The Every Body Book of Consent

An unwanted hug, a forced kiss at the end of a date, and a secret shared by a close friend are all examples of nonconsensual acts that a person might experience in their life. Rachel E. Simon writes for adolescents learning about body autonomy and the power of their 'yes' and their 'no' in this powerful book.

Intended to be read alongside a trusted adult, this book covers a variety of situations where an individual gives consent and what that can look like. This book includes a range of body types and abilities, diverse gender and sexuality representation, and definitions of topics including 'neurodivergent' and 'transphobia'. This book includes examples of what to say in situations where boundaries have been crossed, these examples can be particularly valuable to those on the spectrum and others who 'script' what they say in different situations.

This book explains how consent does not only apply in sexual situations, though it can. The author writes about the different ways consent can be given, that it can be revoked at any time, and that a 'maybe' doesn't always mean yes. This book encourages readers to understand that 'no' is a complete sentence and that their words have power. It touches on topics such as grooming and pornography in a tasteful way that encourages readers to talk to a trusted adult if they or a friend are in an unsafe situation.

This book has beautiful, diverse illustrations that show an array of individuals in situations where consent can be given. The illustrations are appropriate and show a variety of ages. The illustrations fit in well to break up the text and show examples.

This is a lovely book and I will be recommending it to parents who are asking for books about consent, body autonomy, and adolescence. 5/5 stars!

"The Every Body Book of Consent" is an exceptional resource for children, skillfully navigating the complex topic of consent with clarity and sensitivity. Through its inclusive and descriptive language, this book provides valuable insights into boundaries and respect, making it particularly beneficial for neurodiverse children, including those who are autistic.

With its engaging narrative and vibrant illustrations, "The Every Body Book of Consent" captures the attention of young readers while effectively conveying the importance of understanding and honoring personal boundaries. By utilizing concrete examples and relatable scenarios, the book empowers children to recognize and communicate their own boundaries while also fostering empathy and respect for the boundaries of others.

What sets this book apart is its thoughtful approach to inclusivity, ensuring that all children, regardless of their neurodiversity or background, feel seen and understood. By acknowledging and addressing the unique challenges that autistic children may face in understanding consent, the book creates a supportive and inclusive learning environment where every child can thrive.

Overall, "The Every Body Book of Consent" is a valuable resource that not only educates children about the principles of consent but also promotes empathy, understanding, and respect. It is a testament to the power of inclusive storytelling in fostering a culture of consent and mutual respect from an early age.

As both a parent and a therapist, I love this book! I think it will be a valuable resource for families and professionals to help open communication with children and young teens about these important and often unaddressed topics.

Parents ideally should review this book prior to giving it to the child so they know what their child is reading and/or read the book with the child to discuss questions and concerns the child might have.

The book is well written for the target audience, the images and layout is easy to navigate and catchy.