It is rare to see a book that makes both teenagers feel seen and school boards feel frantic, but that is exactly what happened when Erika Moen and Matthew Nolan released their graphic novel. Honestly, Let's Talk About It: The Teen’s Guide to Sex, Relationships, and Being a Human isn't just a book. It’s a lightning rod. If you've spent any time in a library or a community Facebook group lately, you’ve probably heard the title whispered or shouted.
People are conflicted.
On one hand, you have parents and educators who see it as a vital, honest resource for kids navigating a world that is increasingly confusing. On the other, it has become one of the most frequently challenged books in the United States. Why? Because it doesn’t use metaphors or flowery language to explain how bodies work. It just says it.
What is the Let's Talk About It Book actually about?
Most people assume it’s just a "how-to" manual. That is a massive oversimplification. Moen and Nolan, who are well-known in the webcomic world for their work on Oh Joy Sex Toy, designed this specifically for an adolescent audience. It covers the biology, sure, but it spends a massive amount of time on the "head stuff." We are talking about boundaries. We are talking about how to say no, how to hear no, and how to figure out if you even like someone or if you’re just bored.
The art style is bright, non-threatening, and incredibly inclusive. It doesn’t just show one type of person. It reflects the actual diversity of the human experience, covering gender identity, sexual orientation, and different body types without making it feel like a forced diversity seminar. It’s just... there. Like it is in real life.
The controversy that won't go away
You can’t talk about the Let's Talk About It book without addressing the elephant in the room: the bans. According to the American Library Association (ALA), this title has consistently landed on the Top 10 Most Challenged Books list. In 2022 and 2023, it was a focal point for groups like Moms for Liberty.
The criticism usually centers on the illustrations. Because it is a graphic novel, it uses visual storytelling to explain things like anatomy and protection. For some, this is "sexually explicit." For others, it’s "educational clarity." This tension is basically the frontline of the modern culture war in education.
Critics argue that the material is too mature for school libraries. Proponents, including many librarians, argue that teens are already finding much worse, much more inaccurate information on the internet. They see this book as a "harm reduction" tool. If a kid is going to learn about sex, wouldn't you rather they learn about it from a book that emphasizes consent and safety rather than a random video on a sketchy website?
Why the tone matters so much
One reason this book resonates is that it doesn't talk down to you. Most "the talk" books feel like they were written by a committee of grandfathers who are slightly embarrassed to be there. This one feels like a conversation with a very cool, very honest older cousin.
It uses humor. It uses "kinda" and "sorta." It acknowledges that puberty is awkward and that feelings are messy.
There is a section on "crushes" that I think is particularly brilliant. It breaks down the difference between a physical attraction and a "squish"—which is basically a platonic crush where you just really want to be someone's friend. High schoolers need these labels. They help categorize the chaos of hormones.
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Safety, Consent, and the Digital Age
The authors didn't ignore the fact that we live in 2026. They dive deep into digital safety. Sexting, sending photos, and the permanence of the internet are all addressed. This isn't just about what happens in person; it's about what happens on Discord and Snapchat.
The "Consent" chapter is arguably the most important part of the entire Let's Talk About It book. It moves beyond the "No means No" mantra and explores "Yes means Yes." It talks about enthusiastic consent. It teaches readers how to check in with a partner. This is sophisticated stuff, honestly. It’s teaching emotional intelligence alongside physical education.
- Communication: How to actually use your words when you’re nervous.
- Anatomy: Clear, factual diagrams that don't hide behind Latin words nobody uses.
- Gender Identity: A nuanced look at how people see themselves.
- Healthy vs. Unhealthy: Identifying red flags in a relationship before they become disasters.
What the experts say
Health professionals often point to the "Let's Talk About It book" as a gold standard for comprehensive sexuality education (CSE). Organizations like Planned Parenthood and various adolescent health psychologists have noted that when teens have access to factual information, the rates of STIs and unplanned pregnancies actually go down.
Knowledge doesn't encourage "bad behavior." It encourages "informed behavior."
However, the psychological community is also aware of the parental "ick" factor. Many parents feel their role as the primary educator is being bypassed. This is a valid feeling, even if the data suggests that many parents never actually get around to having "the talk" because it’s too uncomfortable. The book acts as a bridge, or sometimes a replacement, for that missing conversation.
Dealing with the "Explicit" Label
Is it graphic? Yes. That’s the point of a graphic novel.
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But there is a distinction between pornographic and anatomical. The Let's Talk About It book does not exist to arouse; it exists to inform. It’s clinical but friendly. When people see a drawing of a body part and call it "pornography," they are often conflating the two. It's important to look at the intent. The intent here is strictly pedagogical.
If you’re a parent deciding whether to let your teen read it, the best advice is usually to read it yourself first. You’ll likely find that it’s far less "scary" than the headlines suggest. You might even find a way to use it as a conversation starter.
Common Misconceptions
- Misconception: The book is for small children.
- Reality: It is clearly labeled and intended for teenagers (14+).
- Misconception: It promotes "hookup culture."
- Reality: It actually spends a huge amount of time talking about waiting, saying no, and the emotional weight of relationships.
- Misconception: It’s only for LGBTQ+ kids.
- Reality: While it is inclusive, the majority of the advice is universal to any human with a body and feelings.
How to use this resource effectively
If you are an educator or a parent, don't just hand the book over and walk away. That can be awkward for everyone. Instead, maybe leave it on a shelf. Let the teen find it on their own terms. Or, if you’re brave enough, read a chapter together and talk about it.
For the teens reading it, use it as a reference. You don't have to read it front-to-back in one sitting. Treat it like a Wikipedia for your own life. If you're going through a breakup, read the section on endings. If you're confused about your body, check the diagrams.
The Let's Talk About It book is a tool. Like any tool, its value depends on how you use it. It isn't a "dangerous" object. It's a collection of ink and paper designed to make the hardest years of a person's life just a little bit easier to navigate.
Actionable Steps for Parents and Educators
- Read before you react. Don't rely on a "highlight reel" of controversial pages from a social media post. Sit down with the full text to understand the context of the illustrations.
- Check your local library's policy. If you are concerned about where the book is shelved, talk to the librarian. Most libraries have specific sections for "Young Adult" (YA) vs. "Children's" books.
- Focus on the "Soft Skills." Use the book to start a conversation about boundaries and consent, which are the least controversial and most important parts of the text.
- Acknowledge the awkwardness. Tell your teen, "Hey, I found this book. It’s a bit blunt, but it has good info. It's here if you want it."
- Validate different viewpoints. It is okay to tell a teenager, "I don't agree with how this chapter explains this specific topic, and here is why our family feels differently." This creates a dialogue instead of a lecture.
The Let's Talk About It book doesn't have to be a battleground. It can just be a book. It’s a resource that provides answers to questions that many adults are too shy to answer and many kids are too scared to ask. In the end, honesty usually wins out over silence.