Making Sense of β€œit” by Alison Macklin

Book Review

A short overview of this book

Making Sense of “it” by Alison Macklin is a go-to resource for teens about anything they may want to know about love, sex and relationships.

Books like this are an invaluable resource for both parents and teens. For parents, it means that you know your kid has a resource with up-to-date and accurate information about sex. No more turning to the internet and getting the wrong information.

For teens, it means they have something to turn to with the questions that they don’t ask their questions. It doesn’t matter how approachable or open and honest you are in your house, there are times when teens will turn elsewhere for information.

Topics inside this book include:

  • the human brain in relation to sex and puberty
  • what sexuality is
  • the need for human touch
  • sexual identity and orientation
  • gender roles
  • feeling horny
  • various levels of β€œrisk” in sexual behaviours
  • signs of healthy and negative relationships
  • consent culture
  • sex toys, fetishes, and fantasies
  • pornography
  • choosing when to become sexually active
  • tactics to improve communication with sexual (current or potential) partners
  • how to get help and be an active bystander when witnessing sexual harassment and assault
  • abortion

Sections are included to help parents and teens to break the ice with conversations and to have open and honest conversations, including conversation starters with each chapter.

Ideal Age

Ideal for children aged 14 to 18 years.

Buy this book

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

Video Transcription

A transcription in case you are more of a reader than a listener

Hey there! I’m Cath Hak from Sex Ed Rescue, where I talk about all things love, sex, relationships, growing up, and even do book reviews. Today, I want to tell you about a fantastic book called Making Sense Of It: A Guide to Sex for Teens and Their Parents by Alison Macklin. She’s a seasoned sex educator from Planned Parenthood in the Rocky Mountain branch.

This book is a treasure trove of information, perfect for both teens and parents. It covers a wide range of topics, starting with the fact that talking about sex can sometimes be uncomfortable for parents. But don’t worry, the book has some helpful tips for parents to navigate these conversations.

It also delves into the science behind sexuality, explaining what it means and throwing in some models to make it easier to understand. The book covers important subjects like knowing when you’re ready for sex, the changes our bodies go through during puberty, and the beauty of diversity. It even talks about masturbation, because let’s face it, it’s a natural and healthy part of life.

One of the things I really appreciate about this book is that it encourages open dialogue between parents and teens. It provides conversation starters and questions for both teens and parents to ask each other, making it a great resource for homeschooling families too.

The book also addresses the pressures teens face when it comes to being sexually active. It emphasizes the importance of making responsible decisions and reminds us that providing information to teens isn’t the same as giving them permission to engage in sexual activities. It’s all about empowering them with knowledge to make smarter choices.

There’s a whole chapter dedicated to understanding our bodies, complete with illustrations and explanations about puberty, periods, and even what happens during annual visits to the doctor (which, by the way, is more common in the US than in Australia).

The book also tackles the topic of sexual identity, explaining what it means to be heterosexual, bisexual, or any other sexual orientation. It covers different types of sexual activities, like oral and anal sex, and even discusses the importance of consent, which is a hot topic these days.

And of course, it wouldn’t be a comprehensive sex education book without addressing contraception and the risks associated with sex. The book provides information on various contraceptive methods and what to do in case of an unplanned pregnancy. Keep in mind that the specifics may vary depending on where you live, as this book is based on the US.

At the end, the book reminds us of the importance of ongoing communication between parents and teens, and offers some helpful tips on how to keep those conversations open and comfortable.

Overall, Making Sense Of It is a great resource for teens and parents alike. Remember, there are many books out there, so it’s important to find one that suits your needs and values. Check your local library first, as they often have a wide selection to choose from.

I hope this review helps you on your journey to providing comprehensive sex education for your teenager. Cheers!

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