Resources Especially for Families With Teens (13-18 year olds)

Nonfiction Books:

“It's Complicated: The Social Lives of Networked Teens” by Dana Boyd— In explaining the networked realm of teens, Boyd has the insights of a sociologist, the eye of a reporter, and the savvy of a technologist. For parents puzzled about what their kids are doing online, this is an indispensable book."―Walter Isaacson, CEO of the Aspen Institute

“S.E.X., second edition: The All-You-Need-To-Know Sexuality Guide to Get You Through Your Teens and Twenties” by Heather Corinna — Heather Corinna and Scarleteen.com have been providing sex education and information for young adults, parents, and mentors for nearly ten years. Whether you're straight, gay, sexually active, or just plain curious, S.E.X. spells out everything you need to know.

Young Adult Fiction Books:

“Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe” by Benjamin Alire Saenz—This Printz Honor Book is a “tender, honest exploration of identity” (Publishers Weekly) that distills lyrical truths about family and friendship.Aristotle is an angry teen with a brother in prison. Dante is a know-it-all who has an unusual way of looking at the world. When the two meet at the swimming pool, they seem to have nothing in common. But as the loners start spending time together, they discover that they share a special friendship—the kind that changes lives and lasts a lifetime. And it is through this friendship that Ari and Dante will learn the most important truths about themselves and the kind of people they want to be.

“Dress Codes for Small Towns” by Courtney Stevens—Billie McCaffrey is a small town preacher’s daughter with a problem: she’s in love with her best guy friend, Woods, and her best girlfriend, Janie Lee. So while everyone in Otters Holt wishes she would mind her manners and her sexuality, she does anything but. Instead, she hangs around with a tight-knit group of scheming mischief-makers who adore their town (despite its shortcomings) and each other. She’s a woodworking, cosplaying, sweat and t-shirt wearing dynamo. And she genuinely loves people. Though some folks in town deem her unsuitable—and threaten to remove her Dad from his pulpit if he can’t control her—Billie is unapologetically herself.

“And She Was” by Jessica Verdi—Dara’s lived a sheltered life with her single mom, Mellie. Now, at eighteen, she’s dreaming of more. When Dara digs up her never-before-seen birth certificate, her world implodes. Why are two strangers listed as her parents? “This book puts transgender issues directly in the middle of the plot and does not treat them as a sidebar. It is a solid choice for all YA collections.” — School Library Connection.

Websites:

TeenSource Sex & health & you! Find a clinic, know your rights

A Thin Line MTV website contains facts, stories video and quizzes on social media topics

Love is Respect Excellent resources for promoting healthy teen and young adult relationships