Lads: A Guide to Consent and Respect (2023) is my first non-fiction book, written for teenage boys, with the aim of helping them navigate relationships, negative online influences, porn, incel culture and boundaries.

It won The School Librarians’ Association Information Book of the Year Award 2024, in the 13-16 year-olds’ Category plus the overall Judges Award.

The book has also been shorlisted for the Society of Authors Educational Writers’ Award 2024.

While it’s aimed at young men, I think there’s also plenty in it for teenage girls, to help them define their own boundaries. It certainly seems to be doing the rounds of school libraries, anyway. Here’s the blurb:

In a world full of negative influences, 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.

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 help create positive change.

“The antithesis of Andrew Tate” – The Guardian

“An honest, insightful and funny read, yet it hits hard on subjects that adults often struggle to discuss with young people. 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

“Topical, timely and like nothing published before … Lads is a much-needed non-fiction guide for teenage boys”– The Lancashire Post

“A worthy attempt at addressing an important issue in society today. As a resource for parents, teachers and youth workers, I highly recommend it.” – Editor’s Picks, The School Librarian

“Encourage your teen to read it; leave it lying around. If you don’t have teens yourself, buy more copies and gift them to friends who do. Let’s keep believing in our young people and their potential to be excellent.” – For the Love of Books Blog

“It is not unusual for teenage boys to not know what is acceptable and what isn’t, rather than rely on the internet they now have a book to turn to…it’s most definitely a vital book for teen boys, helping to create a culture of positive change.”― Armadillo Magazine


Recommended for ages 13 and over.

If you would like to invite me into your school to talk about this book, contact me on alan@alanbissett.com