Under Our Clothes

June 15, 2019
This Q-and-A-style informational picture book explores the topics of privacy, consent, and self-esteem. No matter their size, shape, or age, everyone holds their own feelings and values about their bodies. Although everyone has a body and every body is different, some people feel comfortable showing more parts of their bodies while others seek privacy. As a person's body develops, their attitude, self-image, and needs may change. In her latest in the World Around Us series, Roberts (On Our Street: Our First Talk About Poverty, 2018, etc.) addresses introductory questions about modesty, changing rooms, setting boundaries, consent, body safety, developing self-esteem, and helping friends feel confident. Photographs and ink-and-watercolor illustrations of diverse, active young people accompany the conversational text. In the discussion about sex-segregated changing rooms and bathrooms, Roberts expresses the importance of gender-neutral restrooms for creating a safe space. However, this sidebar is the only mention of transgender people in the book, and cis-centrism can be felt throughout. Roberts' language describing breastfeeding limits the activity to women, ignoring the fact that trans men and nonbinary people can and do give birth and nurse. Additionally, the section on puberty includes binary language about "boys' bodies" and "girls' bodies" that perpetuates the notion that hormones determine the kind of body a person has. For those feeling insecure, Roberts presents a perfunctory solution: "start by accepting yourself and loving yourself just the way you are." The message professes that all bodies are beautiful, but the text fails at including all bodies. (author's note, resources) (Informational picture book. 7-12)

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September 1, 2019

Gr 1-3-Dr. Roberts tackles the topics of body image, safety, and consent in this nonfiction selection for young readers. Throughout the text, various illustrated children ask the narrator pertinent questions about different situations involving their bodies. The narrator then answers these questions while further information is supplied in sidebars and photographs. Roberts does an excellent job of addressing questions that come up from young children pertaining to bodily safety, acceptance, and consent. Such issues are difficult discussions. In the text, they are appropriately addressed and explained. Heinrichs's illustrations complement the photography that accompanies each discussion point. VERDICT A cheery and bouyant introduction to timely and imperative topics for young readers; especially useful in a guidance setting.-Brittany McMahon, Westernport Elementary School, MD

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 15, 2019
Grades 1-3 Based on the amount of text and the age of the children portrayed, this earnest picture book will come in handy as kids develop greater awareness of their bodies within the context of larger society. The text, written by child and educational psychologist Roberts, earnestly covers a number of key topics and values. The setting, a pool and its changing areas, provides a natural pretext for the conversation. Topics are introduced as specific questions and comments, as if from a child's point of view (for example, How come we wear bathing suits and have changerooms anyway? or I guess sometimes I would change things about the way I look too ). Answers, written in an adult voice, emphasize acceptance of both oneself and others. Sidebars address a variety of general topics, from privacy and boundaries, to gender-neutral restrooms, breastfeeding, consent, puberty, and body-shaming. The mix of photos and original illustrations provides variety. The book feels educational rather than entertaining, but its information can help children better understand situations and feelings about their bodies.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)