Five Great Books That Help Kids Understand Puberty

My oldest child recently turned eleven and my middle child is turning nine. At this age they are starting to have a lot of questions about the way that bodies work and the changes that will be happening to them. We’ve sat down and had a few discussions, but we understand that sometimes kids are too embarrassed to ask their parents what they really want to know. So I put together a list of books that are helping us have these tricky conversations. Here are five great books to help kids understand puberty.

Please note that some posts on this blog contain affiliate links. If you click on the picture of each book, you will be using my link and taken to the Amazon page where you can read the reviews from other parents and purchase the book, if you choose.

5 Books To Help Kids Understand Puberty

1. We are big fans of the American Girl informational books in our house. Abby LOVES The Care and Keeping of You. I love that they have two versions of this book, one for younger tweens and one for older teens. I bought Abby the one for younger girls and she sits in bed at night and pours over it. She even asked me to buy her the one for older girls. Version 1 of this book is recommended for ages 8-12. Version 2 is recommended for older kids in grades 5-9.

2. American Girl also makes a book for boys to help them understand what is going on with them. I bought Guy Stuff: The Body book for Boys recently to give to our son. But even my husband is a fan. I caught him on the couch recently looking over this book and he joked that maybe he should be the one reading it, as some of the material still applies to him as well. Both of the American Girl books are full of colorful cartoons and lots of accurate information about bodies and feelings. You should know that they do not shy away from taking about things like pubic hair, developing breasts, and erections, so use your discretion as to when your child is old enough for the material. This book is recommended for ages 9-12.

3. Since our son is our oldest child, we are focused on resources for boys at the moment. If you are in the same boat and looking for another option for boys, the American Medical Association offers their Boy’s Guide to Becoming a Teen. This is a #1 best-seller in its Amazon category, but be sure to to read the reviews (most of which rate it very highly) before you purchase. Some parents think a few of the topics covered are a bit mature. This book is recommended for grades 4-8.
4. What’s Happening To Me? is a classic book used to help kids understand their bodies and what is going on during the years they are experiencing puberty. It comes from the same team of people who put together the book Where Did I Come From, which helps address the question of how babies are born. What’s Happening to Me? is the book that my mom gave me when I was a tween, and I recently put a copy in my Amazon cart for my own kids. I appreciate that it addresses puberty for both genders. Once again, read the reviews before you make your purchase to decide what you are comfortable sharing with your child. This book is recommended for ages 9-12.

5. It’s Perfectly Normal is a book that lots of parents recommend. This book has been updated so it is more modern than some other classic books that address puberty, sex, and sexuality. Again, this book does address some mature themes, so please read the reviews before you make your purchase. It’s Perfectly Normal is recommended for older kids ages ten and up.

Talking to kids about tough subjects like puberty and sexuality can be tricky. I’m glad these resources are here to help! If you have any other books to recommend, please share in the comments. And if you liked this post, don’t forget to pin it to Pinterest.

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