Welcome to Consent - (Welcome to Your Body) by Yumi Stynes & Melissa Kang (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Every person is the boss of their own body! This lively guide--another engaging and essential resource from the creators of Welcome to Your Period!--digs deep into all aspects of consent.

Understanding consent is important for people with all kinds of bodies, in all kinds of circumstances--from getting a haircut or letting the doctor check your blood pressure to hugging a friend, picking up a child, or kissing someone. After all, consent isn't always communicated with a clear "Yes, you can!" or "No, you can't!" This guide breaks down myriad situations involving consent and bodily autonomy, including navigating new or changing feelings, recognizing power imbalances, staying safe in online spaces, and keeping relationships mutually comfortable. Through relatable illustrations, clear explanations, and real-life examples, readers will learn how to actively listen and observe, set boundaries, and speak up for themselves and others. Experts Yumi Stynes and Dr. Melissa Kang approach this crucial topic with passion, awareness, and empathy.

Review Quotes

A fierce, funny, celebratory and extremely supportive young people's guide to saying no, saying yes and being 'the boss of your body.' . . . the authors make clear from the get-go that there's a lot more nuance and complexity to consent than meets the eye. . . Lucky is the young person who consents to read this book. . . . This absolutely necessary guide to consent explores with candor and humor the nuances of verbal and body language in navigating all kinds of relationships and situations.
--Shelf Awareness (starred review)

This handbook provides opportunities to build confidence and bolster personal autonomy. . . thorough and empowering. . . An informative and comprehensive guide to giving and getting consent.
--Kirkus Reviews

Written with humor and loaded with examples drawn from real-life situations, readers will learn how to make observations and interpret signals from other people and develop the confidence to speak up when it's necessary. . . . Easy to read, this book is packed with good information and examples from real people. Health classes would benefit from this book, as well as counselor-led small group sessions.
--School Library Connection

Upbeat text, cheerful illustrations, and entertaining graphics convey body-affirmative messages, reminding young adults that they are the bosses of their own bodies, and they get to determine physical, social, and emotional boundaries of touching, hearing, seeing, and being seen. . . . an approachable and accessible guide for teens.
--Booklist

About the Author

Yumi Stynes is a TV and radio presenter and the coauthor of Welcome to Your Period! She's currently the host of Ladies, We Need to Talk, an award-winning podcast that explores tricky topics and taboos about women's health. She is a second-generation Japanese-Australian and lives in Australia.

Dr. Melissa Kang is the longest-serving expert behind the popular Australian advice column "Dolly Doctor" and the coauthor of Welcome to Your Period! She is a practicing medical doctor for marginalized young people, specializing in adolescent sexuality and health, and has academic roles at two universities. She is a fifth-generation Malaysian-Chinese-Anglo-Australian and lives in Australia.

Jenny Latham is an illustrator who has a passion for illustrating real people and spreading body positivity. She loves empowering people with her work and hopes it puts a smile on their faces. She lives in the UK.