Naked: Not Your Average Sex Encyclopedia, written by Myriam Daguzan Bernier and illustrated by Cécile Gariépy, is now available from Orca Book Publishers.
Naked offers an essential and inclusive guide to sexuality for teens. With 155 entries about topics such as identity, relationships, self-image, sex, body positivity and more, no topic is off limits. Entries include subjects that teens may be uncomfortable asking an adult about—from masturbation to cervical mucus to fatphobia and more. The inviting and often humorous illustrations add levity to potentially awkward topics. This is the perfect book for parents to leave around the house, as curious teens are sure to want to take a peek.
Bernier was inspired to write the book because such a resource didn’t exist when she was young. “As a teenager, I asked myself so many questions and got so few answers. I wish I could have had access to a guilt-free, open and reassuring conversation that allowed people to be who they are or want to be.”
Naked embraces the individuality in all humans and seeks to reassure readers that there is no such thing as “normal.” “Nothing is all black or all white,” Bernier shares. “Identities don’t restrict themselves to just two closed groups. Sexual orientations are diverse and fluctuating.” By highlighting gender and sexual orientation as a spectrum rather than a binary, this book gives teens space to embrace their individuality outside of traditional—and often inaccurate—norms.
About the Author and Illustrator
Myriam Daguzan Bernier is the author of the blog La tête dans le cul and a regular columnist for ICI Radio-Canada Première’s radio show Moteur de recherche. She is also a communication specialist and instructor at L’inis, Québec’s national institute of sound and image. Myriam is currently studying sexology at Université du Québec à Montréal and plans to become a sexologist focusing on a feminist and inclusive approach.
Cécile Gariépy is a Montreal-based illustrator. She has illustrated in many different media for clients such as the New York Times, Google and Esquire UK. Cécile loves images that tell stories, and her playful art puts an emphasis on color, composition and character design.
Praise for Naked:
★ “Non-judgemental, trustworthy, and savvy, Bernier is the counsellor we all wished we had access to in high school.” —Quill and Quire, starred review
“Attractive, lighthearted…A validating tome that will spark an interest in further learning.” —Kirkus Reviews
“Spunky…Filled with encouraging language and imagery to reassure teens that there is no such thing as normal, right, or wrong when it comes to consensual human interactions.” —Booklist
“Lives up to its name and also doesn’t speak down to its audience. I whole-heartedly recommend this title for the inquisitive and curious teens in your life, and for adults as well if they want to learn about concepts that are not often covered in other resources for teens. Highly Recommended.” —CM: Canadian Review of Materials
Orca is the proud publisher of these and other thought-provoking books for tweens and teens:
