These links show the original reading lists. Inclusion is not a guarantee of suitability for your child.
Juno Dawson - Author
A candid, structured introduction to LGBTQ+ identities and experiences, combining explanation with practical guidance. Its strongest offering is breadth: it addresses identity, prejudice, coming out, relationships and sexual health in one supportive, conversational book.
LGBTQ+ identitieslabelsbiologystereotypescoming outdiscriminationsafe spacesculture and religiondatingsex educationSTIsHIV-related information
Non-fiction
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Themes in Context
Identity and self-definition
The book defines identities, includes testimonials, discusses scientific reasoning about gay people and challenges stereotypes and expectations about queer culture.FavourableFavourable: the book presents this theme approvingly or positively.Favourable: the book presents this theme approvingly or positively.
How the book presents it: Identity variety is presented as legitimate, while readers are encouraged not to measure themselves against stereotypes.
Talk about: How might the definitions and personal accounts help a reader choose language that feels useful rather than restrictive?
Disclosure, safety and belonging
The book explains coming out, possible benefits and drawbacks, queerphobic discrimination, safe spaces, and cultural and religious perspectives.Exploratory / explanatoryExploratory / explanatory: the book explains or explores the subject without an established evaluative position.Exploratory / explanatory: the book explains or explores the subject without an established evaluative position.
How the book presents it: It offers practical tools and arguments while acknowledging that disclosure can involve risks and differing social contexts.
Talk about: If a reader is considering disclosure, what support and circumstances would make the decision feel safe and genuinely theirs?
Relationships and sexual health
The book covers dating, relationship commitments, safer sex, sexual mechanics, STIs and HIV, with communication and comfort presented as important considerations.Exploratory / explanatoryExploratory / explanatory: the book explains or explores the subject without an established evaluative position.Exploratory / explanatory: the book explains or explores the subject without an established evaluative position.
How the book presents it: The approach is described as sex-positive and scientific or therapeutic, rather than pornographic, while remaining frank about sexual language and acts.
Talk about: How should a reader distinguish general information from advice that needs to be considered alongside their own boundaries and circumstances?
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Why It May Be Worth Reading
It may help families begin conversations that feel difficult, particularly around identity, stereotypes, discrimination and relationships. Definitions, testimonials and practical sections can offer language for questions without requiring one continuous narrative read.
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What Deserves Attention
Expect direct discussion of sexual desire, body parts, sexual acts, dating, sexual health, HIV and other STIs, alongside strong, sexual, queer-identity and discriminatory language. Two illustrations show nude bodies, and difficult subjects include assault, violence and suicide.
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A Conversation Worth Having
Which sections best match the reader’s immediate questions, and how does the book distinguish helpful advice from guidance that may depend on personal circumstances, safety, culture or faith?
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Reading Approach
Read selectively by chapter rather than assuming every section is needed at once. Consider reading the identity and stereotypes chapters first, then pause before the frank sex-education material for a clear conversation about readiness.
Confidence & Basis
Theme indicators describe how the book presents a topic; they are not a verdict on the whole book or your family's values. Confidence reflects how much book-specific material was checked. Only part of the book information was available, so some details remain unconfirmed.
What remains unconfirmed
Identity and self-definition: Some details of this treatment remain unclear.
Disclosure, safety and belonging: The ending and the detail of its safety guidance are not established here.
Relationships and sexual health: Some details of this treatment remain unclear.
Suitabook