fairly consistently to parents who are seeking a great way to explain puberty to their kids. Often, parents buy this book knowing that they will silently leave it out on the kitchen table or in the living room and wait for it to be scooped up by the kid it’s intended for. Frequently, parents do not want to rush these conversations, but know their child needs the info, and this casual technique works really well. Books get taken and read in the privacy of their own room without the pressure of “having the TALK.”
Clearly, this youngster was taking matters into his own hands. In 18 years of bookselling I cannot recall a single time a child has come in alone and been brave enough to ask for this book. The fact that he was so relaxed buying this is a testament to the very nature of the books: it’s a kid-friendly, information-packed book about puberty, sex and making healthy choices. The book ,with its realistic, friendly, and non-threatening cartoon-style drawings, make it one of the best books for kids to learn about the changes that puberty brings. There are very few books that have such a profound effect on children. The honesty and clear voice of the text make it easy to read while also reassuring readers that there’s nothing wrong with them. It’s Perfectly Normal came out 20 years ago and quickly became the gold standard of my life issues section. The new update, due out in September, has additional information about being safe on the internet, emergency contraception, and gender identity issues, which will only make this book even more of a go-to book for families.
I found the book for the kid and rang him up. All the while, he was so comfortable that I wanted to comment on it, but didn’t, of course. But I couldn’t help thinking that if he can handle buying this book with such aplomb, he’ll handle the changes of puberty with grace. He stuck the book in his backpack, put his bike helmet on, and rode off, presumably to read.