10 puberty books your kids will actually enjoy
One of the most natural ways to start a conversation with your child about puberty is with a book. It means that you can sit down with your child and read the book together. And talk about the changes that will soon be happening to them.
But there are a lot of puberty books out there, which means that working out which is the best book for your child can be a challenge.
So the ten puberty books that I love (and regularly recommend) have been written by people who work in the area of sexuality and education, have worked with kids (and their parents) around puberty and have sought the opinion of other professionals.
I have chosen puberty books that focus just on puberty and don’t go too much into the next stage of adolescence – the stage where things heat up and become sexual! Some of these books will use gendered language, whereas others won’t (making them inclusive for non-binary and transgender children).
If you want to learn more about puberty, then visit my Puberty 101 page!
Let’s get started!
NOTE: Before passing any book to your child or reading it with them, you should read it yourself first. I might think it is a great book for a certain age child or that the information is valuable, but you may disagree. Try to choose books that reflect your values and the messages you want your child to receive.
10 puberty books (that even parents will enjoy!)
1. Hair in Funny Places
by Babette Cole (Suitable for 5-10 yo)
If you want some humour, this is the book to grab as it’s a fun, informal way to let your child know that puberty will happen when they’re older. It’s also perfect for starting the puberty talk early. It’s a pleasure to read, and I love how puberty has been turned into an adventure for children to look forward to. Oh, and sex isn’t discussed.
Note: Sex Ed Rescue is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. See our disclosure for more information.
2. Growing Up
by Rachel Greener (Suitable for 6-12 yo)
If you want something factual, then this is the book to grab as it provides simple facts and explains them in a gentle way. It’s also inclusive of diversity in bodies, ability and gender (so it is perfect for gender-diverse children) and doesn’t talk about sex. Plus it’s easy to read and beautifully illustrated.
3 & 4. My Body’s Changing
by Anita Ganeri (Suitable for 7-12 yo)
If you’ve got a child who’s outgrowing picture books but isn’t quite ready for chapter books, then grab this book as it is fully illustrated but is wordier than what you usually find in a picture book. I love the gentle tone that is used to explain puberty, the emotional changes (including crushes and liking someone), as well as how to take care of changing bodies. Sex is not discussed in these books.
Boy Book
Girl Book
Starting puberty conversations early means kids are usually more accepting (and less frightened) about puberty when it happens!
5, 6 & 7. The American Girl Books
by Cara Natterson (Suitable for 8-12 yo)
The puberty books from American Girl books are very popular with parents, as they provide a practical overview of what puberty and growing up is about. I often refer to these books as ‘conservative’ or ‘innocent’, as they don’t discuss sex, masturbation, sexual feelings or crushes at all. This makes them more suitable for younger children or kids who may be overwhelmed by the changes puberty brings.
The Care and Keeping of You 1
The Care and Keeping of You 2
Guy Stuff: The Body Book for Boys
8. Puberty is Gross But Also Really Awesome
by Gina Loveless (Suitable for 9-12 yo)
This is one of my favourite puberty books and I love that it’s unisex, inclusive for transgender and non-binary kids, and that it’s written in an entertaining (yet educational) manner. It’s a great introduction to puberty if you want a book that doesn’t mention sex.
PS. Even if you wanted a puberty book that included sex, I’d still be encouraging you to grab this one! As it’s that good!
Find practical tools to educate kids about puberty in the Sex Ed Shop
9. Does This Happen to Everyone?
by Jan Von Holleben and Antje Helms (Suitable for 11-14 yo)
I love this book as it is European and tackles the topics most puberty books avoid – porn, falling in love, having sex, liking someone, romantic relationships, condoms, contraception, pregnancy, birthing, masturbation and more. The format is based around Q&A, with honest and direct answers. Grab this book if you want a puberty book that does a deeper dive into sex and relationships (than other puberty books).
10. Help Your Kids with Growing Up
by DK (Suitable for 12-14 yo)
This puberty book is perfect for kids who like facts. It reminds me of those factual books that are all on one topic, like dinosaurs or playing soccer. It’s factual, comprehensive and covers issues that are relevant for youth today eg porn, sexting, consent and gender. So if you have a tween who geeks out on facts, then this book is perfect! It’s also be a good book to have on your bookshelf so kids can turn to it for info (and not the internet).
I hope you find the perfect puberty book for your child. If you’re undecided, please message me and ask!
Happy talking!
❤️ Cath
Looking for more puberty resources? Then visit my Puberty 101 page!