
All Bodies Are Wonderful
by Beth Cox, illustrated by Samantha Meredith
Interest age: 9 to 11
Reading age: 7+
Published by b small, 2023
About this book
Everything on our planet was once part of a star – even you. If this mind-blowing fact doesn’t pique a reader’s interest in the human body, surely nothing will!
Through joyous illustrations and a friendly, jargon-free voice, this book supports conversations about a wealth of body-related topics. Jaw-dropping concepts like being made of stardust may prompt a few questions, including some that might be challenging to navigate. Thankfully it also helps you answer them, succinctly, safely, sensibly and with the help of experts.
It explains the science – how human life begins with the single cell, using terms like atoms, molecules, zygotes and DNA in a way children will not just understand but find fascinating. It offers a useful starting point for discussing subjects like sex and gender, and how to challenge stereotypes and discrimination. There are clever practical ideas to change mindsets too, such as suggesting how we can all reframe ‘differences’ as ‘unique perfections’.
Bright bold artwork echoes these inclusive messages, showing children with conditions rarely seen in books, such as vitiligo and ectrodactyly.
A comprehensive non-fiction book reminding us that we shouldn’t just accept that everybody is different, but positively celebrate that fact.
More books like this
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The Great Big Body Book
by Mary Hoffman, illustrated by Ros Asquith
6 to 12 years
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Am I Made of Stardust? Dr Maggie Answers the Big Questions for Young Scientists
by Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock, illustrated by Chelen Écija
6 to 12 years
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Stretch Your Confidence
by Beth Cox and Natalie Costa, illustrated by Vicky Barker
6 to 12 years
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It’s a Brave Young World: A Guide to Life, Relationships and Speaking Up
by Anu Adebogun, illustrated by Soofiya and Lila Cruz
9 to 12 years
Lists of recommended reads
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Books with disabled characters
This non-exhaustive selection of books is an introduction to the range of books that feature disabled characters. It includes characters who are blind, Deaf, some who use mobility aids, and some with limb differences. You’ll also find some non-fiction on disability.
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Books with positive images of disability and neurodiversity
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