Sex Plus

August 1, 2018
Internet personality and debut author Green gives readers a jam-packed guide to human sexuality.Initial information about anatomy and a brief stopover in identity-based questions soon transition to the nitty-gritty of sex, relationships, and related topics, including consent culture (possibly the most interesting section) and kink. This tome contains a lot of information to take in at once. "Since you may encounter topics in this book in a different order IRL than they're presented here, you're invited to skip around. However," says Green optimistically, "reading it cover to cover will provide ~maximum impact~." It also skips around in tone, going from eye-glazing scientific descriptions to a chatty, faux-sisterly style heavily peppered with up-to-the-moment meme-speak that will quickly render it dated (the white author includes liberal dashes of AAVE). Despite the emphasis on remaining nonjudgmental, hints of authorial finger-wagging subtly creep through, like a description of some sex as "a liiiittle too rough" or instructions to "be proactive" after an abortion "and find a reliable birth control method that works for you to prevent another unplanned pregnancy." Attempts to use gender-neutral language are only somewhat consistent, and an introductory note--"Should any of the language in this book not resonate with your experience, please know this is not meant to confuse or invalidate anyone"-- does little to lessen the possible impact of confusing or invalidating language.A useful enough guide to some aspects of sexuality and related topics. (Nonfiction. 16-adult)

COPYRIGHT(2018) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

August 13, 2018
Sex is a constellation of thoughts and emotions, suggests Green (host of the YouTube series Sex Plus) in this affirming guide for teens. Green opens with a recollection of her own adolescence and insufficient sex education: “It was difficult to make sense of this world I found myself in as a teenager. It felt like I was being crushed by the weight of my own sexuality.” She goes on to share her views on the meaning behind sex positivity, next candidly discussing menstruation, masturbation, gender identity, and safer sex, as well as issues of sexual exploration, kink, and forming relationships. Throughout, she shares and corrects common misconceptions about sex (the hymen “cannot reliably indicate whether someone has had sex or not” and “there is a slightly-too-popular belief that foreskin is ‘dirty’ and should thus be removed with circumcision. This is simply not true.”). Diagrams, charts, and infographics vary the presentation style. Green tackles serious issues of sexual violence, consent, and stigma with clarity and integrity while bringing humor and camaraderie to a strikingly broad discussion of sexuality. Ages 16–up.

September 1, 2018
Grades 10-1 Despite the fact that human sexuality is complicated and varied, it's something that often goes undiscussed, especially in schools. In this exceptionally thorough guide, festooned with cheerful, welcoming cartoons, YouTube sex educator Green introduces teen readers to the ins and outs of their bodies. She starts with the basics, offering an overview, through words and diagrams, of male and female anatomy, indicating which areas produce pleasure. Chapters on masturbation, sex toys, and knowing your body pave the way for sections on sex with a partner. Information on birth control, consent, kinks, relationships, and understanding when you're ready make up the back half of the text. The guide is geared, as Green acknowledges, toward the cisgender female experience, and several chapters are devoted to vaginas and periods. Still, Green makes an effort to acknowledge other identities and includes essays from multiple perspectives. While gay and transgender teens will find more thorough resources elsewhere, for cisgender women, this is a nonjudgmental, deeply researched guide that will fill many knowledge gaps and dispel many myths.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)

January 1, 2019
Sex educator Green expands on her popular YouTube videos with this hefty guide to modern sexuality and relationships. With a slangy but knowledgeable tone, Green expounds on the expected subjects (anatomy, birth control) as well as relevant issues such as gender identity, communication, and consent. Her deft, gentle treatment of delicate topics and commitment to sex-positivity makes this informational book stand out among similar titles for older teens. Websites. Bib., ind.

(Copyright 2019 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)