UNDER OUR CLOTHES

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.