It Doesn't Have to Be Awkward

February 15, 2021
Grades 7-12 *Starred Review* Doctor Drew Pinsky, a media celebrity and internist, and his millennial daughter Paulina, a comedy professor and writer, have co-written a book about relationships, sex, and consent that should appeal to their intended teen audience. Using a combination of straightforward language, relatable examples, and realistic expectations, the duo has created a user-friendly guide based on the principles of TCB: trust, compassion, and boundaries. They've helpfully included directions for utilizing the book: read all of part one, which consists of several brief chapters reviewing the basics of TCB and consent, then browse the rest, dipping into whatever looks interesting (additional chapters consider self-image, gender identity, friends, enemies, bullies, parents, crushes, dating, sex, substance abuse, trauma, and getting help). Taking turns narrating (readers can distinguish who's talking thanks to different fonts), the co-authors share personal experiences, offer quizzes and lists, set up sample scenarios, and provide solid information and practical advice (including vocabulary for starting conversations and ending physical encounters). Their tone is open and reassuring, they never talk down to their audience, and there's humor (funny family stories, a chapter titled ""Bow Chicka-Wowow""). Each chapter ends with major take-aways, and there's an appended, annotated list of particularly apt sources for additional information. This readable guide should make things easier for parents, counselors, and kids alike.

COPYRIGHT(2021) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

February 15, 2021
Media personality "Dr. Drew" teamed up with his adult daughter, an author and comedian, to write a relationship guide for teens. The authors start with a bold claim: This book will teach readers how to appreciate and nurture TCB, or trust, compassion, and boundaries, in all their important relationships. The major topics covered include consent, identity, relationships (with friends, bullies and enemies, parents and other adults, and romantic partners), crushes, dating, sex, trauma, substance use, and coping with being a victim of sexual violence or recognizing that you were a perpetrator. They express a lot of faith in young people and offer support to LGBTQ+ people, including genderqueer and nonbinary individuals. They vary the material with quizzes, anecdotes from their own lives, hypothetical scenarios, and helpful summaries. However, the prose is wordy, and there are no illustrations to break up the text. The corny tone, outdated slang, and references to celebrities from far back in the last century may not speak to contemporary teens. Complex issues such as racial identity and coping with discrimination could have been further developed. The authors present TCB as a framework that provides insight in a broad range of situations, although its universal application at times feels forced. Teens looking for real talk about real challenges will find this book offers a lot of encouragement, but other titles cover the same territory more effectively. A lukewarm addition to a crowded field. (resources, recommended reading) (Nonfiction. 13-18)

COPYRIGHT(2021) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

April 1, 2021

Gr 9 Up-Pinsky, a practicing internist and addiction medicine specialist who's also known on TV as Dr. Drew, teams up with his daughter to write a guide for teens that unpacks challenging topics. Each chapter focuses on a different aspect of teenage social life, including toxicity in friendships, dealing with bullies, consent in romantic relationships, and personal identity formation. There is extensive information on how race, gender, and sexual orientation influence how young adults think of themselves and relate to others, with positive, current information for LGBTQIA+ teens and teens of color. Short quizzes with example situations involving fictional characters are included throughout. This guide will be a useful manual for navigating relationships with friends and classmates, as well as grappling with one's own identity. Back matter features a list of online resources and recommended reading. VERDICT With sensitivity and compassion, this father-daughter duo highlights consent, identity, and relationships. A useful addition to YA nonfiction collections.-Madison Bishop, Forbes Lib., Northampton, MA

Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.