Making Sense of “it” by Alison Macklin

Short Summary

Making Sense of “It” by Alison Macklin is a comprehensive, teen-friendly guide that helps young people and their parents navigate sex, relationships, bodies, and growing up. Written by an experienced Planned Parenthood educator, it blends factual information with conversation starters so families can talk openly and confidently about the topics that matter most.

Age Group

Suitable for children aged 14 to 18 years.

Topics Discussed

Sex Education | Teenagers

Buy a Copy

Buy a copy of Making Sense of “it” by Alison Macklin from Amazon.

What this book is about

• Making Sense of “It” is designed for both teens and parents to read together or separately, with clear information and prompts to help reduce the awkwardness around talking about sex.
• The book opens by acknowledging that parents often feel uncomfortable having these conversations, and it offers reassurance and practical guidance to help them get started.
• It covers the science behind sexuality, including how our bodies work, what sexual development looks like, and the hormone-driven changes that happen during puberty.
• Teens will find explanations on readiness for sex, peer pressure, and decision-making – written in a way that empowers rather than frightens.
• The book includes a wide discussion of diversity, covering sexual identity, different types of attraction, and the importance of respecting yourself and others.
• Masturbation is explained as a normal, healthy behaviour, helping to remove shame and confusion for teens who are just starting to explore their bodies.
• A whole chapter is dedicated to understanding anatomy, puberty, periods, and medical check-ups, along with illustrations that make the information easier to grasp.
• Sexual activities such as oral and anal sex are described factually and without sensationalism, making the information accessible and realistic for teens who may already be hearing these terms online.
• Consent is explored in depth, with practical guidance on what it looks like, why it matters, and how to communicate clearly with partners.
• The contraception section covers a variety of methods, emergency contraception, STI risks, and what to do in the case of an unplanned pregnancy.
• Throughout the book, there are conversation starters and reflective questions for both teens and parents, making this an excellent tool for opening up discussions at home or in homeschooling settings.
• Warm, direct, and packed with useful information, Making Sense of “It” is a powerful resource for families who want to support their teens in making informed, healthy, and confident decisions.

I hope you find this book review helpful!

Happy talking!
❤️ Cath