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Wait, What?: A Comic Book Guide to Relationships, Bodies, and Growing Up
From Heather Corinna, founder and director of Scarleteen.com, and Isabella Rotman, cartoonist and sex educator, comes a graphic novel guide that covers essential topics for preteens and young teens about their changing bodies and feelings.
Join friends Malia, Rico, Max, Sam and Alexis as they talk about all the weird and exciting parts of growing up! This supportive group of friends are guides for some tricky subjects. Using comics, activities and examples, they give encouragement and context for new and confusing feelings and experiences.
Inclusive of different kinds of genders, sexualities, and other identities, they talk about important topics like:
- Bodies, including puberty, body parts and body image
- Sexual and gender identity
- Gender roles and stereotypes
- Crushes, relationships, and sexual feelings
- Boundaries and consent
- The media and cultural messages, specifically around bodies and sex
- How to be sensitive, kind, accepting, and mature
- Where to look for more information, support and help
A fun and easy-to-read guide from expert sex educators that gives readers a good basis and an age-appropriate start with sex, bodies and relationships education! The perfect complement to any school curriculum.
Join friends Malia, Rico, Max, Sam and Alexis as they talk about all the weird and exciting parts of growing up! This supportive group of friends are guides for some tricky subjects. Using comics, activities and examples, they give encouragement and context for new and confusing feelings and experiences.
Inclusive of different kinds of genders, sexualities, and other identities, they talk about important topics like:
- Bodies, including puberty, body parts and body image
- Sexual and gender identity
- Gender roles and stereotypes
- Crushes, relationships, and sexual feelings
- Boundaries and consent
- The media and cultural messages, specifically around bodies and sex
- How to be sensitive, kind, accepting, and mature
- Where to look for more information, support and help
A fun and easy-to-read guide from expert sex educators that gives readers a good basis and an age-appropriate start with sex, bodies and relationships education! The perfect complement to any school curriculum.
80 pages, Paperback
First published September 3, 2019
59 people are currently reading
760 people want to read
About the author
Heather Corinna
10 books110 followersHeather Corinna is an insufferable queer and nonbinary feminist activist, author, educator, artist, organizer, and innovator. They’re the founder, director, designer and editor of the web clearinghouse and organization Scarleteen, the first comprehensive sex, sexuality and relationships education site and resource of its kind. Heather and the team at Scarleteen have provided millions of young people accurate, inclusive information and support for over two decades. They’re often tired.
Heather’s also the author of the inclusive, comprehensive and progressive sex, sexual health and relationships book for young adults, S.E.X: The All-You-Need-To-Know Sexuality Guide to Get You Through Your Teens and Twenties (Hachette, 2006, 2017), now in its second edition; and, with Isabella Rotman and Luke Howard, Wait, What?: A Comic Book Guide to Relationships, Bodies, and Growing Up (Oni Press/Lion Forge, 2019), for older middle readers and younger teen. They’ve been an early childhood educator, a sexuality, contraception and abortion educator and counselor, a member of the editorial board for the American Journal of Sexuality Education and the Board of Directors for NARAL Pro-Choice Washington; a writer and contributing editor for the 2011 edition of Our Bodies, Ourselves, and a plaintiff for the ACLU where they eventually got to stick it to the Bush administration, which was one of their Best Days Ever. By working themselves to a pulp, Heather has won acclaim and several awards in their field, and a lot of places and people say they’re awesome. Some do not.
They’re navigating middle age and all it entails with as much grace as they can muster (spoiler: not much), and currently, and begrudgingly, live and work in their hometown of Chicago after 20 years away. When not locked in a small room feverishly writing a book in a pandemic or otherwise overindulging in labor, Heather hangs out with their dog, partner and friends, goes outside, makes and geeks out about music, cooks, babies houseplants, and tries to enjoy the purportedly existential theater of life.
Heather’s also the author of the inclusive, comprehensive and progressive sex, sexual health and relationships book for young adults, S.E.X: The All-You-Need-To-Know Sexuality Guide to Get You Through Your Teens and Twenties (Hachette, 2006, 2017), now in its second edition; and, with Isabella Rotman and Luke Howard, Wait, What?: A Comic Book Guide to Relationships, Bodies, and Growing Up (Oni Press/Lion Forge, 2019), for older middle readers and younger teen. They’ve been an early childhood educator, a sexuality, contraception and abortion educator and counselor, a member of the editorial board for the American Journal of Sexuality Education and the Board of Directors for NARAL Pro-Choice Washington; a writer and contributing editor for the 2011 edition of Our Bodies, Ourselves, and a plaintiff for the ACLU where they eventually got to stick it to the Bush administration, which was one of their Best Days Ever. By working themselves to a pulp, Heather has won acclaim and several awards in their field, and a lot of places and people say they’re awesome. Some do not.
They’re navigating middle age and all it entails with as much grace as they can muster (spoiler: not much), and currently, and begrudgingly, live and work in their hometown of Chicago after 20 years away. When not locked in a small room feverishly writing a book in a pandemic or otherwise overindulging in labor, Heather hangs out with their dog, partner and friends, goes outside, makes and geeks out about music, cooks, babies houseplants, and tries to enjoy the purportedly existential theater of life.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
August 13, 2019
This is a fantastic little graphic novel about sex, puberty, relationships, and growing up in general for teens. It's super diverse and inclusive, with an entire section dedicated to queerness and gender identity as well as loads of casual references throughout the book. I also appreciate that it offers some insight into being aro and/or ace and how not everyone is going to want to have sex, pursue romantic relationships, etc., so kids shouldn't feel "weird" if they aren't interested in those things. I'll definitely be recommending this one to teens!
Thank you so much to the publisher for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Thank you so much to the publisher for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
August 18, 2019
This is a lovely, non-judgemental and inclusive book for teenagers, mostly written in comic book style. It has an open-minded and educational approach to sexuality and gender identity , which will be welcomed by many parents, although some may object to it. I had hoped to read this with my 12-year-old son but after a look at the contents page and a quick flick through, he felt he wasn’t ready for it yet. Hopefully we’ll find the right time, somewhere between ‘too much, too soon’ and ‘too little, too late’!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
April 19, 2020
A fun and informative introduction to puberty, gender, sex, and sexuality with lots of inclusivity and diversity. I like that emotional aspects of adolescence are given as much attention as the physical. It's too text heavy in many places, but puzzle and activity pages and topics like "weird genitals" help maintain a breezy quality.
September 6, 2019
"Wait, What?: A Comic Book Guide to Relationships, Bodies, and Growing Up" is the book I wish we all had when we were in middle school. And if you have a middle school human in your life, you should get them this book.
One of the first pages, page 9 to be exact, sets the tone of the book. That humans develop in all ways at a different rate from each other. Some of us mature physically, some of us mature romantically earlier, and that's all ok.
Heather & Isabella take great care to talk about all things puberty-related with not just great care, but in a gender inclusive manner. Vaginas are not talked about things women have, rather vaginas and breast development are things that happen to humans and if that what you are experiencing, great! If not, maybe you have a penis and other stuff is happening. Don't get me wrong, there are pages that talk about boys and girls, but in a way that allows each reader to identify how they feel, including that some people feel feminine one day and masculine the next.
One of the favorite parts of the book are the discussions around consent and relationships. Consent treated not just as a topic in order to reduce sexual assault, but woven in to how we relate to each other in relationships. At the most basic level it is that you need someones consent to be in a relationship and everyone has the right to not be in a relationship. It makes you imagine how much dating would suck less if we all learned how to talk to each other about our expectations for relationships when we were 12 instead of in therapy in our 30s or 40s.
I attended the Chicago book party. Instead of Heather & Isbella reading everything, they asked for volunteers to read for different characters. Hearing the story from the mouths of tweens was everything. It cemented how perfect the narrative is in helping middle schoolers understand that puberty is a hot mess, but you're going to be just fine. Even if you don't have a Superteam like we one we follow in "Wait, What?"
Disclaimer: I received a review copy, but did purchase a copy for myself. Also Heather is a friend and someone whose work I have greatly admired for many years.
One of the first pages, page 9 to be exact, sets the tone of the book. That humans develop in all ways at a different rate from each other. Some of us mature physically, some of us mature romantically earlier, and that's all ok.
Heather & Isabella take great care to talk about all things puberty-related with not just great care, but in a gender inclusive manner. Vaginas are not talked about things women have, rather vaginas and breast development are things that happen to humans and if that what you are experiencing, great! If not, maybe you have a penis and other stuff is happening. Don't get me wrong, there are pages that talk about boys and girls, but in a way that allows each reader to identify how they feel, including that some people feel feminine one day and masculine the next.
One of the favorite parts of the book are the discussions around consent and relationships. Consent treated not just as a topic in order to reduce sexual assault, but woven in to how we relate to each other in relationships. At the most basic level it is that you need someones consent to be in a relationship and everyone has the right to not be in a relationship. It makes you imagine how much dating would suck less if we all learned how to talk to each other about our expectations for relationships when we were 12 instead of in therapy in our 30s or 40s.
I attended the Chicago book party. Instead of Heather & Isbella reading everything, they asked for volunteers to read for different characters. Hearing the story from the mouths of tweens was everything. It cemented how perfect the narrative is in helping middle schoolers understand that puberty is a hot mess, but you're going to be just fine. Even if you don't have a Superteam like we one we follow in "Wait, What?"
Disclaimer: I received a review copy, but did purchase a copy for myself. Also Heather is a friend and someone whose work I have greatly admired for many years.
August 6, 2019
This is an all encompassing take on puberty and sexuality for youth growing up today. There are five teens represented in this book, who runs the gamut on gender, sexuality and maturity. This makes for insightful comments on thoughts about gender fluidity, and on sexual desire.
They point out that we all mature at our own level and time.
And the sex is a mutual activity, and if it isn't mutual, it is not sex, but assault.
Well researched, and well represented. This will make a good reference book, one that is easy to read, and get answering to questions about growing up.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
They point out that we all mature at our own level and time.
And the sex is a mutual activity, and if it isn't mutual, it is not sex, but assault.
Well researched, and well represented. This will make a good reference book, one that is easy to read, and get answering to questions about growing up.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
July 29, 2019
This is quite informative book for teens...it covers wide variety of topics like puberty, sex, masturbation, coming out, dating, crush etc. and lot more confusing things a normal teen would go through. Very helpful and supportive book for your teen to educate them on lots of topics considered "controversial" by society.
May 16, 2023
Really good graphic novel that covers a lot of ground - anatomy development, social-emotional aspects of sex and relationships, gender and body differences, consent, etc. Very inclusive, interactive, quick read. It feels more geared toward teens than elementary kids (the characters use slang and internet speak that is obviously meant to appeal to teens and that I'm fairly sure my 11yo wouldn't understand; also, the word "sex" is used a lot in the book before an actual definition is included, indicating this is probably more for kids who already have some idea of what sex is), so I wouldn't use it as a kid's first introduction to sex, growth, and development. But definitely a book I'll supplement with in the teen years.
July 25, 2019
I love this so much and even I as an adult have learned something new from this. This is definitely a book that I will purchase, I want a readily available resource at hand especially when any sort of sex education (and everything that word encompasses outside the act of sex) is not something that's available.
There are places in the world where people don't get to learn about sex-ed. Not even the bad kind of sex-ed or the ones we see in movies. Nothing. We get to learn the science bit about puberty and the basic changes that happen to the body and that's it. Girls learn the female puberty part only and boys learn both. Everything is superficial; "this is how you make a baby", "sex happens only to procreate", "this is what a period looks like", "this is what you do when you get your period" and of course the bulk of it is getting told all the things that are wrong, sinful and shameful. So you can see how such a book can change one's perspective and one's image of themselves. And this in itself would be a reason so many would call out this book because they wouldn't want us to learn the opposite of what they're teaching us because how dare we think all of this is okay. Pfhttt.
So this is a graphic novel for pre-teens or teens about bodies, growing up and the changes that happen. It's a guide that discusses sex-ed in a much more inclusive, positive, easy and informative way. It starts off by talking about "due dates" and the myth of having to do things at a certain time just to make sure we're conforming to our peers. It continues to talk about puberty, maturity, masturbation, genitals, gender, gender roles and stereotypes, crushes, relationships and feelings, consent, boundaries, what is sex, being ready, sexual identity, problematic ideas and having a support team. Each section in this book is broken down and discussed by the main 5 people in this comic; Rico, Malia, Mac, Sam and Alexis. Each character identifies differently and have different explanations and experiences.
I know that this book isn't revolutionary in its ideas or even the way it presents those ideas because I have read books like this before and in a comic format as well that breaks down certain concepts. But the fact that more are still needed and are getting applauded means that these types of books aren't reaching the right people or the correct audiences yet. It's not reaching schools or libraries and it should. It's not reaching the countries where they need to be hearing all of this and it should.
This graphic novel is inclusive and lgbtq+ friendly and I'm glad that it didn't make a distinction for that or saying "well here's a chapter to talk about all things lgbtq+" but I do wish some chapters such as genitals and what is sex had also mentioned what it would be like for lgbtq+ folks. However, for those wanting more there is a cool glossary and resource list at the end of the book that are both for pre-teens and parents.
I want to end this long review by saying I love the art style, the coloring and the format of the book.
(I received a free e-book copy of this title from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)
There are places in the world where people don't get to learn about sex-ed. Not even the bad kind of sex-ed or the ones we see in movies. Nothing. We get to learn the science bit about puberty and the basic changes that happen to the body and that's it. Girls learn the female puberty part only and boys learn both. Everything is superficial; "this is how you make a baby", "sex happens only to procreate", "this is what a period looks like", "this is what you do when you get your period" and of course the bulk of it is getting told all the things that are wrong, sinful and shameful. So you can see how such a book can change one's perspective and one's image of themselves. And this in itself would be a reason so many would call out this book because they wouldn't want us to learn the opposite of what they're teaching us because how dare we think all of this is okay. Pfhttt.
So this is a graphic novel for pre-teens or teens about bodies, growing up and the changes that happen. It's a guide that discusses sex-ed in a much more inclusive, positive, easy and informative way. It starts off by talking about "due dates" and the myth of having to do things at a certain time just to make sure we're conforming to our peers. It continues to talk about puberty, maturity, masturbation, genitals, gender, gender roles and stereotypes, crushes, relationships and feelings, consent, boundaries, what is sex, being ready, sexual identity, problematic ideas and having a support team. Each section in this book is broken down and discussed by the main 5 people in this comic; Rico, Malia, Mac, Sam and Alexis. Each character identifies differently and have different explanations and experiences.
I know that this book isn't revolutionary in its ideas or even the way it presents those ideas because I have read books like this before and in a comic format as well that breaks down certain concepts. But the fact that more are still needed and are getting applauded means that these types of books aren't reaching the right people or the correct audiences yet. It's not reaching schools or libraries and it should. It's not reaching the countries where they need to be hearing all of this and it should.
This graphic novel is inclusive and lgbtq+ friendly and I'm glad that it didn't make a distinction for that or saying "well here's a chapter to talk about all things lgbtq+" but I do wish some chapters such as genitals and what is sex had also mentioned what it would be like for lgbtq+ folks. However, for those wanting more there is a cool glossary and resource list at the end of the book that are both for pre-teens and parents.
I want to end this long review by saying I love the art style, the coloring and the format of the book.
(I received a free e-book copy of this title from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)
October 20, 2019
This is a short, friendly, accessible guide to sex ed topics. The language is very inclusive of queer, trans and nonbinary people, and aims to entertain and destigmatize as well as educate. I love the playful artwork by Isabella Rotman and the bright colors by Luke Howard. Appropriate for middle schoolers up to young high schoolers.
July 31, 2019
This book (wait, what?) is all about relationships, puberty, sexual identity, growing up, gender identity, understanding their bodies and getting to know everything about it. This was an IMPORTANT book according to me. As, there are many questions & doubts in the mind of teenagers at the age of puberty which they sometimes feel bad for or are not aware of whom to discuss with. So, this book is perfect for them. This is a diverse and inclusive book and the author had done a fabulous job in making this topic, NOT A BIG DEAL for teenagers & not hurting their emotions. This book is different from any else as it enlightens every topic and there is such an information which teenagers need to know before indulging them into any misdoings.
There are also some bonus materials inside this book, where author had given the information about various organisations where teenagers could get sex education which is very necessary concerning its risks. The author had also put every difficult words at the back (glossary) so teenagers will de able to understand everything clearly.
The author did a spectacular job as this is a fun and interesting book with some really important stuff which teenagers sometimes feel awkward in discussing with one-another. Moreover, the illustrations were just perfect and so apt, everything was so colourful and captivating. DEFINITELY RECOMMENDED TO TEENAGERS!!
Thank you Netgalley for this e-arc on behalf of an honest review.
There are also some bonus materials inside this book, where author had given the information about various organisations where teenagers could get sex education which is very necessary concerning its risks. The author had also put every difficult words at the back (glossary) so teenagers will de able to understand everything clearly.
The author did a spectacular job as this is a fun and interesting book with some really important stuff which teenagers sometimes feel awkward in discussing with one-another. Moreover, the illustrations were just perfect and so apt, everything was so colourful and captivating. DEFINITELY RECOMMENDED TO TEENAGERS!!
Thank you Netgalley for this e-arc on behalf of an honest review.
August 6, 2019
This book is so good that it is making me angry, which is a reaction I don't even understand. I love it. As a former teenager, I love it and wish I'd had it then. As a mother of a daughter, I love it and can't wait to give it to my kid when she's old enough to need it. As a midwife who works in sexual and reproductive health, I LOVE IT AND WISH I WAS RICH ENOUGH TO HAND IT OUT LIKE CANDY. Every kid needs this book. Probably a lot of adults, too.
It's fun, it's straightforward, it's honest, it's non-judgmental, and it's kind. It's loving and it's there for you, like an older pal who knows what things are like and cares about you and wants to save you some of the tough lessons they learned - but also wants to make sure you understand the truly important things and don't mess things up.
I would love a follow-up by the same team that gets into the nitty-gritty of STIs, contraception, and abortion. I know Isabella Rotman has her STI comic but I don't know if it's geared towards teens. Of course, that's what Scarleteen is for. But I'm a sucker for physical books, and I dream of having a waiting room packed with books just like this for my patients.
Everyone should buy this and read it.
I received a free eARC of this book via Netgalley in exchange for my honest review, mostly because I just couldn't wait until the release party on 9/4 to read it.
It's fun, it's straightforward, it's honest, it's non-judgmental, and it's kind. It's loving and it's there for you, like an older pal who knows what things are like and cares about you and wants to save you some of the tough lessons they learned - but also wants to make sure you understand the truly important things and don't mess things up.
I would love a follow-up by the same team that gets into the nitty-gritty of STIs, contraception, and abortion. I know Isabella Rotman has her STI comic but I don't know if it's geared towards teens. Of course, that's what Scarleteen is for. But I'm a sucker for physical books, and I dream of having a waiting room packed with books just like this for my patients.
Everyone should buy this and read it.
I received a free eARC of this book via Netgalley in exchange for my honest review, mostly because I just couldn't wait until the release party on 9/4 to read it.
August 23, 2019
I seriously wish that I had this book when I was 10 years old as most of my education on this topic came from books or DIY. This is a great resource for all, but especially for those weird loner freak kids like my young self who didn't have any friends and their parents, mentors, coaches, leaders, & teachers never talked to them.
Anyways, it's free on NetGalley before the publication date as an e-book in case any librarians need to preview it for their J 612s. Yes, J not YA, because at least for me puberty started when I was in elementary school. If I waited until high school to read it, 80% of it wouldn't be news.
Anyways, it's free on NetGalley before the publication date as an e-book in case any librarians need to preview it for their J 612s. Yes, J not YA, because at least for me puberty started when I was in elementary school. If I waited until high school to read it, 80% of it wouldn't be news.
February 8, 2021
Love a book for young folks that practices what it preaches and is amusing to boot. This collection of mini-essays / informative selections about bodies, growing up, sex, and consent for teens is a long way from the books I used to try to glean information out of as teenager myself. There's a lot that feels backward or under-developed (to me) in our culture around sexuality, sex, identity, and development so I'm very appreciative that much that has been talked about and studied since I was a youngin' has found its way from sex educators and sex-positive activism and forums, and made its way into this book. This graphic novel is smart and kind, and I recommend it.
August 19, 2019
What a fun book. Wow I wish when we were in school we had an awesome guide such as "Wait What", that explores every obstacles you face as a growing teen from, 1st kiss, masturbation, sex, puberty and coming out.
This book should be provided in every classroom across America for those who are too embarrassed to ask questions.
Highly recommend for that growing teen that you may have, thats curious.
This is my honest opinion.
Rating 5
This book should be provided in every classroom across America for those who are too embarrassed to ask questions.
Highly recommend for that growing teen that you may have, thats curious.
This is my honest opinion.
Rating 5
May 25, 2022
Fabulous resource about puberty, sex etc. for ages 8-14 with intentionally inclusive language, heads up on pages with possibly "embarrassing" imagery for tween/teens, and great/cute activities they can do, too. DEFINITELY a guided tutorial rather than a narrative ~ cute, sweet, inclusive.
August 4, 2019
A very informative comic for teens which they can relate to and make sure they don't feel like they are alone in all of this. A very fun and clever way of helping your teen feel normal and accepted.
January 4, 2020
4.5 stars
August 26, 2021
So body positive! I loved this.
September 24, 2019
I. LOVE. THIS. BOOK. I’ve been looking for a coming of age type of book that is queer friendly and this is that book! It’s great for my 11 year old but I think my older kids will like it too. Straightforward without more detail than necessary but also not shying away from the information. I literally cried when I saw that genitalia is not labeled M/F, this book is truly inclusive of trans, non-binary, and other gender expressions. I’m absolutely thrilled and I want to buy everyone a copy.
March 22, 2020
Wait, What? by Heather Corinna and illustrated by Isabella Rotman is the growing up book about gender, sexuality, puberty, and just life in general that I wish I'd had access to as a kid. I think one thing that was massively difficult for me to recognize as an adult was just how little I actually knew about all of these things and how stunted my growth was in general as a result of it. I learned a lot of things late in my life.
With this book, however, I can safely say that those who read it will be much better off than I was in a variety of ways. Wait, What? is a very diverse and inclusive book for young teenagers trying to figure out their place as their bodies and mind change throughout those very formative years in their life. It discusses important topics from puberty itself to gender identity and sexuality in-depth. It also includes information on what it means to identify as ace or aro, which to my knowledge is not something that is discussed as often as others.
Overall, there is much to appreciate about Wait, What? from its wonderful illustrations to the plethora of useful and insightful information it provides to teenagers who are likely going through one of the most confusing times of their lives. In every way I find this to be the best book about those formative teenage years that I've ever read.
I was provided a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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With this book, however, I can safely say that those who read it will be much better off than I was in a variety of ways. Wait, What? is a very diverse and inclusive book for young teenagers trying to figure out their place as their bodies and mind change throughout those very formative years in their life. It discusses important topics from puberty itself to gender identity and sexuality in-depth. It also includes information on what it means to identify as ace or aro, which to my knowledge is not something that is discussed as often as others.
Overall, there is much to appreciate about Wait, What? from its wonderful illustrations to the plethora of useful and insightful information it provides to teenagers who are likely going through one of the most confusing times of their lives. In every way I find this to be the best book about those formative teenage years that I've ever read.
I was provided a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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April 19, 2022
Read as part of a book club. Wish this book were around when my kids were younger. A good intro to puberty, sexuality and relationships which included diversity. I am glad it discussed consent as well. I believe every person wonders "Am I normal" as a preteen and I felt this book certainly addressed that there is no "normal" when it comes to people.
December 31, 2020
this was so so so so wonderful!!!!! A true gem. This is a book I wish I had read when I was younger - it has lovely illustrations, explains (very well) tons of things while not being condescending (think an adult talking to a baby). The amount of information in there is astonishing, but most importantly, i think it does a great job at making a point that not *everyone* is the same or should be/feel the same. This is truly a great book to have your teens read. Plus it’s very diverse!
While most things I read I already knew, I did learn a few things still but even if I hadn’t I would’ve had a great time reading it. I seriously love those books that talk in a simple and accessible way about sexuality and growing up and puberty etc - without making it into a taboo. I think every parent should be able (or at least TRY) to have open conversations with their kids about this, and I think books like these help, give people a place to start. Anyway I’ll stop rambling but this was just so cute and so great and yeah read it that’s all
While most things I read I already knew, I did learn a few things still but even if I hadn’t I would’ve had a great time reading it. I seriously love those books that talk in a simple and accessible way about sexuality and growing up and puberty etc - without making it into a taboo. I think every parent should be able (or at least TRY) to have open conversations with their kids about this, and I think books like these help, give people a place to start. Anyway I’ll stop rambling but this was just so cute and so great and yeah read it that’s all
October 18, 2021
Loved it! Great book for teens who are questioning themselves about their sexuality, change in their bodies, and/or want to know more information about sex. I loved all the characters in this book and the illustrations are also great. Wish these type of books existed when I was in high school. Would highly recommend.
July 9, 2020
I capslock LOVE this book! It does such a great job of talking about puberty and relationships without getting into the weird essentialist weeds on "boy bodies" and "girl bodies" that you so often end up with in puberty books.
October 21, 2022
Great starting resource for curious teens
Good starting point for curious teens. Check out the resources list at the back.
We need more honest, open discussions about sex and sexuality for teens that promote positive experiences!
Good starting point for curious teens. Check out the resources list at the back.
We need more honest, open discussions about sex and sexuality for teens that promote positive experiences!
March 13, 2022
Great book for kids, and helpful for grown ups catching up on gender non conforming identities!!!
July 10, 2020
It’s a basic graphic novel that covers a little of everything that while covering a lot still seems a bit unfocused too. But it gets the job done and includes illustrated genitalia to boot, which was a phenomenal addition to demonstrate that nothing is too important to discuss and everything is open to the experiences to honor how we all come into ourselves be it relationships and masturbating.
It’s organized like a conversation between friends and includes some fun activities like a word find.
It’s organized like a conversation between friends and includes some fun activities like a word find.
August 14, 2019
Follow friends, Malia, Rico, Max, Sam, and Alexis as they talk about the weird and exciting parts of growing up! Included are topics such as gender, sexuality, puberty, building a support network, and more. Told with comic book-style and short text pieces, topics are presented in a simple, straightforward way that will be relatable for young teens. Included are crosswords and other activities for engagement. A good book for readers who are dealing with maturation. The author and founder of Scarleteen.com brings her years of communication experience to teens who are dealing with a difficult subject.
September 11, 2019
An easy way to teach your kids life and body lessons! I'm going to buy a copy for when my kids are a little bit older. I highly recommend! This book will help break the ice for these types of conversations!
November 9, 2020
I loved this nonfiction guide to growing up. I think it should be mandatory reading for every middle schooler. Unfortunately in my Texas town there’s no way we could have it in our library, but I think they did an amazing job of explaining all areas of puberty, body changes and more.
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