Teen Sexuality

Teen sexuality is a taboo subject, but teens want and need books that talk to them in clear and respectful language about sex. Tune in to hear about an array of nonfiction books on teen sexuality – some about the mechanics of sex, some about the media and body image, some written by teens themselves. You’ll hear about books for older as well as younger readers, boys as well as girls, gay teens as well as those who are straight or questioning. Through them, teens and adults will find a place to get their questions answered, along with the opportunity to talk and think about sex in healthy and personally empowering ways.

After listening to this episode, be sure to print out this list of recommended titles to take to the library or book seller.

Books featured in this episode:

• It’s Perfectly Normal: Changing Bodies, Growing Up, Sex, and Sexual Health by Robie Harris and Michael Emberley (Candlewick, 2009)
• S.E.X.: The All-You-Need-to-Know Progressive Sexuality Guide to Get You through High School and College by Heather Corinna (Marlowe & Company, 2007)
• Sex: A Book for Teens: An Uncensored Guide to Your Body, Sex, and Safety by Nikol Hasler (Zest Books, 2010)
• The Little Black Book for Girlz: A Book on Healthy Sexuality by St. Stephen’s Community House (Annick Press, 2006)
• The Little Black Book for Guys: Guys Talk about Sex by St. Stephen’s Community House (Annick Press, 2008)
• Body Drama: Real Girls, Real Bodies, Real Issues, Real Answers by Nancy Redd (Gotham Books, 2008)
• Flow: The Cultural Story of Menstruation by Elissa Stein and Susan Kim (St. Martin’s Griffin, 2009)
• What If? Answers to Questions about What it Means to be Gay and Lesbian by Eric Marcus (Simon Pulse, 2007)
• The Full Spectrum: A New Generation of Writing about Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning, and Other Identities edited by David Levithan and Billy Merrell (Knopf, 2006)