The Pride Guide

July 1, 2018

Gr 9 Up-This frank, conversational, and often humorous look at sex, sexuality, gender, and expression is aimed at teens who identify as something other than heterosexual and cisgender. Langford, a bisexual therapist, sex educator, and parent, presents a wide range of information in short, if somewhat dense and visually unappealing, sections. Chapters tackle biology; puberty; body image (with a heavy emphasis on trans teens and dysphoria); intersex conditions; gender identities such as transgender, genderqueer, and agender; transitioning; dating and relationships; consent; and more. Sexual expressions and orientations covered include asexual, demisexual, gray-asexual, and bisexual, with conversations about erasure. A final chapter aimed at parents offers tips, a discussion of what not to do when one's child comes out, and more. Sidebars go into more depth on other subjects (tucking and binding, the singular "they," homophobia). Langford also discusses outdated terms and slurs. This inclusive, thorough resource respectfully presents information relevant to many queer teens and adults raising LGBTQIA+ kids. VERDICT Shelve this empowering guide where both parents and teens will find it.-Amanda MacGregor, Parkview Elementary School, Rosemount, MN

Copyright 2018 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from June 1, 2018
Grades 9-12 *Starred Review* Longtime therapist and sex educator Langford has written an indispensable guide to a universe of things sexual and social for LGBTQ+ youth and their parents or caregivers. Written in an accessible and always empathetic style, the book is never dreary or didactic. On the contrary, though it deals with serious matters (some of them life or death), it manages its material with a light touch; the author has a sense of humor and, happily, it shows. The content is near encyclopedic, ranging from biology to coming out, from dating to the religion thing, and from casual sex to personal safety. It is particularly complete and enlightening in terms of its coverage of transgender matters, cutting through the thicket of confusing jargon that usually surrounds this nuanced consideration. Langford also gives welcome, timely attention to things digital, including porn, online dating, and safety. At a time when too many sex-education courses continue to ignore LGBTQ+ issues and kids, the book is essential in providing necessary information and, yes, reassurance, though the author is quick to encourage his readers to do their own research. Aside from its intended audience, this excellent book will be useful for therapists and teachers. It belongs in every library.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)