Amy Pattee said in her article The Secret Source: Sexually Explicit Young Adult Literature as an Information Source, sexual content in YA literature can be explicit, detailed, and maybe even a little erotic, but that "these fictional texts should be considered as unique information sources that can offer young readers both realistic and needed information about sex and the sex act as well as a private, safe space to try on new feelings of sexual desires (pg. 30-31). I completely agree with her statement there. Reading these books in the privacy of your own home or library can help teens become aware of their body, sexuality, and the sexual act itself. When reading these fictional texts, teens learn more then just sexual intercourse. They can learn about different ways of being sexual with a partner that doesn't involve actual sexual intercourse. They can also learn about contraceptives and be educated about STIs and pregnancy. Many teens are not comfortable asking adults about sex and safe sex practices. YA Literature is that way out for them.
One of our readings assigned for this week was the Melvin Burgess' Doing It. I decided to choose the Eurpean edition cover as my photo for this post as I found it was a lot more "out there" in comparison to the North American's "conservative" book cover. Even the North American book cover is trying to hide the idea that sex occurs with today's youth as well as in YA Literature. Doing It is a fast and easy read. It is even entertaining at times. The book takes place in Britain and is about three teenage boys, Dino, Ben, and Jonathan. They are best friends and they are always talking about "doing it." I personally enjoyed this book even though some individuals may find it appalling hearing what both guys and girls things about one another and about sex. However, the reality is... It's true! This is the everyday life for many teens. I am also glad that there are more YA novelists writing about sex because it talks about how sex can be awkward, wet, messy, and sometimes even embarrassing. While reading this book one evening, I laughed out loud and my partner looked at me as said "what's so funny?" I said "do you really want to know?" I then began reading out loud the paragraph that made me giggle....
"Afterwards, Jackie though, In the shrubbery? She had a boyrfriend, he had a flat they could go to. What for? But at the time she didn't even thing about it. Maybe she didn't even want to do it, but suddenly there she was leaning up against a tree with Dino's hand down her knickers, just like she'd be planning on it all week long. It was just the most intoxicating thing she'd ever done....In the end he had to stop because his wrist was getting a cramp" (Burgess pg.14). That's when I giggled. I thought how funny, yet true. My boyfriend did not find this very funny, which just made me laugh more lol. These little "embarrassing" moments happen and are expected when experiencing new territory; like having sex, let alone having sex for the first time.
Having YA literature discuss sexual topics through fictional texts help teens become informed about sex, steps to take before having sex (contraceptives), having sex, steps to take after having sex (pap smear tests, STI & HIV testing), and possible consequences (pregnancy and/or STI) or undesirable outcomes (rumours, personal images) of having sex. I believe it is very important for YA literature to have some content on sex as sex is often a source for peer pressure. Reading a YA fiction book may just be that information source for a teen thinking about having sex or already having sex.
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