Teen Health Today's Favorite Books Of 2024
Incredible - and incredibly useful - books about teens
Hi Readers!
I know December can be a time that brings up a lot of emotions in adults and teens - I hope you are getting though it all ok, and finding space for joy, reflection, and connection.
Maybe that time will involve reading a book or two? I hope so, because in addition to co-writing a book, I’ve been paying close attention to the books that were released this year. Here are seven selections that I think are especially wonderful. I hope you get a chance to check them out!
Big love,
Christopher
What’s this book about? In this terrific book,
explores the many emotions she’s experienced as a feminist mom raising three boys in the shadow of the #MeToo movement. She combines personal reflections with serious reporting to show how gender stereotypes harm boys as well as girls, and then digs into potential solutions and paths to healing.Why do I love it? Whippman is real about her worries and struggles as a parent and her concerns about boys in a way that is extremely relatable. She’s genuinely curious about what causes many young men to become bitter, angry, and lonely. She even tracks down and interviews some self-identified incels to see if she can learn any lessons from their lives.
How can I learn more? Read her
newsletter or check out this interview with her in .
What’s this book about? This is an engaging, deeply thoughtful book about the many challenges girls face today. In it,
shares wisdom she’s gained during more than two decades working with girls as a psychologist She also incorporates lots of clear, actionable tips for parents who want to show up for their girls and set strong examples in their own lives.Why do I love it? Filled with real-life stories, this book in engaging and very human. Although it addresses major systemic issues, it’s not dry or academic. Instead, Finkelstein digs into issues that come up in real people’s lives, like social media, body image, and relationships. I appreciate that she makes a strong, well-argued case for comprehensive sex education, and love how seriously she takes issues like consent, sex, and bodily autonomy.
How can I learn more? Read this interview from the wonderful
newsletter, and check out Finkelstein’s own newsletter, .
What’s this book about? This is really a book about how to think about food. It’s from the brilliant mind of
, who is on a mission to help people enjoy their food more, feel more comfortable in their bodies, and stress about it all a little less. She asks readers to reflect on positive food memories and reminds them that its ok to get pleasure from food. It’s not focused specifically on teens, but it’s very relevant to them, especially since so many food issues develop during people’s teens.Why do I love it? Spence explains topics like “intuitive eating” and “Health At Every Size” in a way that is easy to understand, and maps out how people can make small positive changes in their exercise and eating routines without going on diets. She’s accepting, joyful, and funny, and her warm spirit permeates the book.
How can I learn more? Check out
and her excellent Instagram account.
What’s this book about? Unlike the other books on this list, this book is written FOR teens, but I think adults who are helping teens learn about and navigate issues around consent will get a lot out of it. Author Kitty Stryker examines many of the common questions and concerns people have about consent, and comes back with thoughtful, nuanced answers.
Why do I love it? I love that Stryker examines many of the ways that consent issues actually come up in young people’s lives, and doesn’t pretend that they are simple or easy to navigate. She recognizes the agency and intelligence of teens, while also acknowledging that they may sometimes make mistakes along the way. Bonus: It includes a smart foreword from sex ed hero Heather Corinna of Scarleteen.
How can I learn more? Check out this excerpt from the audiobook.
What’s this book about? In this book, Chelsea Goodan explores some of the issues that loom large in the lives of teenage girls - identity, beauty, shame, sexuality - alongside girls themselves. In the process, she models how adults can talk with teen girls respectfully and build close, supportive relationships with them.
Why do I love it? I am a big fan of teenagers - especially their honesty, passion, and straightforwardness. Those characteristics all come through in a big way in this book. I also appreciate all the encouragement Goodan gives to parents to actually listen to their girls without judging or lecturing at them .
How can I learn more? Check out this book except.
What’s this book about? This book is mostly about friendships, and how challenging it can be for boys to maintain close friendships in the face of societal pressure to be tough, independent, and emotionless. This is the topic that Niobe Way has focused on in her research for decades, and she brings a deep understanding of these issues to this insight-packed book.
Why do I love it? I appreciate how honest and thoughtful the boys interviewed in the book are, and how much they yearned for deeper connections. I also loved learning more about The Listening Project, and how schools can actually teach students transformative interviewing methods to help them feel more comfortable and connected.
How can I learn more? Check out this NYU interview with Niobe Way.
What’s this book about? This is a book about nurturing your body and your body image. In it,
goes through all the big topics in this area - things like diet culture, intuitive eating, eating disorders, mental health, and self-care - and approaches each with care and attention.Why do I love it? There are Q+As, expert interviews, and personal stories woven through the book, along with perspectives from Markey, who has been studying body image and eating behavior for over 25 years. She’s a real expert on these topics, and brings compassion and knowledge together seamlessly.
How can I learn more? Check out this podcast interview where Markey discusses the book.
If you enjoyed this post, click the ❤️ or 🔁 button on this post so more people can discover it on Substack. 🙏🏼
ah thank you so much- so honored that Boymom is included in this list in such fantastic company!
Thank you so much for the mention!