Every child needs a book that is solely focused on puberty. And girls need to know about boys’ bodies and boys need to know about girls’ bodies. Here are some of my favorites for kids ages eight to twelve.
Covers both boys and girls (and sex):
Will Puberty Last My Whole Life? REAL Answers to REAL Questions from Preteens About Body Changes, Sex, and Other Growing–Up Stuff Julie Metzger, RN MN and Robert Lehman, MD
It’s Perfectly Normal! Changing bodies, growing up, sex and sexual health Robie Harris and Michael Emberley
For girls:
The Care and Keeping of You: The Body Book for Younger Girls, Valorie Schaefer and Josee Masse
The Care and Keeping of You 2: The Body Book for Older Girls, Cara Natterson and Josee Masse
The Girls Body Book: Everything You Need To Know For Growing Up YOU! Kelly Dunham and Laura Tallardy
For boys:
The Boy’s Body Book: Everything You Need To Know For Growing Up YOU! Kelly Dunham and Steven Bjorkman
What’s Going on Down There? Answers to Questions Boys Find Hard to Ask Karen Gravelle with Nick and Chava Castro
For you:
Brainstorm: The Power and Purpose of the Teenage Brain, Daniel Siegel, MD
Puberty and adolescense do not need to be a time of craziness in your family. In fact, the more you know about what’s going on with their brains and bodies, the easier time you will have. If your child is well informed about what to expect and know you have thier back and are a ready and willing source of support, it will help you all sail through this change of life.
