Gert Garibaldi's Rants and Raves: One Butt Cheek at a Time (by Amber Kizer)
common sense media says
Hilarious high school angst with frank sex talk.
parents & educators say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this is an often funny coming-of age-story about a smart high school misfit. Readers will enjoy and commiserate with Gert's laments over her high school and home life, and cheer her gradual transformation into someone comfortable in her own skin. That said, there is a lot of talk about sex, masturbation, dating, sexually transmitted disease, condom usage, and gay relationships (a Publisher's Weekly reviewer said, "Gert sounds almost fixated.") This is the first book in a planned series.
Educational value:
This will be a fun book for teens to read -- and they may want to follow Gert's adventures into the next planned installment. Motivated parents could use this book to talk about their own attitudes and beliefs about sex.
Positive role models:
Readers will enjoy and commiserate with Gert's laments over her high
school and home life, and cheer her gradual transformation into someone
comfortable in her own skin.
school and home life, and cheer her gradual transformation into someone
comfortable in her own skin.
Violence:
Not applicable.
Sex:
Lots of sex talk: Entire health class is encouraged to look at their vaginas with a mirror, main character describes hers. Characters talk about making out, sex, masturbation, erections, and Ernest Hemingway not having a penis. Two male characters are gay.
Language:
Mild swearing, a discussion of names given to genitalia. Some discussion of terms referring to homosexuals or those who hang out with them.
Consumerism:
Mention of products once or twice.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
High school students who are drug users are described in an unflattering light, including one who sells drugs.
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