Kids sure do grow up fast! So as parents and teachers we need to be aware of the confusing physical, emotional, and mental changes they are starting to go through. Boys and girls as young as 9 may begin to have new thoughts and sensations they don't know how to talk about with friends or family. These books on puberty can provide child-friendly explanations to common questions kids may be embarrassed to ask others. Here are 20 excellent book recommendations to be your child's ultimate guide to development, sex, health, and all things puberty!
1. You-ology: A Puberty Guide for EVERY Body
Say goodbye to outdated and boring books about puberty! In this guide by the American Academy of Pediatrics, kids can read and learn about their bodies in a positive and factual way that is not scary or embarrassing.
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2. Own Your Period: A Fact-filled Guide to Period Positivity
Now if you're looking for a book with answers, you found it! This straightforward book covers all the questions those preparing to have their first period might ask. With witty and sweet personal testaments and stories to normalize period pants, blood stains, cramps, and more!
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3. Celebrate Your Body (and Its Changes, Too!)
This book for girls is a tribute to the countless amazing things the female body is capable of, and what it may look and feel like to transition from a girl to a woman. It covers dealing with peer pressure, body image, and also the sometimes challenging social aspect of becoming a teenager.
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4. Puberty Is Gross But Also Really Awesome
Just from the title, you may be able to tell this book is going to be funny. Let's be honest, puberty can be messy! From body hair to pimples and first crushes, this popular puberty book with informative illustrations will make questions about periods a piece of cake!
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5. Guy Stuff: The Body Book for Boys
Books for boys going through puberty tackle many essential topics related to this confusing time. Not only does this guidebook provide insight regarding body image and expectations, but also sex education and healthy eating advice.
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6. The Care and Keeping of You: The Body Book for Younger Girls
This is the first book in a 2-part series teaching young girls the basics of puberty and sexual health in a gentle and accepting way.
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7. You Know, Sex: Bodies, Gender, Puberty, and Other Things
This favorite puberty book is for kids 10+ because the 4 quirky narrators are in middle school. From ridiculous jokes about our crazy hormones to stories about their changing bodies, and more. This is a companion book in a 3-part series, your kids will love to laugh and learn with it!
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8. Grow Up and Love Your Body!: The Complete Girls’ Guide to Growing Up Age 8-12
Talk about self-care and self-esteem, this gender-specific book has all the facts and examples your little girl needs to feel informed and prepared to handle all the changes and challenges puberty faces with love and self-acceptance.
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9. The Every Body Book: The LGBTQ+ Inclusive Guide for Kids about Sex, Gender, Bodies, and Families
An all-inclusive puberty book that not only highlights gender-specific issues but discusses the changes and sensations those in the LGBTQ community face when going through this complicated time in our lives.
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10. Celebrate Your Period: The Ultimate Puberty Book for Preteen and Teen Girls
A girl's ultimate guide on periods, the biology behind them, facts, helpful illustrations, and all the encouragement and supportive words your girls need to hear in this amazing yet challenging time.
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11. I’m a Girl, My Changing Body
The perfect book for your 9-year-old girl to find all the answers to her questions about sex, puberty, her changing body, and emotions. This guidebook has cute illustrations and age-appropriate experiences your girls can learn and relate to.
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12. I’m a Boy, My Changing Body
Is your little man ready to learn about the physical and emotional aspects of their growing and changing bodies? This child-friendly overview tackles the delicate topics of body odor, sexual desires, skin and hair care, and everything in between.
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13. Who Has What?: All About Girls' Bodies and Boys' Bodies
A charming and educational narrative story by Robie H. Harris about the differences between girls and boys. As two siblings talk about their bodies they learn what makes them similar, what makes them different, and how it's all totally normal!
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14. Lift-the-Flap Questions & Answers about Growing Up
Does your child have random questions about their bodies that might be hard to answer? This interactive book about reproduction has all the answers they have been looking for with informative illustrations to go along!
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15. HelloFlo: The Guide, Period.: The Everything Puberty Book for the Modern Girl
Naama Bloom gives tweens and teens an honest take on the reality of puberty for girls in all of its beauty and messiness. With stories, age-specific answers, and jokes to keep the convo light, this book has it all!
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16. The Girls Body Book: Everything Girls Need to Know for Growing Up!
A bestselling book for girls covers topics around puberty including social aspects that can be as challenging if not more so than the physical ones. Comparing ourselves to others, bullying, expectations, and self-esteem are all topics discussed in this excellent book.
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17. Sex, Puberty, and All That Stuff: A Guide to Growing Up
Want to help your child through puberty in a supportive and informed way? This guide for pre-teens has facts and friendly advice about sexual health, intercourse, mental health, and positive body image.
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18. It's Perfectly Normal: Changing Bodies, Growing Up, Sex, Gender, and Sexual Health
This has been a bestseller among puberty books for over 25 years! Recently revised to incorporate inclusive language and updated resources for contraception and a gamut of topics related to puberty and our changing bodies.
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19. Welcome to Your Period!
Pretend this book is your best friend or big sister who has all the answers to your questions about periods and what to expect.
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20. What's Going on Down There?: A Boy's Guide to Growing Up
Not only does this book cover important topics and questions about boys' changing and developing bodies, but it also tackles harassment, consent, and other issues such as social media and positive self-image.
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