Let’s Talk About It: The Teen’s Guide to Sex, Relationships, and Being a Human

Gr 9 Up–Don’t be afraid. Yes, there are drawings of naked bodies in this book (mostly in the “Body Image” section), and, yes, readers will learn about some of the ways the human body is wired for pleasure. And the detailed drawings of genitals are not solely in service of explaining how babies are made. But every panel of this book, every anatomical drawing, every conversation over tea or in a tent, is loaded with crucial information about consent, respect, consideration, and boundaries. A magnificently varied cast of characters confess their insecurities to their best friends, siblings, crushes, lovers, and hookups and in return receive reassurance, information, and practical advice. Readers will learn about a laundry list of activities, including sexting, masturbation, gender, and fantasies, along with health issues such as safe sex and a couple of the less pleasant aspects of relationships: jealousy and rejection. Moen and Nolan have been making comics about sex for years—their comic Oh Joy Sex Toy has even been exhibited at the Tate Modern in London. Moen’s richly individualistic characters keep the pages turning, despite some fat word balloons—the result of personality-rich dialogue and precision, which is important when it comes to topics like identity and relationships. A palette of browns, pinks, and grays continues the celebration of bodies of all shades and shapes. A sprinkling of profanity (including the odd F-bomb) must be noted as it may affect a school library’s ability to shelve it.