Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

Look, this book does exactly what it sets out to do: provide frank, comprehensive, shame-free information about LGBTQ+ identity and sexuality for teens who desperately need it. For a 15-year-old questioning their sexuality or a high schooler wanting to understand their gay friend's experience, this could genuinely be transformative.

But let's be clear—the parent reviews calling it 'borderline pornographic' aren't entirely off base. The sexual content is explicit and detailed in ways that will make many parents uncomfortable. That's by design: Juno Dawson wanted to create the resource she wished she'd had as a teen, with no topic off-limits.

The question isn't whether this is a 'good' book—for its intended audience, it absolutely is. The question is whether your specific teen is ready for this level of frankness, and whether you want to be the one introducing these topics or letting this book do it. Preview it first. If your teen is 14+, actively exploring questions about identity, and you're comfortable with comprehensive sex ed, this is invaluable. If they're younger or you prefer a gentler approach, wait a few years.

Age Fit

This is specifically for high schoolers 14+ who are exploring their own identity or want to better understand LGBTQ+ topics. The explicit sexual content makes it inappropriate for middle schoolers and younger, despite being marketed as 'young adult.' Parents should preview and decide based on their individual teen's maturity and needs.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

65

Frank, honest, and affirming approach to LGBTQ+ identity that models acceptance and self-discovery. Uses humor and real stories to normalize diverse sexualities and gender identities. However, the candid, uncensored tone and explicit sexual content (detailed diagrams, descriptions of various sex acts) means it's not appropriate for younger readers. The book aims to be supportive and reduce shame, which is emotionally healthy for its target audience, but the crude language and graphic nature noted in parent reviews impacts wholesomeness for a general youth audience.

Imaginative

58

This is primarily an informational guide rather than a creative or imaginative work. It uses humor and illustrations to make potentially dry topics more engaging, and includes real stories from diverse voices across the LGBTQ+ spectrum. The conversational, funny tone invites readers to think about identity and relationships in new ways, but it's fundamentally a reference/educational book rather than one that sparks creative exploration or world-building.

Safe

35

Contains explicit sexual content including detailed diagrams and descriptions of various sex acts that would be shocking and inappropriate for younger readers to encounter unexpectedly. Multiple parent reviews describe it as 'borderline pornographic' and note crude language. The book is designed for teens exploring their sexuality, but the graphic nature means it could be disturbing or confusing for kids under 14. Not unsafe in terms of promoting harmful behavior—it's sex-positive and educational—but the explicitness creates significant age-appropriateness concerns. This is a book that needs intentional parent guidance about when to introduce it.

Enriching

78

Highly informative and potentially life-changing for LGBTQ+ teens who need accurate information, representation, and affirmation. Covers stereotypes, coming out, relationships, sex education, and identity in ways that fill genuine gaps in mainstream education. Patrick Ness called it 'the book every LGBT person would have killed for as a teenager.' For its intended audience, it builds critical knowledge, reduces isolation, and promotes healthy self-acceptance. The frank sex education component, while controversial, provides practical information teens need. Strong empathy-building potential for both LGBTQ+ readers and allies.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Fills a critical gap in sex education for LGBTQ+ teens with accurate, shame-free information they won't get elsewhere
Funny, conversational tone makes potentially awkward topics approachable and reduces isolation
Includes real stories from diverse voices across the gender and sexual spectrum, providing representation and validation
Covers practical topics like coming out, dating, relationships, and navigating stereotypes with wisdom and humor
Could be genuinely life-changing for teens struggling with identity or feeling alone

⚠

What to Watch For

Explicit sexual content including detailed diagrams and descriptions of various sex acts—this is comprehensive sex ed, not a gentle introduction
Some parents describe the language as crude and the content as 'borderline pornographic'; preview before handing to your teen
Best for high schoolers 14+ who are actively seeking this information, not for middle schoolers or younger
Frequently challenged and controversial—be prepared for potential school/community pushback if your teen brings it to school
Not appropriate to leave accessible to younger siblings

Conversation Starters

"What made you interested in reading this book? Is there anything specific you're trying to understand better?"
"Did anything in the book surprise you or challenge what you thought you knew?"
"The book talks about coming out—do you think that's something everyone needs to do, or is it more personal than that?"
"How do you think things are different for LGBTQ+ teens now compared to when this book was first written in 2014?"
"If a friend came to you with questions about their identity, what would you want them to know?"

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