We Need to Talk About Vaginas: An IMPORTANT Book About Vulvas, Periods, Puberty, and Sex!

by Dr. Allison K. Rodgers, Annika Le Large (Illustrator), Neon Squid

Overview

*A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of 2023*
*A School Library Journal Best Book of 2023*
*A National Science Teachers Association Outstanding Science Trade Book*

Do you know the difference between a vagina and a vulva? If you’re not sure, We Need to Talk About Vaginas by TikToker Dr. Allison K. Rodgers could be for you!

There are lots of reasons why we don’t talk about vaginas. It can be embarrassing to discuss your vagina with your parents, we can feel confused about the changes that are happening to our bodies, and nobody else talks about vaginas—so why should you?

But KNOWLEDGE IS POWER people! The more we know about our vaginas and vulvas the better equipped we will be to deal with our bodies in the future. In this beautifully illustrated book Dr. Allison K. Rodgers simply explains everything from why we have periods to sex and consent in the age of social media. You’ll learn the correct names for everything, realize pubic hair is TOTALLY NORMAL, and discover the magical self-cleaning properties of vaginas.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781684494002
Publisher:	St. Martin's Publishing Group
Publication date:	02/28/2023
Series:	We Need to Talk About
Sold by:	Macmillan
Format:	eBook
Pages:	64
File size:	67 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.
Age Range:	10 - 14 Years

About the Author

Dr. Allison K. Rodgers is an Obstetrics and Gynecology doctor based in Chicago, Illinois. She discusses common issues for young women with her daughter on her TikTok account—from how to deal with menstrual cramps to coping with embarrassing parents!

Annika Le Large is an illustrator based in Leipzig, Germany. Her artworks are often related to social issues or concepts of self-love.

Neon Squid creates beautiful nonfiction books for inquisitive kids (and kids at heart). We believe the most amazing stories are real ones, so our books are for children who want to decipher ancient scrolls, orbit distant stars, and dive into the deepest oceans. Our books are a labor of love—written by experts, illustrated by the best artists around, and produced using the finest materials, including sustainably sourced paper. We hope that by reading them kids are encouraged to further explore the world around them.

Editorial Reviews

★ 02/27/2023

Generous in scope and detail, this illustrated guide to menstruation, vulvae, and more by TikTok star and doctor of obstetrics and gynecology Rodgers is an approachable, empowering resource for readers undergoing puberty and approaching adolescence. Using direct, scientifically accurate, and body-positive language, Rodgers opens with history about reproductive education and briefly discusses why it’s important to know how one’s body works, and why people across different generations and cultures may find the subjects addressed “inappropriate.” By covering topics such as consent, gender identity, and safe sex alongside scientific observations, Rodgers endeavors to provide readers with necessary tools to make informed decisions about the care and keeping of their own bodies. Le Large’s highly stylized and casual illustrations depict an inclusive array of bodies with vaginas and diagrams that break down myriad subjects, such as hymens and types of discharge, striking a successful balance between easily absorbed content and sobering health education. The creators take evident care in demystifying prevalent inaccuracies by outlining deliberately compiled and artfully delivered information meant to help readers “understand the normal parts of growing and changing,” asserting that, while “not all of the topics may relate to you... understanding what others are going through is important.” A glossary concludes. Ages 10–14. (Feb.)

Publishers Weekly

A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of 2023
A School Library Journal Best Book of 2023
A National Science Teachers Association Outstanding Science Trade Book

"An approachable, empowering resource for readers undergoing puberty and approaching adolescence... Rodgers endeavors to provide readers with necessary tools to make informed decisions about the care and keeping of their own bodies. Le Large’s highly stylized and casual illustrations... [strike] a successful balance between easily absorbed content and sobering health education." — Publishers Weekly, starred review

"An educational and empowering book that normalizes change and difference. With inviting sections that reflect genuine questions... Rodgers’ body-positive tone and Le Large’s inclusive illustrations make for a fun, accessible book that offers readers from any gender an entry point to understanding vaginas, their function, and their care... visual inclusivity underscores Rodgers’ resounding message: Everyone is different, and we can be proud of our unique selves." —Kirkus, starred review

"An inviting, conversational style puts readers at ease. A wealth of helpful illustrations... makes this guide highly recommended. Not only does the art feature female bodies in a range of sizes and skin colors, it also includes a variety of abilities and identities. An important puberty resource that will leave readers educated, empowered, and feeling included." —Booklist, starred review

"Delightfully diverse, the illustrations by illustrator Annika Le Large feature bodies of all shapes, sizes, and colors. There is also an incredibly inclusive theme of honoring anyone and everyone who has a vagina. The sex talks include same-sex conversations, and there’s even an entire two-page illustration of how everyone’s vulva and labia can look a little different."—Romper

"Although written with middle and high school readers in mind, this fact-filled guide would also be great for adults who want to start a conversation. This empowering user’s manual would make an excellent addition to school and public libraries." —School Library Connection, recommended

"Accompanied by captivating and colorful illustrations, each fact in Rodgers’s book is easy to understand, shameless, and very inclusive. The inclusivity of this book is one of its best features, and it will hopefully help alleviate some embarrassment or shame that many young teens go through when starting puberty." —Children's Literature

"If you’re ready to have ‘the talk’ with your child but you’re not sure where to start, let this excellent book do the hard work for you... A must-read for every mother and daughter." —SheerLuxe

From the Publisher

★ 11/03/2023

Gr 4 Up—So many aspects of the human body are normal, yet rarely discussed, leading tweens to question, "Is this normal?" As a gynecologist and parent, Rodgers is here aiming to help young people understand their body and what is normal. From what makes up the reproductive system to menstruation to how babies are born, Rodgers handles these topics in a manner suited to the target audience. While low in page length, this book packs a heap of useful information. Detailed illustrations add a helpful visual to support the knowledgeable text. The diversity in these illustrations is a bonus. A glossy of terms is another valuable addition. While some may feel embarrassed to read this book, they will feel more confident about their bodies. VERDICT An accessible and helpful text for tweens and young teens to read independently or with adults.—Amanda Borgia

School Library Journal

★ 2022-11-16
An illustrated book about vaginas and the bodies that have them.

In an ideal world, young people would freely access accurate information about bodies, including those with vaginas. Inspired to fill the deep information gap that exists on this topic, Rodgers, a gynecologist with daughters, has created an educational and empowering book that normalizes change and difference. With inviting sections that reflect genuine questions (“Why do we have vaginas?” “What’s it supposed to smell like down there?”), Rodgers addresses key topics like puberty, pubic hair, and periods and offers thoughtful discussions of gender identity, consent, and sexting. She acknowledges that some topics may rouse discomfort but enthusiastically asserts, “You own your body! You deserve to understand it so you can be empowered to make decisions about how to take care of it.” Rodgers’ body-positive tone and Le Large’s inclusive illustrations make for a fun, accessible book that offers readers from any gender an entry point to understanding vaginas, their function, and their care. Highly effective double-page spreads feature a spectrum of vulvas and hymens in different skin tones and shapes and period blood in a range of colors. People depicted are racially diverse, too, and this visual inclusivity underscores Rodgers’ resounding message: Everyone is different, and we can be proud of our unique selves. A helpful glossary and index will guide readers to find the information they seek.

A refreshingly affirming exploration of an often taboo topic. (Nonfiction. 8-18)

Kirkus Reviews