what people think about sex education (that it’s pornographic or dirty). I loved how she documented her information and there’s a lot of emphasis on what science says (i.e., that sex education doesn’t lead to more teen sex) vs. Phoebe marvels over questions that come up all the time (can I get pregnant if… is it normal to…) and strives to correct her own lack of knowledge on a range of topics (memorably, gay sex). Mixed in with the story are The Circle in the Square posts, with tons of great, body-positive messages about sex.

Jorge identifies as Latino all other main characters cue as White. Tensions ratchet up as Lydia presses for the truth and when (spoiler alert) Phoebe gets outed, she has to deal with internet doxxing and threats. The plot of the story unfolds through first person narration and covers Phoebe’s growing research interests, her parents’ mixed messages about sex, Cora’s intimacy with her boyfriend David, and finally Poebe’s new relationship with the gorgeous and sweet Jorge, a football player with a deep interest in botany. Now Lydia Brookhurst, a ultra conservative local businesswoman who sells purity rings, is gunning for TCITS, accusing its mysterious author of being a pervert. Sex education at Linda Vista High is handled (in lackluster fashion) by the football coach and the school nurse has already been called out for endorsing Phoebe’s blog. But she also has a secret identity she’s Pom, the author of a very popular sex education blog for teens called The Circle in the Square (a condom reference). What did you like about the book? Phoebe Townsend seems like a regular junior, best friends with Cora, into her job as a reporter for her high school newspaper, and wondering what it would be like to have a boyfriend. Rating: 1-5 (5 is an excellent or a Starred review) 5

Julia walton author