Jack of Hearts (and other parts) by L.C. Rosen
Jack’s reputation as a slut is only partially deserved. He’s unapologetically gay, and he enjoys sex. He doesn’t want to be in a relationship because he’s having fun going to parties, meeting up with hot people, having (safe) sex with them, and writing a teen sex advice column. But then an anonymous fan becomes a stalker, and things aren’t fun anymore.
Despite multiple starred reviews in industry journals, this book was banned (and then reinstated) in the Kent, WA school district, and also banned in school libraries and classrooms in Maryland, Tennessee, Wisconsin and elsewhere. The advice column includes (very) frank discussions of sex and sexual situations with body parts named and referenced, written by the author in consultation with professional sex educators, and all of the questions (except two which were included to drive the plot) were sourced from actual teens. The writing is fun, empowering, and refreshingly honest. Although I have little in common with these privileged NYC teens I love them with all my heart and absolutely recommend this book for ages 14 to adult.
Bullying, condoms, cussing, diversity, friendship, gay friends, gender diversity, high school, homophobia, kissing, masturbation, mental health, on-page sex, parents, rainbow+, safe sex, sexual assault, straight friends, teachers.
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