Adolescence – Continuing the Conversation
22nd April 2025
Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham’s brilliant and powerful psychological drama Adolescence has been both a huge hit for Netflix and a topic of national conversation amongst parents, young people, teachers and politicians. The series focuses on Jamie Miller, a 13 year-old boy who is arrested for the murder of his classmate Katie Leonard. The drama explores themes of online radicalisation, toxic masculinity, misogyny and the impact of ‘manosphere’ influencers.
Critically acclaimed for its brilliant performances and production, Adolescence has opened up conversations around some difficult but important themes and has increased awareness of incel culture, youth vulnerability and the hugely harmful impact online misogyny can have on individuals and society. The Prime Minister has praised the series and highlighted its educational value.
At Browns we have put together a list of books that may help in exploring some of the themes of Adolescence with Secondary-age young people. These books look at growing up and the changes and pressures that boys in particular may be feeling, consent and healthy relationships, staying safe online and masculinity. There are both non-fiction books and fantastic fiction that explores some of the issues teens may face today.
Adolescence is not only a fantastic and wonderfully crafted piece of drama but has opened up conversations and thinking around some key issues; if you are wanting to explore these themes further we hope our book selection is helpful and inspiring.
Non-Fiction:
Lads
Bissett, Alan
Paperback / softback
LADS is a toolkit for teenage boys on respect and consent, helping them call out bad behaviour and giving them the confidence to be their best selves. A MUST READ after watching Netflix's ADOLESCENCE!*What people are saying about LADS!* 'The antithesis of Andrew Tate' - Guardian'This book is the mate that backs you up and gives you the confidence to speak up for what's right, building the foundations for healthy, respectful relationships' - The Scotsman'If I could give this book 10 stars out of 5 I would do it in an instant. It is a well written, important and much needed handbook on how to be a good guy' - B Humphrey, Netgalley Reviewer***WINNER of the SLA Information Book Award 2024****Have you ever been in a situation where there's a loud guy making dodgy comments, cracking jokes that only he thinks are funny or leering at the girls in the room? You can feel the tension, right? That Guy is the worst, but no one is saying anything, because the whole situation is intimidating and awkward. This toolkit will help you call out bad behaviour and understand the serious issues facing girls today. And it will make you feel confident navigating relationships, so that everyone feels happy, heard and respected, while being the best version of yourself. From flirting disasters and what staying in the friend zone really means to the perils of porn, 'locker room talk' and the importance of consent, this is a vital handbook for lads who are fed up of That Guy, and who want to step up and help create positive change. *'The kind of book that tells you the things you need to hear as a teenage boy, but you'd rather not have to ask your mum or dad about, and in a way that feels chatty and not patronising. It's easy to dip in and out of the sections too. After reading it, I felt more confident about speaking up with my male friends when I heard them saying things that weren't right, and I hope I would be a better friend to my friends who are girls' - Sydney, aged 14Recommended for ages 13 and over.
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How to Be a Boy
Singh, Dr. Ranj
Paperback / softback
Do you ever pretend to like something you don't, just to fit in?Is it sometimes hard to tell others how you're feeling?Do you wish there was less pressure on you to 'man up'?Explore these questions and many more in this empowering and inclusive guide to masculinity for readers aged 10+ by the nation's favourite doctor, Dr Ranj. Whether it's thinking about hobbies or standing up to your mates, Dr Ranj is here to encourage boys to grow up happy with confidence, positivity and kindness. In his signature warm and conversational voice, Dr Ranj reflects on what it really means to be a boy in today's world, looking at everything from stereotypes and peer pressure to mental health and respect for women. In a world where everyone seems to have an opinion about what it means to be a man, Dr Ranj is here to reassure readers that there isn't one way to be a boy - just one way to be true to yourself.
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What is Masculinity? Why Does it Matter? And Other Big Questions
Boakye, Jeffrey
Paperback / softback
Masculinity is being discussed more than ever before, in a range of contexts. People talk about 'toxic masculinity', claim that there is a crisis in masculinity or argue that we need to 'reclaim masculinity'. There have always been many ways of being a man, and many people who have claimed that there are correct and incorrect ways of being a man. This important and timely book looks at the big questions surrounding definitions of masculinity, and discusses where ideas of masculinity have come from and the effects of gender stereotyping. The authors and contributors share their experiences of and perspectives on masculinity and invite readers to think for themselves about the issues involved. Aimed at young people aged 10 and upwards. Part of the groundbreaking and important 'And Other Big Questions' series, which offers balanced and considered views on the big issues we face in the world we live in today. Other titles in the series include:What is Gender? How does it define us?What is Feminism? Why do we need it?What is Consent? Why is it important?What is Mental Health? Where does it come from?
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Can We Talk About Consent?
Hancock, Justin
Paperback / softback
What exactly is consent? Why does it matter? How can you respect other people’s boundaries, and have them respect yours? Can We Talk About Consent? breaks down the basics of how to give and get consent in every aspect of life for readers aged 14 years and older. It's a powerful word, but not everyone understands exactly what it means. This stylish guide explains clearly why consent matters – for all of us. With honest explanations by experienced sex and relationships educator Justin Hancock, you'll learn how consent is a vital part of how we connect with ourselves and our self-esteem, the people close to us and the wider world. The book covers a broad range of topics, including: how we greet each other how to choose things for ourselveshow we say no to thingscommunicating and respecting choices in sexual relationshipsthe factors that can affect a person's ability to choosehow to empower other people by giving them consentAnd – there's a whole lot of pizza. This guide to consent gives you all the tools you need to build consensual relationships.
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Growing Up
Winston, Robert
Paperback / softback
The teenage years can be awkward - bodies change, and sweat, smells, and spots become part of life. Growing Up has a supportive but straightforward approach that gives you the knowledge ahead of time. Why do boys' voices break? How do hormones work? From managing spots to mending a broken heart, this book has the answers and advice for parents and kids on discussing potentially embarrassing topics. Inside this book, you’ll find: -An overview of the main areas of growing up, including mental and physical health, social media, relationships, exams and money-Clear, step-by-step explanations to support parents and children in tackling important issues such as puberty, gender, self-expression, digital life and so much more-Simple and colourful graphics to make these subjects seem a little less scary As well as the biological facts of puberty, this book is bursting with tips on how to navigate the emotional and social challenges of growing up - from relationships and confidence to cyberbullying and alcohol. It gives you the tools to understand and tackle challenging subjects, including discrimination, drugs, and difficult life events, and practical, straightforward guidance on mental health issues such as anxiety and low self-esteem. Growing Up has also been updated so it contains content on contemporary topics such as post-pandemic mental health, eco-anxiety, online hate, and the impact of influencers.
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King of Nothing
Lessore, Nathanael
Paperback / softback
WINNER OF THE WATERSTONES CHILDREN'S BOOK PRIZE FOR OLDER READERS 2025SHORTLISTED FOR THE YOTO CARNEGIE MEDAL FOR WRITING 2025SHORTLISTED FOR AMAZON BOOK OF THE YEAR 2024From the Yoto Carnegie Medal shortlisted author of Steady For This comes a hilarious and heartwarming new teen comedy!'Confirms [Nathanael Lessore] as a major new name in writing for teenagers' - ObserverANTON AND HIS FRIENDS ARE THE KINGS OF YEAR 9. They're used to ruling the school and Anton wears the crown. The other kids run away when he's about but that's the way he wants it - he's got a reputation to live up to after all. So when he gets into serious trouble at school, he doesn't really care, but his mum most definitely does. She decides it's time for Anton to make some new friends and join the Happy Campers, a local activity group. Anton would quite literally rather do anything else, especially when he finds out Matthew, the biggest loser in school, is also a member. But after Matthew unexpectedly saves Anton's life, Anton figures maybe this kid is worth a shot. Teaching him some game is the least Anton can do to repay the debt. As the boys strike up an unlikely friendship, Anton finds himself questioning everything he thought was important. Does he want ruling the school to be his crowning glory or should he set his sights on better things?Perfect for teen readers of Alex Wheatle, Jason Reynolds and Patrice Lawrence.
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Twenty-Four Seconds From Now
Reynolds, Jason
Paperback / softback
A tender teen love story from the Carnegie-winning author of Look Both Ways. 'Jason Reynolds has done it again!' Judy BlumeSeventeen-year-old Neon is about to have sex with his girlfriend, Aria, for the first time. In 24 seconds to be precise. He's hiding in the bathroom, nervous, wanting to do everything right . . . Rewind. To 24 minutes earlier where Neon rushes from work, taking the gift of fried chicken to Aria's house. Rewind again. To 24 hours earlier when Neon's big sister has advice about sex which makes him think he probably shouldn't be listening to his friends. To 24 days earlier. To 24 weeks earlier. To 24 months earlier, when he and Aria first met. This tender, sweet, wholesome piece of fiction discusses how to approach first sex, how to respect women, how to be gentle, how to make it about love. It shows us a refreshingly different side to male sexuality. 'Twenty-Four Seconds From Now will stay with readers for years to come. A gem of a book!' Angie Thomas, author of The Hate U GiveJason Reynolds won the Carnegie Medal for his book, Look Both Ways, in 2019 and was a New York Times #1 bestseller on 3rd November of the same year.
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The Eternal Return of Clara Hart: Shortlisted for the 2023 Yoto Carnegie Medal for Writing
Finch, Louise
Paperback / softback
Kirkus Reviews: Best Young Adult Books of the Year 2023Chicago Public Library: Best of the Best Books 2023Children's Book Council Favorites 2024 Wake up. Friday. Clara Hart hits my car. Go to class. Anthony rates the girls. House party. Anthony goes upstairswith Clara. Drink. Clara dies. Wake up. Friday again. Clara Hart hits my car. Why can’t I break this loop? A flicker in the fabric of time gives Spence a second chance. And a third. How many times will he watch the same girl die?
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