Wait, What?: A Comic Book Guide to Relationships, Bodies, and Growing Up

I appreciate the way this book is written! It’s interesting, laid out well, and informative. Some folks don’t like the illustrations of the genitals, but what better way to help young people feel normal and comfortable with their bodies? I remember wondering if mine was weird when I was going through puberty. 🤷🏼‍♀️😎

Short, easy to read sections with lots of pictures. Provides lots of different viewpoints on gender and attraction and is supportive of the diversity of life experiences in the real world. There are hokey word searches and crosswords sprinkled throughout, which I do not think add to the topic, but I don't think they detract either. Most topics are briefly covered, so this is a good starting point for further discussion and additional books that address topics in a deeper way.

Kids these days, am I right?Aimed at roughly middle school-aged boys (or "guys", if you will), the book provides factual and thoughtful discussion on issues around gender and sexuality. It doesn't treat being LGBTQ as anything extraordinary, just a thing that some people happen to be.If you've got a problem with that, well, go find some other book that will adhere more closely to your preferred interpretation of reality. On the other hand, a book like this lets younger kids who are starting to wonder about "all that stuff" get an age-appropriate explainer.I think it'd be particularly useful for boys who are either themselves wondering about gender/sexuality/identity or have friends who are beginning to explore those aspects of themselves.It doesn't have a lot of mechanical detail about puberty-as-a-physiological-process, focusing more on interpersonal relationships. Friendships, anxiety around dating (or the possibility of dating), and how to not be a total weirdo when the girls in your life start changing too.Tone and language are perfectly appropriate, occasionally a little silly/bawdy but never tawdry or prurient. It also features a variety of boys in the illustration - heights and weights and skin tones, boys using wheelchairs and other mobility aids, etc.

I purchased this for my 10 year old. It seems a little bit old for her yet. It’s well drawn; however, the content is just a little more advanced than I would like at this point.

I adore this book. My 11-year-old, who is generally rather unwilling to discuss puberty, does enjoy graphic novels and was willing to engage with this book. After we read through it together, they requested to look through it with a friend who came over...and the two of them read it together for quite some time (the other kid's parent was happy her kid was interested in the topic, and I think bought a copy for them to have at home, too). My 11-year-old isn't interested in dating yet, so we focused on the first half of the book (more about puberty and such) for now. If I were to change one thing, I do wish there was more information about menstruation...it is covered briefly, but I would have liked a lot more on pads/tampons, etc. However, that's just nitpicking -- overall we loved the book and will be referencing it more (and moving on to the second half, which is more about sex) as they get a bit older. :-)

My tween does not love listening to me ramble on about their upcoming puberty or the possibility of romantic relationships or sexual intimacy. At this point, I bring things up as needed and have a small collection of inclusive sex ed books around for them to look at if/when they wish (which is so far never, afaik).We did have a puberty-related thing come up recently, and I found it quite helpful to find the relevant section of this book and ask them to read it in lieu of me giving a mini lecture. I am sure they appreciated that too!As someone who learned a LOT from scarleteen way back when (after my teen years, for sure), I’m grateful that Heather Corinna has written this book so I can pass on some of that knowledge before my child even has to go searching for it.

My teenager daughter, who's gay, doesn't love reading, and won't read a book unless it's assigned for school. She's also too cool to start a conversation with old mom about sex. To be fair to her - ewww - who wants to talk about sex with their parents at any age. This book was perfect to educate her with even-handed and open-minded text that has good information that I wish had been available when I was her age. The illustrations keep it light so she won't feel overwhelmed by actually reading. She did take the book into her room. Whether she actually read it or not, who knows, but probably, since she's as curious about sex as any teen.

Very age appropriate and informative. My wife cried wishing she had this book when she was growing up.

My son is 10. I bought us three books about sex and this is his favorite. There is a big focus on acceptance of self and also a section around accepting what your genitals look like (a grid of cartoon penises is the only page my kiddo said he feels "uncomfortable" with, but hey... Better to feel uncomfortable with a book than to feel shame or shame someone else). I'd recommend this over any sex book I've seen so far. I brought it to university to show my fellow future teachers as a book we might get for a middle school sex education class.

This is likely "appropriate" for about 10+ though I've gotten it for my 7yo to balance out the "baby-making" books that I can find for his age group. So far, haven't found anything in the middle, but I'd love these writers to create a book for 7-11 yo's. They seem very spot on.

Good starting point for curious teens. Check out the resources list at the back.We need more honest, open discussions about sex and sexuality for teens that promote positive experiences!

Great book to introduce younger teens or preteens to some intimidating or possibly embarrassing topics without going too much into detail as to overwhelm them (also does provide info to access to Scarleteen website for other resources if they want to know more).

I really thought the book appropriate, it touches on many subjects with care . Would purchase again for other friends kids.