sex. Thats right. I said it. Sex in YA books.
I heard an awesome story on NPR the other day about Judy Blume's Forever. And it got me to thinking about sex in YA. I have no problem with sex in YA, generally because of the audience, it is mostly talked around or seriously edited. Teen readers are going to hear about sex. It is a fact. So I just figure it might as well be in an honest voice that doesn't warp perceptions. Talking about sex with out glorifying or perverting it can only be healthy.
If the characters (OMG) "do it", I try to consider that when I am recommending a book to parents or grandparents. Here is what I want to really talk about, not if sex in YA is appropriate (because it is) but examples of books that don't glorify the act but is handled honestly and as part of character development. Forever, qualifies as an example.
So does Anatomy of a Boyfriend by Daria Snadowsky. I love this book, mostly for its discussion of the main character's relationship with her first love (read the afterword for a really interesting discussion on Limerance, a fancy term for infatuation and love). If anyone ever questions why I always keep a copy of this book on hand (and you should hear the reactions to the cover, THE HORROR!) I'll tell them my reasons. It is about, *spoilers*, a girl and her relationship with her boyfriend - the kind where she depends on him for her happiness and they are each others firsts. Things don't end happily ever after and the main character realizes that she was in a semi- unhealthy relationship and is able to grow from the experience. This book does not glorify sex in anyway, in fact there might even be some regret.
Some other books I have heard good things about when the topic of sex in YA comes up: (PS. I have not read any of these so feedback is appreciated) *Steps off soapbox*
- Losing It edited by Keith Gray
- Doing It by Melvin Burgess
- Lost It by Kristen Tracy
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