PORN IS NOT SEX ED!

Sexual health educator Melendez invites teens to engage with this accessible, interactive journey to learning why pornography isn’t an adequate source for discovering the ins and outs of safe, consensual sex.

The author, who appears throughout the illustrations with light-brown skin and long, dark brown hair, introduces herself as Jess. She’s a welcoming guide, who opens by describing her goal of “normalizing the conversation about porn,” which “nearly 3 in 4 teens” have been exposed to. Throughout the book, she encourages readers to discuss the contents with a trusted adult. The nine chapters cover a broad range of topics: “What Is Porn?”, “Porn Usage,” “Body Image,” “Anatomy,” “Consent and Communication,” “Sex Education,” “Safer Sex,” “Is It Assault?”, and “Can We Use Porn Safely?” Melendez explains how the male gaze, fetishization of people, and gender stereotypes are problematic. Workbook elements that allow readers to actively interact with the material, including checklists, writing prompts, and puzzles, elevate this work. The overview of safe sex focuses primarily on barrier methods and uses gender-inclusive language. A segment on media literacy adds a thoughtful and important piece to this nuanced treatment of a complex topic. The book unfortunately is missing citations or a bibliography. Alva’s illustrations portray people with different skin tones, most of whom are thin; there’s one person who uses a wheelchair.

A broad, straightforward, and engaging primer on bodies, sex, and the media.