Sex: A Book for Teens: An Uncensored Guide to Your Body, Sex, and Safety by Nikol Hasler

Hasler, N. (2010). Sex: A Book for Teens: An Uncensored Guide to Your Body, Sex, and Safety. San Francisco: Zest Books. ISBN 9780981973326

Summary 

Sex has a catchy title, and it does contain information about just that, but it also includes chapters on body image issues, sexual orientation, virginity, and birth control.  It also has illustrations of sexual positions or acts in hopes that teens will perform them responsibly.  Risks are always listed, with ways to minimize and avoid them.

Critical Evaluation 

Definitely a book written for teens, Sex features humor alongside its frankness, perhaps in order to engage teens first in the hopes of educating them.  While it will likely garner challenges for perceived flippancy, Sex allows teens an accessible book to learn about themselves and safe sexual practices.

Reader's Annotation 

You may think you are ready for sex, but why not read this book first and find out.

Author Information 

Nikol Hasler was born in Wisconsin in 1979 and spent much of her young life in the foster care system.  She notes that she became sexually active at the age of 11 and suffered eating and personality disorders as a teenager.  She became pregnant after a one-night stand and dropped out of college only to become homeless, spending her pregnancy and early months of motherhood in shelters.

Hasler is perhaps most popular as the host of The Midwest Teen Sex Show, a humorous podcast where she discusses teen sexuality as in this book.

Genre 

Non-fiction, health

Curriculum Ties 

Health

Reading Level/Interest Age 

Older teens, or any sexually active teens would find this book interesting, hopefully in aid of behaving responsibly and safely.

Challenge Issues 

Graphic illustrations and descriptions of sexual acts and some language could be challenged.

If challenged, I would first suggest being familiar with the work in order to speak about it directly. Then, listen the challenger's complaint, show them to positive reviews, and refer to the collection policy, stating a need to include a variety of works that may not be suitable for all, but should contain something for everyone. As a last resort, turn to the ALA Bill of Rights or First Amendment defense, but try not to let things get there; listen and reassure the patron.

Reason Selected

This book is a frank and unflinching look at all aspects of sex, aiming to educate teens in order to keep them safe and practicing responsible sexual activity.  Sex also received endorsement from former Surgeon General of the U.S., Jocelyn Elders.