Books for All BodiesUnpublished

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Ages 2-7

A vibrantly-illustrated picture book that is beautifully body-positive and inclusive of human physical diversity, including size, race, disabilities, scars, body hair, gender, and family types. The illustrations are colourful and joyful, with small details that kids will delight in finding. The book celebrates many body parts - skin, hair, eyes, faces, fingers, tummies, legs, and scars. The only addition (or sequel?) we hoped for was a fuller portrayal of anatomy - similar to the now three decades-old Bare Naked Book - because we think these authors would have a wonderfully inclusive approach to genital anatomy. One of the best we’ve seen

Ages 2-7

A simple yet engaging narrative that provides a framework for families to fill in their own details about how their child came into their family. The wording is gender-inclusive (“some people have a uterus”) and inclusive of all family types and conception/birth/adoption stories. However, if you are looking to introduce names of body parts, or how the sperm gets to the egg, you may find this book lacking in details.

Ages 8-12

This thorough informational guide discusses bodies, puberty, reproduction and sex. The language is accessible, gender-inclusive, and matter-of-fact, and this book gives satisfyingly clear responses to the main questions this age group will want answers to, including simple descriptions of sexual intercourse and types of sex. While there is racially diverse representation in the illustrations, however, the cultural context is definitively American and there is no discussion of culturally diverse understandings of gender and sexuality (Two Spirit roles are not mentioned, for example). One surprisingly outdated element in the book is the depiction of labour, with the birthing parent lying flat on their back with their feet in stirrups, being shouted at to push.

Ages 8-12

This is the latest from Cory Silverberg, with more of a focus on puberty, gender and changing bodies.

"The puberty, anatomy, and reproduction chapters include trans, nonbinary, and intersex bodies and experience, and all of it takes place in our contemporary, media-saturated world (aka, there’s lots of smart phones and social media). Racially and ethnically diverse, inclusive of cross-disability experience, You Know, Sex is a book for every kind of young person and every kind of family—essential for kids, everyone who knows a kid, and anyone who has ever been a kid." [Publisher's Description]

Ages 14+

An appealing book in graphic novel format for teens who want to know more about how sex and relationships work, and are comfortable getting into the specifics of both. The illustrations are inclusive and joyously body-positive, with diverse representation of gender, body size, sexuality, race, and ability. Topics are explored in a series of short dialogue-rich comics that cover consent, types of romantic relationships, body image, gender identity, safe sex, masturbation, fantasies, climax, sexting, and much more. Features in-depth descriptions of anatomy and puberty that are genderinclusive, with language like “generally testosterone rich body.” A supportive sexpositive book that centers consent, respect, communication, and emotional wellbeing.

Ages 16+

This is one of our favourite reads - a thorough, nuanced, and empowering reference book on sex, identity, and relationships, inclusive of all genders and all sexualities. While designed for teens and young adults, even parents may learn a thing or two from this thoughtful text! Fourteen chapters cover essential topics for young people who are thinking about or beginning to have sex, including body image, sexual and gender identity, consent, respect, sexual health, anatomy, the how-tos of many sexual activities, contraception, pregnancy, sexual violence, and intimate partner violence. It also includes one of the best explanations we’ve read on how to recognize that you may be in an emotionally abusive relationship.