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Cory Silverberg
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Sex Is a Funny Word: A Book about Bodies, Feelings, and YOU Hardcover – Illustrated, July 28, 2015

by Cory Silverberg (Author), Fiona Smyth (Illustrator)
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 1,242 ratings
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2016 Winner of the Norma Fleck Award for Canadian Children’s Non-Fiction 

2016 ALA Stonewall Book Award, Honor Book

2016 ALA Notable Children's Book

A comic book for kids that includes children and families of all makeups, orientations, and gender identities, Sex Is a Funny Word is an essential resource about bodies, gender, and sexuality for children ages 8 to 10 as well as their parents and caregivers. Much more than the "facts of life" or “the birds and the bees," Sex Is a Funny Word opens up conversations between young people and their caregivers in a way that allows adults to convey their values and beliefs while providing information about boundaries, safety, and joy.

The eagerly anticipated follow up to Lambda-nominated What Makes a Baby, from sex educator Cory Silverberg and artist Fiona Smyth, Sex Is a Funny Word reimagines "sex talk" for the twenty-first century.
Previous page
  1. Reading age
    8 - 10 years, from customers
  2. Print length
    160 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Grade level
    2 - 5
  5. Lexile measure
    710L
  6. Dimensions
    7.52 x 0.81 x 9.29 inches
  7. Publisher
    Triangle Square
  8. Publication date
    July 28, 2015
  9. ISBN-10
    9781609806064
  10. ISBN-13
    978-1609806064
  11. See all details
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From the Publisher

What Makes a Baby Como se hace un bebe Sex is a Funny Word You Know, Sex
What Makes a Baby ¿Cómo se hace un bebé? Sex is a Funny Word You Know, Sex
Customer Reviews
4.7 out of 5 stars
1,565
4.1 out of 5 stars
61
4.7 out of 5 stars
1,242
4.7 out of 5 stars
293
Price $14.96 $11.08 $18.70 $20.70
Age 3–7 years old 3–7 years old 7–10 years 10–14 years
Grade Level Preschool–2nd grade Preschool–2nd grade 2nd grade–5th grade 5th-9th grade
Length 36 pages 36 pages 160 pages 432 pages
Language English Spanish English English
Format Hardcover picture book Paperback picture book Hardcover, full color illustrations Paperback, graphic novel

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Sex is a Funny Word
Sex is a Funny Word

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 2-6-Silverberg and Smyth follow up their book for younger readers, What Makes a Baby (Triangle Square, 2013), with this engaging introduction to gender, bodies, and relationships. A diverse cast of cartoon kids-in terms of appearance, ability, and point of view-explore the multiple meanings of the word sex with their teacher, friends, and family members. There is a heavy emphasis on the importance of thinking for oneself and developing one's own opinions. The language is conversational and accessible, as well as direct, fastidiously accurate, and entirely gender-neutral. Each section ends with conversation-provoking questions, reinforcing the suggestion that the book be read and shared in conversation with a trusted adult. What makes this volume exceptional is its introduction of the subjects of transgender identity, intersex conditions, and masturbation. The quality text is enhanced and brought to life by comics drawn with bold lines on bright, full-bleed pages. Smyth's illustrations are interactive, fun, and edifying, presenting a range of body types and diversity. Despite the title, the topic of sexual intercourse is not covered; but Silverberg prepares readers for this information by introducing concepts such as respect, trust, and joy. VERDICT Exciting, enlightening, and innovative, this book addresses timeless questions about sex for a new generation of kids who are increasingly aware of the broad spectrum of gender and sexual identities.-Clara Hendricks, Cambridge Public Library, MAα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Review

"an invaluable toolbox for meeting my children’s questions about bodies, language, and sensation. . . . I can’t imagine parenting without this duo’s pathbreaking work. I feel so fortunate that I don’t have to." —Sara B. Franklin, LitHub

"Sex Is a Funny Word is nothing short of revolutionary. Cory Silverberg and Fiona Smyth’s newest book is brilliant in its approach to giving caregivers and educators the tools they need to talk to kids about their bodies.... Though representation of many bodies shouldn’t be revolutionary, most of our media – children’s books included – showcases white, thin bodies in ways that are often ableist, sexist, homophobic, and trans-exclusive. In this way (and many others), Silverberg and Smyth’s contribution to the dialogue is revolutionary: finally young people have a way to see all bodies (including their own body) represented. Yes." —Kristin Russo, Buzzfeed

"Exciting, enlightening, and innovative, this book addresses timeless questions about sex for a new generation of kids who are increasingly aware of the broad spectrum of gender and sexual identities." —Clara Hendricks, School Library Journal, starred review

"Done with great sensitivity, precision and poise ... having access to a book like this could change the life of a lot of kids." —Feministing

"Silverberg is posing big questions at a crucial time ...[Books like his] represent shifting ideas and the inevitable parent-kid conversations around them." —Maclean's

“Emphasizing the importance of trust, respect, justice, and joy – as well as open communication – it’s a thoughtful and affirming exploration of relationships, gender identity, and growing sexual awareness.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review

"With skin tones in unlikely shades (blue! purple! green!) and wildly diverse crowd scenes, chances are good that any reader can identify with someone in these pages. Refreshingly, these crowds are diverse in a way that does not appear assembled by checklist. Lively design, bright, clashing colors, cartoon-style illustrations, comic strips, and plenty of humor support the informal, inclusive approach ... This carefully thought-out explanation may surprise but should be widely appreciated." —Kirkus Reviews

"You could send your kid to college and graduate school, and years of therapy, to learn how to lovingly come to terms with their gender and sexuality. Or you could simply read this book with them—it's that thorough, and that good." —Kate Bornstein, author of My New Gender Workbook

 “Sex Is a Funny Word is a book that brilliantly reminds us of our shared humanity. Whether you are LGBTQIA or any other letter in the alphabet (including 'U' for undecided), this book contains everything you ever wanted the kids in your life to know about sex.“ —James Lecesne, co-founder, The Trevor Project

"I read Sex Is a Funny Word with my 10 year old daughter who immediately got it! She saw herself, family, and friends in the characters. It's an amazing resource and makes what could be a difficult conversation, quite easy. I wish I had this book as a child." —Aiesha Turman, Founder and Executive Director, The Black Girl Project

"The book is for the same 7- to 10-year-old demographic as the 'younger girls' targeted by Care & Keeping, but is leaps and bounds ahead in terms of how progressive it is. As I recently thumbed through Sex Is a Funny Word’s brightly colored drawings, I couldn’t help thinking about how much I needed a book like this growing up. . . .  In age-appropriate language, it humorously tackles topics from gender to masturbation to crushes, even including sections on how the concepts of justice and trust intersect with sex and bodies. It’s also forthcoming about the fact that preteens are understandably curious about bodies that look different from their own." —Rachelle Hampton, Slate

"Yes, it’s written for 7-to-10-year-olds. But I’d like to see it on the required reading list for high school freshmen, college resident advisors, military personnel, early-childhood educators, coaches, clergy, police officers, pediatricians and parents. Did I miss anyone? ... the story begins not with body parts but with values: Respect. Trust. Joy. Justice. 'Justice is like fairness, only bigger,' Silverberg explains. 'Justice means that every person and every body matters.' Could we have that etched over every middle-school entry door, please? And while the chisel’s still warm, put it on the nation’s courtrooms, too." —Anndee Hochman, Broad Street Review

"Sex Is a Funny Word opens a portal to a world where gender is exactly what we say it is rather than simply the sum of our ‘middle parts.’ Silverberg provides the template for all of us to see the simplicity with which we can step out of today’s binary gender paradigm." —Aidan Key, founder of the Gender Odyssey Conference

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ 1609806069
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Triangle Square; Illustrated edition (July 28, 2015)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 160 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9781609806064
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1609806064
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 8 - 10 years, from customers
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 710L
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ 2 - 5
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 7.52 x 0.81 x 9.29 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 1,242 ratings

About the author

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Cory Silverberg

Cory Silverberg

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Raised in the 1970s by a children’s librarian and a sex therapist, Cory grew up to be a sex educator, and author, and a queer person who smiles a lot when they talk.

Cory received a master’s degree in education from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto. He has developed and facilitated workshops for hundreds of agencies and organizations serving both youth and adults across North America on a range of topics including gender expression and identity, sexuality and disability, sexual pleasure, sexual communication, technology, and access + inclusion. He is the co-author of four books, including the ALA Stonewall Honor Book Sex Is a Funny Word, with Fiona Smyth, and most recently You Know, Sex. Cory's life is full of kids. All of them know where babies come from. Some know more.

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
1,242 global ratings
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5 Stars
You need this.
When my 9-year-old came home and told me a “funny” joke that his BFF said at school, I knew it was time to start properly educating him about sex and sexuality.This book meant to be read with an adult, so some of the reading is above-grade-level. My son loved the drawings and comics. It all felt very relatable to him. We both enjoyed answering the questions posed, which helped me humanize myself and put our families values and mores into context. They repeatedly emphasize key words: trust, respect, justice, and joy.The book doesn’t take itself too seriously. My son and I had plenty of good laughs, and I was still provided the joy of grossing him out a couple of times.I was very impressed by the section on gender identity. They also reframe the idea of “private parts”, renaming them “middle parts”. The rationale is that any part of your body can be private.
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Top reviews from the United States

Alana Starwalt
5.0 out of 5 stars What sex ed should be
Reviewed in the United States on September 8, 2021
Verified Purchase
As a queer, southern woman growing up in the late 80s and 90s, sex ed was abstinence only with “label these parts of the reproductive system” blasted in a black and white ink drawing on an overhead. It was some high tech stuff back then! We went over basics of prophylactics; ie. how not to get pregnant or diseased (hint: it started with “don’t have” and ended with “sex”). There was no mention of anything queer, be it your body not matching your insides or how to have sex with someone with the same body parts as you. How dare folks have sex for pleasure instead of procreation only! Masturbation was never even hinted at. There were no depictions of anything other than those stupid black and white line drawings of reproductive organs.

Sound like your childhood? Are you an adult now with child/ren of your own that you don’t want to have the same experience? This book is for you!

It entices with it’s beautiful depictions of able bodied and individuals with physical disabilities in a graphic novel style set up. Throw in trans individuals information as well as different races, and honey, this book has it all! It addresses issues such as consent, masturbation, good touch/bad touch, encourages conversations with parents/care givers, and so much more.

Like I said, this book is how sex ed should be taught.
11 people found this helpful
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Sarah Vallely
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book!
Reviewed in the United States on July 16, 2021
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This is a great intro to sex Ed for younger kids. It talks about bodies, curiosity, privacy and other issues at a very age appropriate level. The characters are diverse in appearance, gender, gender presentation, level of interest in the subject matter and level of comfort with the subject as well. Very approachable, easy to read with my kids and just as easy to say “here, take your copy to your room if you want to read more”. Highly recommended for adults who want to start conversations about bodies and sex with children who aren’t quite ready to wrap their minds around the technicalities. Very neutral, facts based, no heavy handed morality that might be off putting to parents who value comprehensive information in an easy to digest, comic style format.
One person found this helpful
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars So grateful for this series
Reviewed in the United States on September 13, 2022
Verified Purchase
I have this whole series and cannot overstate my love for these books! I’m so grateful for the conversations I have with my son while reading this and the shared vocabulary it gives us both. I’m honestly so excited that there is a group of children reading this in their developmental years and deconstructing all the baggage that was given to the earlier generations. I know growing up having read all the books in this series with me from a very young age will shape my sons world view and actions in a way that few kids in my generation had a chance at.

This book is healing on an individual and societal level, and about so much more than reproduction or the act of intercourse. I suggest whoever is reading this with a child read through it first, and if uncomfortable feelings arise about a subject look into them and deconstruct them first before sharing the book with the child. I had times where I thought oh does he have to know about (x,y,z) yet, but then remembered that I actually do want to be the first to have these conversations with him, so waiting until after he’s been exposed elsewhere is exactly what I’m trying to avoid.

Should mention that this is for people who believe that other peoples experiences are valid and that there are many ways to be in the world. This book is wonderfully representative, Including LGBTQ+, but also various religions, abilities, body shapes, races, clothing styles and general backgrounds. It is very colorful and super engaging. The richness of this book cannot be overstated. So grateful to all involved in the making of this book- it’s a real event.
35 people found this helpful
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catstacking
5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect for curious children
Reviewed in the United States on March 13, 2020
Verified Purchase
My 9-year-old son had been pelting me with questions about sex for a couple of months. I did my best to answer, but I could tell his curiosity was so extensive he didn’t know how to ask what he wanted to know.

I combed through reviews of dozens of sex education books, eventually decided to take a chance on this one, and am so glad I did! This book tells kids the truth about the human body, including simple yet anatomically-correct illustrations. The best thing about how this book handles what can be a sensitive topic is that it is very inclusive, going to extensive lengths to assure the reader that every body is different, but every body is good. There’s also an admirable amount of content on the importance of consent.

We had fun reading this together, and when he’d finished the book, my son displayed it front and center on his bookshelf 😂 I can tell not only that he’s extremely grateful that I took the time to answer his questions, but that his confidence has increased because he feels like he knows all about sex (and indeed he does...in an age-appropriate way!)
3 people found this helpful
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Elizabeth
4.0 out of 5 stars Overall good, would be nice to have included a little more technical information
Reviewed in the United States on July 25, 2016
Verified Purchase
This book has lots of helpful interesting discussions about touch (touching yourself, secret touching (never good), hugs, gender, relationships, and some very basic information about what vulvas and penises look like. I think it was interesting for my son who is starting to be more curious and has graduated from What Makes a Baby. But honestly, he needed some more basic info about how sex works and what body parts are what and what is going on a puberty. I would highly suggest this book to families who want to allow for more flexible understandings of gender and be open with kids in talking about sex and relationships and not stigmatizing sex as bad or wrong or shameful. I think it is a really well done book. But I am giving it four stars because I don't think it would have been difficult to include some more specific information about body parts and how sex works in an age appropriate way. Also the colors are great, but it would be nice for there to be a few pictures of body parts with various human-colored drawings so that my son doesn't get the impression that penises can be green and vulvas can be blue. Overall I love this author and his approach and find it very helpful for our children, but there were just a few things missing that I think could have been helpful.
7 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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Nicola Roberts
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 28, 2023
Verified Purchase
This is an excellent book for 8-10yrs.
It introduces essential themes for understanding and discussion.
Id not have been able to have such open and broad conversations without using this book as a tool. Massively appreciate this book!
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Britt
5.0 out of 5 stars Informative, inclusive and age appropriate
Reviewed in Canada on November 8, 2019
Verified Purchase
I love that this book encompasses sexual and gender diversity, so that when my kids read it they aren’t being taught that there is only one way to love or to be. It is frank enough that it doesn’t leave room for guessing or misinterpretation, but it also eases into topics in an age appropriate manner and presents the facts neutrally, without agenda or idealization. Personally these conversations are hard for me because my son isn’t yet sexually active or interested in it, BUT he does ask questions and he hears things from other kids. It’s important to empower our kids with this information to promote trust and open conversations, even if it’s hard for parents to imagine our kids maturing and having these kinds of feelings.
7 people found this helpful
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Linda
5.0 out of 5 stars Vale la pena.
Reviewed in Mexico on April 27, 2019
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Vale la pena.
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MSD
5.0 out of 5 stars Superbe ouvrage délicatement mais honnetement traite
Reviewed in France on July 30, 2018
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Très bien écrit et explique très bien ce sujet délicat au grands et petits! Tous les cas de figure sont évoqués.
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Emma Hanson
5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic resource for parents
Reviewed in Australia on September 11, 2020
Verified Purchase
Fantastic book ! Wish I had a book like this when I was younger. Perfect for ages 8-10, really engaging language and illustrations. I appreciate the inclusive approach In regards to gender and the whole scope of relationships we see in our communities, not just the hetero male and female relationships generally featured in sex Ed books. A step forward In inclusive and wholesome sex education for our next generation
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