It’s Totally Normal!: An LGBTQIA+ Guide to Puberty, Sex, and Gender

Gr 7 Up–The mother-and-daughter TikTok team known as the Normalizers answers nearly every possible question readers might have about LGBTQIA+ sexuality and gender in this honest, inclusive guide. Monica, an educational psychologist, takes a direct approach to the topic, explaining in plain language all the ins and outs of puberty, crushes, anatomy, and sex, and answering FAQs from curious teens along the way. The layout unfurls naturally, starting with puberty and moving on to how safe sex (of all varieties, including solo) works, emphasizing the importance of consent. The chapters on gender and sexuality are invaluable to young readers—the tone is relatable and the medical information is accurate and accessible. Included throughout are Monica’s own stories, as well as stories crowdsourced from the Normalizer community, and Fisher’s helpful cartoon illustrations. It’s almost impossible to put enough positive superlatives behind this essential guide. This covers all the bases that current heteronormative sex-ed curriculum skips, preparing teens who identify as anything other than cishet for safe, healthy, consenting relationships.