Overview

Teen sex. STIs. Sexting. Rape. Sexual harassment. MeToo and YesAllWomen. Today's teens launch into their sexual lives facing challenging issues but with little if any formalized learning about sex and human reproduction. Many of them get their sex ed from online porn. Through this authoritative inclusive and teen-friendly overview readers learn the basics about sex sexuality human reproduction and development birth control gender identity healthy communication dating relationships and break ups the importance of consent safety body positivity and healthy lifestyles media myths and more. Advice-column-style QAs and real-life stories add human drama and authenticity.

Full Product Details

9781541540224

Table of Contents

Reviews

Most of this text covers familiar subjects such as reproductive organs, puberty, hygiene, masturbation, sex, sexually transmitted infections, and pregnancy. Consent, an important topic, is front and center in the opening chapter and revisited several times. However, Mirk doesn't devote enough time to discussing what happens in the absence of consent (what to do if sexual assault happens). The author makes an effort to validate LGBTQ+ and gender-variant readers, though they will probably need to seek additional information elsewhere. Sections on self-care, talking about feelings, and recognizing unhealthy relationships are welcome inclusions. The book shares appropriate information about social media and sexting and deals with abortion in a straightforward manner. Mirk emphasizes individuality and that readers should do what's right for them. Some sections offer advice that is factually informed. Back matter includes a substantial glossary, further reading, and recommended YouTube channels, Instagram accounts, podcasts, and websites. VERDICT Mirk provides a relevant guide for today's teens who need help figuring out their anatomy and their relationships. A suitable addition for libraries needing more books of this nature.--School Library Journal -- Journal An affirming, up-to-date book for teens that encourages smart, informed decision-making about their own bodies. Navigating an ever shifting world of bodies, identities, emotions, and expectations can be overwhelming. This volume is educational and engaging; slang terms are employed alongside their scientific counterparts, and pop-culture references appear throughout. The text approaches a range of topics in accessible language: issues relating to gender and sexual orientation, including coming out, allyship, emotional labor, bodies and body image, and sexism; puberty, including menstruation; sex, including consent, assault, contraceptives, and abortion; STI symptoms, transmission, and treatment; and healthy communication strategies, abusive relationships, and breakups. Notably, the text addresses readers without making assumptions about their gender, sex, or sexual orientation and emphasizes the difference between gender and sex, using language like 'people with ovaries' rather than 'women.' Similarly, while there is a distinct section that explores gender identity and sexual orientation, content relating to LGBTQ+ people and experiences is seamlessly woven throughout the book, and various combinations of genders appear in sample scenarios. The book's funky black, purple, and lime green cover and interior seem deliberately designed to appeal to a broad audience, resisting the very gender constraints exposed within. Some yellow sidebars are confusingly placed in the middle of longer bullet-pointed segments, but overall the book is well designed and easy to read. Highly recommended for teens and the adults who care for them.--starred, Kirkus Reviews -- Journal

An affirming, up-to-date book for teens that encourages smart, informed decision-making about their own bodies. Navigating an ever shifting world of bodies, identities, emotions, and expectations can be overwhelming. This volume is educational and engaging; slang terms are employed alongside their scientific counterparts, and pop-culture references appear throughout. The text approaches a range of topics in accessible language: issues relating to gender and sexual orientation, including coming out, allyship, emotional labor, bodies and body image, and sexism; puberty, including menstruation; sex, including consent, assault, contraceptives, and abortion; STI symptoms, transmission, and treatment; and healthy communication strategies, abusive relationships, and breakups. Notably, the text addresses readers without making assumptions about their gender, sex, or sexual orientation and emphasizes the difference between gender and sex, using language like 'people with ovaries' rather than 'women.' Similarly, while there is a distinct section that explores gender identity and sexual orientation, content relating to LGBTQ+ people and experiences is seamlessly woven throughout the book, and various combinations of genders appear in sample scenarios. The book's funky black, purple, and lime green cover and interior seem deliberately designed to appeal to a broad audience, resisting the very gender constraints exposed within. Some yellow sidebars are confusingly placed in the middle of longer bullet-pointed segments, but overall the book is well designed and easy to read. Highly recommended for teens and the adults who care for them. --starred, Kirkus Reviews --Journal

Author Information

Sarah Mirk is a social justice-focused writer and artist who loves to read, draw comics, make zines, pet dogs, and learn about the world. She began her career as a journalist for the alternative weekly newspapers the Stranger and the Portland Mercury. She then worked as the online editor of national feminism and pop culture nonprofit Bitch Media. She moved on to become a contributing editor at the graphic journalism website The Nib, where she writes and edits nonfiction comics about history, politics, and identity. She is the author of the book Sex from Scratch: Making Your Own Relationship Rules and the sci-fi graphic novel Open Earth. Sarah holds a degree in history, with honors, from Grinnell College. She identifies as queer and cisgender and lives in Portland, Oregon, with her partner. You can follow her work on Twitter or Instagram @sarahmirk. She always welcomes questions and good ideas.

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