Why am I passionate about this?
For as long as I can remember, my parents answered any/all of my questions about the body, puberty, and sex; often giving me more information than I actually wanted! So when friends asked me questions, I was always eager to pass on my knowledge. Who knew that years later, it would land me a master’s degree in public health (MPH), jobs in sexuality health education, and a passion for writing about human reproduction and family formation? Plus, I have personal experience on the topic: I come from a three-generation family created through adoption and foster care; and overcame the trials and tribulations of infertility with the use of assisted reproduction.
Rachel's book list on anatomy, modern human reproduction, and family
Why did Rachel love this book?
When I first came across a box of used American Girl books at our local bookstore, I passed right by.
I wasn’t a total snob; afterall, my daughter and her friends fiercely loved their American Girl dolls. But American Girl books about puberty, relationships, and family? I was dubious. But moments after I flipped through Friends Till the End and A Smart Girl’s Guide to Liking Herself, I was impressed.
Each book was well written, promoted universal values (e.g., honesty, respect), and had a warmth to them. The material was laid out in short chapters, with colorful headers, accessible call-out pages, and interactive activities.
Though Understanding Families is part of their Smart Girl’s Guide collection, youth of all sex/genders will get a lot out of the entire series.
1 author picked Smart Girl's Guide as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 8, 9, 10, and 11.
A guide to communicating with family offers advice on talking to parents, tips on dealing with conflict, and quizzes and activities to learn more about oneself.
- Coming soon!