Sex Is a Funny Word

Sex Is a Funny Word

book

2015, Children's Books, Growing Up & Facts of Life

WISE
84%

WISE Score

4.6

Amazon

A graphic novel that reimagines 'the talk' for kids who need real answers about bodies, gender, feelings, and consent—without the cringe.

Amazon4.6
Common Sense Media

Where to Read

Amazon
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Barnes & Noble
Libby
Libby

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Screenwise Verdict

This is the sex ed book for families who want to raise kids without shame about their bodies. Cory Silverberg and Fiona Smyth created something genuinely useful—a graphic novel that treats gender, sexuality, and bodies as normal topics worthy of honest conversation.

The book is inclusive in a way that feels natural rather than performative, showing diverse families and identities without making it the point. It's really about giving kids language for their feelings, teaching consent and boundaries, and opening up communication channels before puberty makes everything weird.

The graphic novel format is smart—it makes dense topics more digestible and less intimidating. But this isn't a 'read alone in their room' situation. It's designed as a conversation tool, which is both its strength and its limitation. You need to be ready to engage.

Some families will love this. Others will find it too progressive. If you're looking for comprehensive, shame-free sex education that includes kids of all identities, this is one of the best resources out there. If you want something more traditional or faith-based, look elsewhere.

Age Fit

Explicitly designed for ages 8-10, right before or at the start of puberty. This is for families who want to get ahead of the awkward middle school conversations with accurate, inclusive information. Probably too advanced for younger kids and too basic for teens who are already navigating these topics.

WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
88

Takes a shame-free, inclusive approach to bodies, gender, and sexuality that emphasizes consent, boundaries, and joy. Models respectful communication between kids and caregivers. Includes diverse family structures and identities without othering anyone. The tone is supportive and non-judgmental, creating space for healthy conversations about topics that are often loaded with anxiety.

Imaginative
75

Uses a graphic novel format with illustrations by Fiona Smyth to make complex topics accessible and engaging. The comic book approach is creative for the subject matter, and the book invites kids to think about their own feelings and boundaries in new ways. Not interactive in the traditional sense, but opens up imaginative thinking about identity and self-expression.

Safe
82

Age-appropriate sex education for 8-10 year olds that emphasizes safety, consent, and boundaries. Multiple parent reviews note it's supportive and non-judgmental. The content is designed to be read with a caregiver, which provides built-in safety. Some families may find the inclusive approach to gender and sexuality challenging depending on their values, but the book itself handles mature topics responsibly for the target age.

Enriching
92

Winner of multiple awards including the 2016 ALA Stonewall Book Award. Provides essential education about bodies, consent, gender identity, and sexuality in an age-appropriate way. Builds vocabulary and concepts kids need to understand themselves and others. Empowers kids to set boundaries and communicate about their bodies. Parent reviews consistently praise its educational value and ability to reduce shame around these topics.

Parent Info
✓

Why It Might Be Great

  • Takes shame out of the equation—treats bodies, feelings, and sexuality as normal parts of being human
  • Inclusive of all gender identities, family structures, and orientations without making it a big deal
  • Award-winning resource (ALA Stonewall Honor, Norma Fleck Award) that parents and educators actually recommend
  • Graphic novel format makes heavy topics more accessible and less awkward for 8-10 year olds
  • Emphasizes consent, boundaries, and body autonomy—concepts every kid needs before puberty hits
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What to Watch For

  • This is sex education, so it covers bodies, reproduction, and sexual feelings in age-appropriate but direct language
  • Designed to be read together with a caregiver—not a 'hand it to them and walk away' book
  • Progressive approach to gender and sexuality may not align with all family values
  • Dense with information—works better as a conversation starter than a cover-to-cover read

Conversation Starters

  • "What did you think about the different ways the book showed families? Does our family look like any of them?"
  • "The book talks about boundaries—what are some boundaries you have about your body?"
  • "Was there anything that surprised you or that you want to know more about?"
  • "How do you feel when the book talks about bodies changing as you get older?"
  • "What does consent mean to you after reading this?"

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