Teens and Young Adults

Recommended books for Teens and Young Adults

There are SO many options for this age group, and such a wide variety of opinions on what teens should know and do.  These are just a few of the books that I like, since they are written by sex educators. It seems like young people get so much of their information online, so I provided some helpful and reliable links below to pass along to your teens.

Each page in The Girls Guide has a question that the author has received from teens in her work in sex ed, and she simply answers one question per page with age appropriate information. You can pick up this book and start reading anywhere throughout the book. It’s a great and thorough reference for teens who need REAL information.

Heather Corinna is one of my personal favorite authors on this topic for older teens and young adults.  I personally use this book as one of my textbooks when I teach at the college level, but I know many teachers that use it in high school as well. Ms Corinna talks about EVERYTHING in a matter-of-fact and non-judgmental way, and is inclusive of all kinds of people as well as the myriad sexual behaviors that humans might consider as they move through adolescence and adulthood.

Finally, a book in which a doctor just breaks it down for young people!  Dr Jennifer Lang provides real life examples, sample conversations, and lots of food for thought about what a healthy relationship looks like.  It’s hot of the presses!


 

Inti Chavez Perez does an incredible job of laying it all out on the table, written in a super clear and easy to read way, by a man for other men.  It includes all the medically accurate information, plus important messages about respect for oneself and partners, that this mom wants all men to hear!  I would give this to my teen son in a heartbeat.

Recommended Websites for Teens and Young Adults

Again, there are a plethora of websites out there.  These are the standard websites that have medically accurate, teen-friendly information that would likely be recommended as part of a sex ed class in school.  It’s super important that your teens know where to get reliable information about sexual health, since random internet searches on certain topics can take kids to sites you probably won’t want them to go to!  On that note-be sure to let your teens know that pornography is for entertainment, and not for learning about how real people engage in sexual activity or relationships.  If you want more information about how to do that- contact me!

www.teensource.org  Offers information, videos, and locations for local clinics for teens and young adults seeking information on health and sexuality.

www.scarleteen.com Very thorough and inclusive website for teens and young adults.  Amazing blog posts and Q and A on all topics.

www.plannedparenhood.org/teens  Planned Parenthood’s site for youth with fantastic information, plus fun and interactive games and quizzes that teach about bodies and sexuality.  Comprehensive clinical information is provided as well.

www.bedsider.org has super comprehensive information about birth control methods, including pros and cons for all methods, how to use them and where to get them.

www.iwannaknow.org is a great resource for youth about teen sexual health, developed by the American Social Health Association.

 

The books and websites that I promote and review here are some of my favorites. I only recommend resources that I have read cover to cover myself, either for my own professional development, or that I use regularly with my students or my own kids. The values in the resources I recommend align with my values as a health educator and as a parent.  I encourage you to read any book first yourself before reading them with your children, to ensure that the values in the books align with your own family values. I have provided links* to purchase books online for your convenience, and of course I encourage you to support your local bookstores as well!

* Disclaimer: Please be aware that Askable Parents may receive compensation or some other benefit from affiliate third parties in exchange for featuring  products on our website. Please contact us if you have any concerns or questions.