The Ultimate Guys' Body Book

Gr 6–8—Prescribed by the author as a "resource for Christian parents, especially the dads of young men ages ten to thirteen," Body Book is meant to serve in any of three ways: as a guide for parents about how to address their sons' questions regarding puberty, as a book that a father and son can study together, or simply as a handbook parents can choose to present to a boy as he faces the changes of adolescence. Bible passages pepper the text and the importance of sexual abstinence until marriage, sobriety, and avoidance of temptation is stressed throughout, but the author successfully avoids sounding sententious. Instead, humorous illustrations, diverting sidebars, and an informal tone help lighten up potentially uncomfortable topics like acne, body odor, jock itch, erections, wet dreams, pornography, and the question of whether or not it's a sin to masturbate. The book concludes with a chapter stressing that real manhood has nothing to do with physical development but is, instead, measured by an abiding faith and mature moral comportment. A good choice for libraries that want to provide guidance on male adolescence in a conservative Christian context.—Jeffrey Hastings, Highlander Way Middle School, Howell, MI