16 – 22 September 2019
Brook believes that every young person should have equal access to quality relationships and sex education, sexual health services and wellbeing support.
Brook Young People, 2019, http://www.brook.org.uk
Talking about sex and sexual health can be difficult, and it can be even tougher to get the teenagers to listen without the stomping out shouting “Uh, you’re so embarrassing!”
We have some informative and helpful books that you can leave with your teenager for them to read or browse after, or before, having ‘The Talk’ with them. The books can give teenagers the extra support and help they might need to feel confident in themselves and their body. As well as a better understanding of what’s happening to their bodies, to their hormones and know that they are not alone.
Have a look at the list below for just some of the great titles we have available to borrow, or if you would prefer to browse all titles, head down to the bottom of this blog.
When breasts first start to grow, no one talks about it. There aren’t any greetings cards that say, ‘Woo Hoo! Your breasts are developing!’ but you get a birthday card when you are ten and that’s just about planet Earth going around the Sun ten times. Why don’t we say, ‘Woo Hoo!’? Because we live in a society where we often get uncomfortable and look at the floor when it comes to talking about breasts. They seem to be important in lots of ways but then there are these confusing rules that say when we’re allowed to notice them and talk about them, and when we’re not. This book tells you all about breasts and helps you to feel confident about their arrival.
2. Understanding sexuality : what it means to be lesbian, gay or bisexual by Honor Head
This title looks at the issues around sexuality – what it means, being lesbian, gay or bisexual, coming out, homophobia and accepting yourself and being happy in your own skin. It includes talking and debating points and is perfect for someone starting to question their sexuality or for PSHE lessons.
3. What is gender? How does it define us? And other big questions by Juno Dawson
What’s the difference between sex and gender? What does it mean to be defined by your gender? Are there only two genders? This informative book helps kids to explore these questions and more, explaining that there are differences of opinion and that answers are not always straightforward.
4. The boys’ guide to growing up by Phil Wilkinson and illustrated by Sarah Horne
A friendly and reassuring guide for boys as they approach puberty, explaining the changes that will happen to their bodies as they grow up and how these changes might make them feel. Covering everything from physical changes like body hair and testicle growth to emotional ones like mood swings and self-esteem, the author anticipates any worries that boys may have relating to what is ‘normal’ and about feeling different. It gives them the information they will need to reassure them and boost their confidence, encouraging them to feel positive about the changes they will experience as they go through puberty.
5. Doing it! : let’s talk about sex by Hannah Witton
Sexting, virginity, consent, the big O…let’s face it, doing it can be tricksy. I don’t know anyone (including myself) who has sex all figured out. So I’ve written a book full of honest, hilarious (and sometimes awkward) anecdotes, confessions and revelations. And because none of us have all the answers, I’ve invited some friends and fellow YouTubers to talk about their sexuality, too. We talk about doing it safely. Doing it joyfully. Doing it when you’re ready. Not doing it. Basically, doing it the way you want, when you want.
6. Dr Christian’s guide to growing up online (hashtag: awkward) by Dr Christian Jessen
‘Dr Christian’s Guide to Growing Up Online (Hashtag: Awkward)’ takes a social-media style tour through such wide-ranging topics as health, puberty, anxiety, gender, sexuality, stress, grief and any difficult questions in between. In this brand-new book, readers aged 10 and up will come across every question they’ve ever imagined asking, and probably a few they haven’t. Perfect for starting a dialogue about a difficult subject or for getting a quick answer from a reliable source.
7. The girl guide by Marawa Ibrahim and illustrated by Sinem Erkas
Five times world-record breaking hula-hoop star Marawa Ibrahim was told that she was too chubby during her teenage years to succeed as a performer. Today she is one of the most solicited circus performers worldwide, working with artists from Pharrell Williams, to Beyonce and Kenzo. Contained within these pages are 50 lessons, anecdotes and stories about the changes Marawa experienced in her own body during puberty.
8. Puberty and growing up by Anna Claybourne
Puberty is often a confusing time with many changes both physical and emotional to deal with. This book deals with all aspects of puberty in a straightforward and sensitive way so young children and teenagers are armed with all the facts. It includes the changes that happen to boys and girls, periods, moods and stress and introduces sex and sexuality. The text is accompanied by fun, graphic illustrations suitable for any age.
9. Help your kids with growing up : a no-nonsense guide to puberty and adolescence by Robert Winston
Covering everything from the menstrual cycle to sexting and even cyber-bullying, this visual guide to puberty and adolescence is a must-read for all parents and tweens embarking on those scary teenage years. It covers contemporary issues such as internet safety, whilst also tackling key topics such as sexuality and body image.
10. The girls’ guide to growing up by Anita Naik and illustrated by Sarah Horne
A friendly and reassuring guide for girls as they approach puberty, explaining the changes that will happen to their bodies as they grow up and how these changes might make them feel. Covering everything from periods and breast development to body hair and personal hygiene, the author anticipates any worries that girls may have relating to what is ‘normal’ and about feeling different. It gives them the information they will need to reassure them and boost their confidence, encouraging them to feel positive about the changes they will experience as they go through puberty.
These are just some of the books available to borrow from Hampshire Libraries, visit our website to browse all titles available.
Hampshire Libraries 