Thanks to Yumi Stynes and Dr Melissa Kang we finally have the book that can help every young person navigate consent in a healthy way. With Welcome to Consent, tweens and teens can learn how to understand consent at school, at the doctor’s office, with relatives, and in social interactions, including relationships. This book includes vital information about many common situations where consent needs to be gained and gives young people scripts to extract themselves from potentially harmful scenarios. The information is bite-sized and accessible, with lots of fantastic real-life examples from teenagers and adults. It discusses intersectionality and has content suitable for diverse cultures, genders and bodies.

The first half of the book covers non-sexual consent and the second half explores kissing, relationships and sex. The focus is on ensuring enthusiastic consent in sexual situations and the authors let the reader know that if they don’t feel ready for this second section, they should read it when they’re older. Completing this amazing resource is a glossary of terms and directory of organisations that help young people.

This book needs to be in the hands of every single young person ages 10 and up. It has the power to change the conversation around consent, make interactions safer and give young people clear guidance on what positive relationships look like. Ideally, parents or carers should also read through these pages to better facilitate discussions with young people, and to ensure that everyone, no matter their age, understands the subject. This is an utterly indispensable work.

Angela Crocombe is the manager of Readings Kids.