Books about sex and relationships for teens

[Maisy37]

Hello does anyone have any recommendations for books / resources around sex, relationships consent and boundaries that are good for teenage girls ?
I’ve looked at a few and have been pretty dismayed to say the least . One I looked at actually advised that girls check their privilege about bathrooms and that “ in biology there are more than two sexes “
looking for empowering information for brilliant girls preferably written by someone with a grasp on biology and not overly concerned with male validation..
I’ve got Milli Hill’s book about periods already which I like very much .
any recommendations?

No but I'm bumping 'cos I'd buy it too -

why women are blamed for everything and sexy but psycho are good but not quite what I'm after for my daughter to read as a primer on boundaries and respectful partnership. I did hear of one (not yet published ) that sounded great but I can't for the life of me remember the title

Any publishers / authors my suggested (almost serious) title ideas

Red flags and how to spot them
better off alone, shit relationships and how to avoid them
the art and craft of telling men to eff off heathy boundaries and how to police them

I’m considering writing one myself but I’m so angry I don’t think it would get through the editing process… swear tastic 🤣

@Maisy37 you write it I'll edit it 😉
I'll write the one that explains what boys and girls are to primary school pupils.

Deal !!

I've just read "The Power of Rude" by Rebecca Reid and now wondering whether to give it to my DD (13). Talks about how women so often get taught to please everyone else and put up with crap because they're worried about being rude - esp in relationships.

It's very explicit about sex but always makes clear that you should only do what you want to and that your choice is key. Doesn't mention any "there are more than two sexes" stuff and the whole premise of the book counteracts the "know your place and beeee kiiiiind cis-women!" woke police.

I loved it but it's definitely aimed at adults (maybe early 20s though) - still I'm pondering giving it to DD and telling her to ask me any questions.

Also I bet the author has been here at some point - uses "No is a complete sentence." Not me though, honest!

How explicit about sex? Looks like it might be good for DD(12)? Following this thread with interest as DD knows about the mechanics but not the healthy relationship side of things so much.

Errr well... there's a lot on faking orgasms, then men removing condoms secretly, it mentions anal and rough sex and talks about her once having a threesome which she regrets. It's not so much about the mechanics, more about why women do stuff they don't want to and how to feel able to say no. 12 might be a bit young? Definitely read it yourself first!

I would recommend Living with the Dominator (Freedom Programme) probably for 16 plus. It shows The Dominator but also Mr Right. It probably is a bit outdated in terms of how much pornography is used now but it is a quick read and gives you all those red flags. It is aimed at domestic abuse victims and survivors. Social services sent me on the course when I left my abusive ex and I honestly say that book and course saved my life.

Not a personal recommendation but A Mighty Girl on Facebook (and their website) post regular reading recommendations by age group and this one comes up on the subject of sex and relationships for teens

www.amightygirl.com/real-talk-about-sex-and-consent?fbclid=IwAR1fHaG_evcdb6_nCfa9diowAaIMcC9AxGiX1aGKIJv1qFIjxdVWHfTNLqY

Or fiction as a way in to the conversation?

https://www.amightygirl.com/maybe-he-just-likes-you

Laura Bates's 'Girl Up' is excellent for teenage girls. Empowering, not patronising and doesn't shy away from the difficult stuff. Her TED talk 'Everyday Sexism' is also very good.

Yes, I bought "Girl Up" a while ago for my DD but haven't given it to her yet as again it was really sexually explicit - she's probably about old enough now.

I did get annoyed with a brief "make sure your feminism is intersectional" bit at the end (uses "cis", talks about transphobia) and the first page of the book is "praise from Emma Watson" but I suppose no book is going to be perfect. And it does have lots of funky graphics...

Thanks all , I do like the mighty girl website and have followed a few of their recommendations. I’ve also bought maybe he just likes you which my 12 year old has read …
I’ll have a look at girl up , thanks , I can balance out the ‘cis’ shit with a conversation and we’ve already had a chat about Emma Watson and Daniel Radcliffe et al being utter utter wankers around JK Rowling ( I was a little more composed in our chat 🤣)

Daughter (15 yo) dips into the book now and again. And agree with the 'cis shit' but I try and counter it in other ways.

There are a few variations on You Tube of a video about drinking tea and likening it to consent. Worth a watch as it explains things like changing your mind and not wanting it one day even though you had it another day etc.