Dating and Sex: A Guide for the 21st Century Teen Boy

Striking a balance between guy-talk candidness and clinical directness, Smiler, a developmental psychologist and author, provides honest, in-depth information regarding sexual development for boys. While the book’s 11 chapters cover basics such as the changes of puberty, asking someone out on a date, and solo and partnered sex, more complicated psychological and emotional aspects of human sexuality and identity are also examined. A section on forming long-term relationships details reasons why a relationship might end (“You might realize that your partner has become [or has always been] disrespectful of you”). Issues of consent, gender roles, stereotypes, and the often-confusing and little-discussed emotions in boys’ early sexual experiences (“After being sexual, some guys feel sad or guilty”) add to a substantive, thorough treatment of the topic. Ages 13–up. (Sept.)