The Little Black Book for Guys

BIBLIOGRAPHIC INFORMATION:

The Little Black Book for Guys: Guys Talk About Sex. St. Stephen’s Community House. Annick Press, New York.

PLOT SUMMARY:

The Little Black Book for Guys: Guys Talk About Sex is a book for guys by guys about sex and everything related to sex. Everything that you need to know is in this book. Sex is not the only thing that is discussed in the book. There are many other things that relate to sex. Relationships are a big focus. It is not only important to define relationship, but It is also important to know the difference between a good and a bad relationship. Homosexual relationships are also covered. Of course there is a chapter on birth control and sexually transmitted diseases as well as a chapter about the female anatomy. Throughout the book readers will hear personal stories from teens about their sexual and relationship experiences.

CRITICAL EVALUATION:

The Little Back Book for Guys was obviously written by guys. It is told in a very casual way, as if the writer was talking to the reader instead of writing for the reader. This makes the book feel more personable. A wide range of helpful topics are covered. All of the usual suspects are included, but there are some things like getting caught having sex, lubrication, underage sex and having sex under the influence of drugs and alcohol that are also included. There is a very important chapter on sexual assault and date rape. The book is very direct and to the point. The writers are not afraid to address any issue and will tell the reader exactly what they need to know. There is some strong language in the book. Especially slang terms associated with sex. It is a great read for teen boys (and girls) that are thinking about having sex. It is a no holds barred book written by teens for teens.

READER’S ANNOTATION:

Everything guys need to know about sex in in The Little Black Book for Guys.

AUTHOR:

The Little Black Book for Guys was written by the teens that are a part of the Youth Arcade program at St. Stephen’s Community House. St. Stephen’s Community House is a community-based social service agency that has been serving downtown West Toronto since 1962. The Youth Arcade is a drop in center that opened in 1990. It is a safe and positive, youth-driven space where youth can come during their lunch breaks or after school to hang out, talk, build life skills, participate in educational programs, join alternative recreational activities, be referred to specialized services, and receive information and resources on youth issues. (Unknown, The Youth Arcade)

GENRE:

Non-fiction, Health

CURRICULUM TIES:

New York State: Health

BOOK TALKING IDEAS:

Relationships, sex, and other stuff you’re afraid to ask about

READING LEVEL/INTEREST AGE:

Age 14 and up

CHALLENGE ISSUES:

Sex, language, abortion, birth control, homosexuality

In order to prepare yourself should this book be challenged you may wish to take the following steps:

•Read the book or familiarize yourself with the book and its contents.
•Refer to the library’s collection development policy.
•Read the book reviews from sources such as Booklist, School Library Journal, Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA), Publisher’s Weekly, or BookSpot.com
•Seek the opinion of teen readers that have read the book.

Should this book be challenged you should follow the additional steps below:

•Advise the senior staff of the challenge.
•Let the patron know that their challenge will be filed and that senior library management will review their request and notify them once a decision has been made.
•Offer any further assistance should the patron have additional questions.

WHY DID I INCLUDE THIS BOOK?

It was the only book about sex that was on the shelf.