Does This Happen to Everyone by Jan Von Holleben and Antje Helms

Short Summary

Does This Happen to Everyone? by Jan von Holleben and Antje Helms is a beautifully photographed, honest, and comforting Q&A-style book that helps tweens understand puberty, love, sex, relationships, and all the confusing stuff in between. It’s straightforward, inclusive for its time, and full of reassuring answers that help kids feel less alone as they grow.

Age Group

Suitable for children aged 11 to 14 years.

Topics Discussed

Growing Up | Puberty | Recommended | Tweens

Buy a Copy

Buy a copy of Does This Happen to Everyone by Jan Von Holleben and Antje Helms from Amazon.

What this book is about

• Does This Happen to Everyone? is a German book translated into English and created in collaboration with a family planning organisation that has been supporting teen sex education for years – so the information is practical, relevant, and grounded in real questions young people ask.
• The book is organised as a Q&A, answering around 70 common questions about puberty, bodies, identity, sex, and emotions. Many of the questions match exactly what kids ask on my Tween channel, which shows just how spot-on it is for this age group.
• Stunning photographs of diverse tweens accompany the answers. The kids featured are at that in-between stage of development, making the book feel relatable and real without being clinical or awkward.
• Topics include body changes, breasts, erections, acne, gender, periods, crushes, and falling in love. The explanations are simple, honest, and reassuring.
• The section on feelings and crushes is especially lovely, helping kids make sense of why they suddenly feel differently about people and what those emotions mean.
• Sex is explained clearly and age-appropriately, including how sex works, why people kiss, and how to stay safe. The photos that accompany these sections are warm and gentle, keeping the tone positive rather than embarrassing.
• The book also includes information on same-sex attraction, safer sex, STIs, and even cancer prevention. It’s surprisingly comprehensive without ever feeling overwhelming.
• Language around gender is more traditional, as the book was created a few years ago, but it still offers a helpful stepping stone for wider conversations about identity.
• What really shines is the book’s overall message: growing up can be confusing, but everything you’re feeling is okay, and you’re not the only one going through it.
• The tone is supportive, respectful, and matter-of-fact – perfect for families who want straightforward information without sugar-coating.
• If you have a tween starting puberty or feeling overwhelmed by all the changes happening in their body and brain, Does This Happen to Everyone? is a fantastic book to have on the shelf.

I hope you find this book review helpful!

Happy talking!
❤️ Cath