3.5 stars

I think there are things this book accomplishes really well, and some things that left a bit to be desired.

The good? This felt, overall to be a really comprehensive guide not just "about sex," but about that and everything that comes along with it. I really appreciated the sections for sexuality and gender, and those near the end of the book that were more focused on the non-sexual aspects of relationships (both romantic and platonic). I also loved how inclusive the illustrated components were when it came to depicting body types, and celebrating the vast variety of body shapes that exist.

Where this book falters for me is that, with all of that, the tone of some dialogue felt very... [insert "How do you do, fellow kids?" GIF]. It's clear this was a book written by adults. Specifically by adults trying to convey this information in a way that is "cool" for the kids.

The problem is that, to do this, the text relies on the use of language that was outdated even when I was a teenager. (which was...just shy of a decade ago; if it's dated for me, it's definitely even more dated for current teens) Honestly, it was the dialogue that made me feel uncomfortable—not the very detailed illustrations of reproductive organs or nude bodies that I've seen others be put off by.

And this is a shame, because there's a lot of really beneficial information, and the format in theory makes the information really accessible. But when the dialogue is this cringeworthy, it made it extremely difficult to continuing reading at times. Also, because this books serves to be a introductory guide, it can't cover everything (and there may have been additions to the text not present in the ARC I read). But I think there was definitely room to include discussion about things like oral sex, and I wish that there was some time spent further discussing sexual health in the section about anatomy.

Thanks to Netgalley and Random House Children's for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book is a practical deep dive into the physical and emotional aspects of sexuality and relationships. The information is presented in a non-judgemental way, designed specifically for teens. My favorite part was the realistic conversation with the mother and daughter at the end of the book. Kids don't want to discuss this type of thing with their parents (it's embarrassing). They are going to seek out this information elsewhere. Which is why books like this are so important. 
The nature of the anatomical parts are definitely graphic, but this is information that teens need to have access to. If parents are squeamish about what they want their kids' to have access to, I would definitely screen before letting them pick it up. For me though, 10/10!

I tried reading this eARC when I had downtime at work but I wound up feeling embarrassed about some of the graphic content. I am a grown adult and shouldn't be embarrassed. It wasn't terribly detailed but it still felt strange to me. The content itself wasn't embarrassing. Each chapter has a purpose and there's two or three people discussing the theme conversationally. There's one chapter where randomly they're talking about body types and not to be ashamed and shows those body types and then on the next page these people are entirely naked. While I understand this is meant to be a book to start conversations with and/or amongst teens I'm not really sure if it was necessary to have so much nudity included. While they are drawn and not real it's still strange to me. I wasn't able to access the eARC again when I had time to finish the book so I'm not sure about the rest of the content. I liked the information that was included and it seemed to be a pretty good book but this issue has me unsure if I will get it for my YA collection at the library.

Booklist review can be seen here - https://www.booklistonline.com/Let-s-Talk-about-It-The-Teen-s-Guide-to-Sex-Relationships-and-Being-a-Human-/pid=9742299.

A useful and handy book, which is not only informative but encourages open and honest communication. Facts are given in a clear and concise manner, and independent thinking is encouraged. This can prove a real challenge in the current age of the iPhone. It’s important to have real resources for our children such as this one instead of depending on at times unreliable online ones. Definitely a worthwhile addition to a classroom or home.

This is a great guide to sex for teens. It covers almost everything teens need to know about sex. I would recommend it to high schoolers and mature middle graders because of the swearing and graphic illustrations. I'm not really a fan of works produced by adults that try to use teen language. I think some teens will find that patronizing. I also would have preferred less profanity. It was unnecessary.

This young adult graphic novel is a no-holds-barred look at sex and sexuality for teens. Parts are definitely suitable for tweens and even younger, but other parts may not be depending on your views as a parent. I would encourage you to pick it up and decide for yourself at what age your child(ren) are ready for it. It pretty much covers everything - with illustrations - although I didn't see anything about oral sex which I found a little odd considering the other topics covered. I loved that so many different body types were depicted - small, medium, large, and extra-large, partial and prosthetic limbs, intersex genitalia, etc. It also emphasized the importance of consent and open, ongoing discussions with partners.

This was an interesting book. It is good for connecting with teens and young adults in helping them navigate the rough patches in life.

Let's Talk About It is a useful, approachable, honest guide to all things sexuality for the teen reader. It answers many questions that a naturally curious teen asks and approaches each topic clearly and honestly. While it is not a replacement for a well-rounded sex education class or parent conversations, it can ease the teen into sex ed when used in conjunction with a class or "the talk", and perhaps open up a dialogue for those parents who are timid about broaching the subject. Appropriate for middle grades and up.

A concise but fairly comprehensive introduction to topics involving gender, health, and sexuality. I seems like a useful resource for individuals and libraries who don't necessarily have the best sex ed course in their local school.

This nonfiction graphic novel is chock-full of helpful and frank information for teens. I love how it calls out some of the more "teacher-y" info dumps and is like, "Okay, yeah, but how do I actually do that?" It covers anatomy, emotions, hormones, interpersonal stuff, gender and sexuality, and so much. AND it's beautifully diverse with LGBTQIA+, people with skin of all colors, people with various disabilities (amputees, wheelchair users, deaf/sign-language, etc.). I don't like how there are depictions of sex organs or one illustration of what p-in-v sex looks like, but not because I'm personally against, more so because I am worried about a book challenge at my small-town library. That said, there is a professional review of it in the December 2020 School Library Journal for anyone who needs that  in case of censorship challenges. 

Table of contents:
- What is... this book?
- What is... first?
- What is... a relationship?
- What are... gender and sexuality?
- What is... body image?
- What is... your body?
- Where do you... start?
- What is... masturbation?
- What is... safe sex?
- What is... climax
- What is... sexting?
- What are... kinks, fantasies, and porn?
- What is... aftercare?
- Where are... friends in all this?
- What is... jealousy?
- What is... rejection?
- What is... next?
- Further reading
- Author's note
- Index

This graphic novel sex ed book is everything that sex education should be. With a sex positive (i.e. sex isn’t inherently shameful) approach Ericka Moen and Matthew Nolan show the wide world of sexual adventure; from having a feeling of attraction to starting a relationship, to how to (and what to) discuss with an intimate partner. There is usually a friend asking and a friend (or two) with experience or research. This conversational approach more closely mirrors how teens would (or maybe should) seek out information about sex and relationships. Coming from an “abstinence only” education area, this provides wonderful, accurate, non-judgmental information helpful for any one at any age starting to explore their own sexuality, in a very accessible format. Also, the amount of diversity (ability, race, gender, sex, sexuality, ideology) is impressive and provides a full spectrum feel to the information therein.

 Conservative warning: Some of the teens in the book speak accurately to the teens I know; there are a few instances of the f-word. Also, there are illustrations of correct anatomy (including genitalia and internal structures) for males, females, and genetically intersex individuals.

Thank to Net Galley for the ARC.

Let's Talk About It covers physical, mental, and emotional topics surrounding sex and bodies. Because it is a short graphic novel, it doesn't dive deep into any of the topics which isn't necessarily a bad thing. This could be a great introduction into the topics for a teen.

I like the artwork and diversity throughout the book. Many different body types, disability, relationships, and skin tones were represented. 

Some of the dialogue felt like adults trying to write teens speaking. That could make a teen roll their eyes. It doesn't happen enough to take away from the information.

Overall, a good introduction to topic of sex and relationships for teens.

While this book is primarily geared towards teens and young adults, it's catchy, informative, graphics and easy to read comic book style should and will appeal to anyone interested in learning more about sex, gender and relationships. It breaks things down to their fundamentals, and even covers "taboo" topics like kink/fantasies and masturbation. It's probably the least judgmental sex ed book I've ever seen, and that puts it at the top of my list of recs for books on the topic.

I wish I had this when I was a teen! Inclusive, real, direct sex ed and useful advice about stuff they don't teach you in school (how to handle jealously, identify abuse, etc.). The dialogue is a little cheesy sometimes but it's a teen guide. It works.

I've been reading Erika Moen (and Matthew Nolan) for years now. She somehow became one of the webcomics I followed very early on in college, lost her for a bit, and then she came out with her latest Oh Joy Sex Toy, and I was back. Now, Moen and Nolan are together creating a comprehensive, diverse, scientifically accurate, guide to relationships/bodies/and sex. They have always been really great at showing diverse characters and body styles, which they continue to do here. They go through the basics of what a body is and what the parts are, to consent, relationships, and even things such as sexting (WHICH THANK YOU! That never seems to be broached and is always an issue for teens especially...) Because they're trying to fit so much information, this can be overwhelming with text, even with the great illustrations included.  I'm just so grateful for them and all of the other authors creating the QUICK AND EASY GUIDE TO... because we really need this information out there, and we need it in a way that's going to get the kids early. I know that this will probably make a lot of parents uncomfortable, but this is such a great resource for any adult that needs to have these conversations with their kids or themselves. I really appreciated the last chapter on rejection, because that is another topic that isn't talked about a lot either. Especially the part about apologizing for your crappy behavior doesn't mean you get to try again, and also the checklist for an I in an abusive relationship/am I an abuser. I think this will be a great resource for teens and should be handed out to everyone.

This book answers a ton of questions people have about becoming sexually active.  It has a lot of information!  The pictures contain diverse people in all kinds of relationships.  I like that it includes info about jealousy and support.  It is a book I feel all teens would want to read.  It is part graphic novel part information text.  It might be embarrassing for some and some adults might not like it but above all, it teaches to learn what your body is thinking and feeling and caring about the consent and feelings of partners.  I recommend this book and will purchase it for my library’s collection.  

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the DRC.

It's cute, deals with important issues while making it seem casual. I'm not sure my teens would seek out advice from this graphic novel. It seems that it is one of those books adults love for teens, but teens wouldn't really care. The art is great, and the conversational dialogue gives it a nice feel.

An excellent overview of so many important topics, including ones not often covered in sex ed books. Inclusion of relatively newer concepts like sexting and ghosting are also really important, as is the continued focus on the social aspect of sex, not just the physical actions. The characters are hugely diverse, and it's so important to see people of various genders, races, and sexual orientation contextualized within all these topics. The tone is never judgmental, and in fact is respectful and even understanding of the fact that most teens probably have heard of most of what's covered in this book. Topics like masturbation, anal sex, gender/sexual identity, and kink are given necessary and appropriate explanations, which function well as a first introduction to readers who have never heard of these things, as well as great explanations for teens who have heard of them but might need more context and understanding. This is an important and necessary purchase for every teen collection.

Like most nonfiction in graphic form, this book is a tight, quick-and-dirty overview. It relies on "conversations" between characters to inform the reader, and while it's effective, this method can at times feel a little cheesy. 

More informative sex education books exist for teens, but this book is particularly strong at tackling the emotional/relational/human issues that pop up in sexual, romantic, and even platonic situations: body image, jealousy, maintaining open communication, and the feelings around climaxing and performance are important and not often found in sex ed materials. I also thought the masturbation chapter was particularly thoughtful and thorough. 

This is a great book to have on the shelf next to sexual health books that are longer and may turn off teens looking for an easy entry to the subject. Fantastic representation of all kinds of bodies, including disabled, intersex, trans, Black and POC, and bodies of all sizes. 

Librarians who buy this book should know there are illustrations throughout the book depicting naked bodies, bodies engaging in sexy activity, genitalia, and items like birth control methods and sex toys. All images are unapologetically presented. But the book might get challenged by caregivers or community members, so make sure you can defend its place in your collection like you'd do with any other sexual health materials.

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Graphic for the advanced review copy!