This book made the YALSA Great Graphic Novels for Teens list.
Navigating through the teenage years can be tricky and there are a lot of topics that parents don't want to talk about. This graphic novel is a go-to comprehensive handbook that answers questions about relationships, gender, sexuality, body image, masturbation, safe sex, climaxing, sexting, kinks, porn, jealousy and rejection. Although it's advertised as the Teen's Guide this book was written for whoever needs it, no matter your age.
I initially chose this book because I remembered how the topic of sex was such a taboo thing when I was growing up. I read all the pamphlets I got from school warning about the dangers of sex and after watching the movie Mean Girls I was convinced that "if you have sex you WILL die." Then I got married...and all of a sudden it's okay and I won't die? My parents are asking for grandkids? Don't they know what I have to do to make tiny humans? How embarrassing! Surely there's a better way to educate and encourage open communication about sex and relationships. I hoped this book would be the answer.
Of all the books I have read this summer this is the one I cracked open and the censorship alarms in my brain started going berserk. Even though I knew it was going to address sensitive topics, and I knew that it's a graphic novel I wasn't prepared to see close ups of genitals or illustrated suggestions on how to enjoy your body. After admitting I'm a prude and giving myself time to get over the initial shock I began to think about how this book could benefit young adults.
Youths are going to learn about their changing bodies and how things work one way or another. They may learn from YouTube, tv shows, or misguided friends. This can cause confusion or unrealistic expectations. As I spent more time between the pages I realized that Moen and Nolan did something special. Every ethnicity, body type, and sexual orientation are represented in the illustrations. People who use wheelchairs and have missing limbs are included. The information presented through the character's dialogue is well researched and informative. Safety is taken into consideration in all scenarios with consent being the top priority. The questions the characters ask were questions I had when I was younger and are surely being asked by young adults today.
While I personally won't be shouting from the roof tops that everyone should read this book I can appreciate that it would serve as a useful tool to help readers understand their feelings, desires, and the perceptions of others. I would encourage parents who don't want to talk about all of "those things" to consider this graphic novel as a resource to turn to when their children start growing, changing, and asking questions. Readers may see themselves reflected in the pages. I give this book a 4.5 out of a 5 star rating.
Moen, E. & Nolan, N. (2021). Let's talk about it: The teen's guide to sex, relationships, and being a human. RH Graphic.
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