Just So Stories

Your no-silly-questions guide to sexuality, pleasure and figuring it out

Hardie Grant

May 2023

ISBN: 9781760509538

Publisher: Hardie Grant Children’s Publishing

So nearly twenty years ago when I was Head of Library in a large, co-ed college, transforming the library (as is my wont), I decided that our secondary library was in dire need of magazines as well as books (I know – such an innovator!), and among the popular titles we took out subscriptions for was Dolly. And trust me, it was the most picked-up of all by both boys and girls. – I would see both genders have a browse through as they lounged on the new beanbag ottomans.

After a very short time, the (male) deputy asked for a meeting and, guess what, he wanted to raise an objection to the mag – specifically, Dolly Doctor. I knew it wasn’t his idea (in fact, I had a very shrewd idea who was behind it -but that’s a story for another time). As it transpired, he hadn’t actually read any of the magazines or articles, so I kindly furnished him with the copies we had, and asked him to read them, after pointing out that DD not only answered the questions teens were too shy or afraid to ask, but always answered truthfully, using correct vocabulary (although usually acknowledging any vernacular wording), and always, if a serious issue, referred the reader to their own GP. I also pointed out that his three sons might benefit from knowing more about the girls with whom they might hope to form an attachment, as well.

He came back eating humble pie, and congratulated me for being thoughtful, thorough and responsible. I apologise for that long-winded backstory, but to put it simply, when the furore about this book hit the fan, I was in no doubt that this would be a valuable resource for any young person, if for no other reason, than Dr Melissa Kang.

Kang and Stynes have previously collaborated on three excellent informational books written for teens, in language they can understand with clarity, balance, accuracy and no judgement. I bought all three for my library collection as soon as each was available, and know how excellent, and how well received they were.

We know that today’s teens are not as omniscient as they think, and we also know, that for a large proportion, their knowledge about matters sexual are not coming from well-informed parents, but from (usually) very ill-informed friends and, worse, porn via the internet.

I have spent the afternoon combing through this, picking out topics at random, reading sections, and making judgements about the quality of both the information provided and the illustrations/diagrams. And now I’ll underline that word quality, because that’s what this is, through and through. I can’t identify any possible topic that’s been neglected. It is well-written and impeccably presented information that will be a bloody godsend to many kids.

I would be super surprised if any set of parents/carers could accurately cover all the topics that are included – simply because, for quite a number I would think, some aspects are just not within their realm of knowledge or experience. What really gives me the irrits is that in this day and age, when any person of normal sense knows that our kids are being bombarded with erroneous sexual messages and media, that there are still those who want to jump up and down, waving their wowzer flags. I have news for them. INFORMATION is not dangerous, LACK OF INFORMATION is – simple as that!!

When I think back over time and consider those books that were also storms in teacups, this is just the latest in a long line of titles. I’m so pleased that despite the atrocious behaviour of some these objectors (who villifies shop assistants because their store’s shelves stock this book?? that’s the level of intelligence of some..), the sales are solid – as they should be.

I’ve read variously that the book is intended for 12 upwards or 14 upwards, but I’ll say the same as I do in my libraries. One kid could be 16 and still not ready for some concepts or information, while others might be at 12. Use your commonsense. When your kid starts asking the questions – you don’t even have to give them the whole book, but refer to it so you can deliver an impartial and informative accurate answer. This has case studies, quotes,actual questions from teens and is completely inclusive. The illustrations are cartoon-like enough to make the serious subject matter not overwhelming, and the text is itself, broken up into easily digestible chunks.

If you haven’t already acquired it for your burgeoning adult, then I strongly urge you to do so.

Dear Dolly Doctor: Teenagers asked Melissa Kang questions for 23 years. Here’s what she learnt.