School Library Journal Review

Gr 4-6-These two films take the stress and anxiety out of discussing puberty by offering basic information in a light-hearted yet factual way. Cartoon characters and line drawings illustrate the changes that will occur during puberty and the steps that adolescents can take to make this time in their lives less traumatic. Each gender-specific program addresses the physical and emotional changes that occur during puberty, and also includes some information about the changes occurring to the opposite sex's body. Boys and girls are encouraged to take care of themselves through these changes, and are advised to eat right, get rest, and exercise to help their bodies grow. The need for increased hygiene is addressed, and girls are counseled on the use of sanitary products. One drawback is the use of the old food pyramid when discussing nutrition; on the plus side, youngsters are advised to speak with parents or teachers if they have questions or concerns, and to share their feelings with a responsible adult. The Enhanced Classroom Edition DVDs feature downloadable teacher's guides with discussion starters and bonus activities in live-action format. Since the animated section is very basic and does not specifically address reproduction, the bonus features extend the information offered in the main presentation, present situations for discussion, and add information about fertilization. These discussion-starting clips end rather abruptly, without suggesting questions, but they do feature realistic situations and problems youngsters might encounter. With gentle humor and the reassurance that everyone reaches adulthood sooner or later, these films are excellent guides to the changes that all teens experience, and wonderful tools for health education and science classes.-MaryAnn Karre, Horace Mann Elementary School, Binghamton, NY (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.