Consent

Gr 6-9–Evans and Gonsalvez provide young adolescents with clear, helpful guidelines on the meaning of consent and the types of situations in which consent is required. While the text emphasizes scenarios in which intimate touch might occur, it also addresses the need for consent in other daily situations (borrowing someone’s possessions or speaking on someone’s behalf). Using comic strip illustrations, quizzes, and question-and-answer format, the authors introduce the various types of consent, situations in which consent is and isn’t required, and suggestions on how to handle dilemmas involving consent in daily life. A further reading list and resources for those seeking help are included. The book presents the topic of consent in an appealing and age-appropriate way with examples that relate to a wide range of experiences. The book’s publication in Canada could hinder its relevance for some American readers as statistics and resources are provided for youth in Canada. However, this doesn’t diminish the effectiveness of the content, and the book’s principles are sound for young people everywhere.