Puberty and Special Girls by Rose Stewart, Heather Anderson and Fay Angelo

Short Summary

Puberty and Special Girls by Rose Stewart, Heather Anderson, and Fay Angelo is a warm, inclusive guide to puberty, written specifically for girls with disabilities. Created by a team of Australian professionals – a teacher, a nurse, and a psychologist – \—this book supports girls and their families through the emotional, physical, and social changes of growing up. It covers periods, body changes, feelings, relationships, and personal safety in a respectful, age-appropriate way, using clear illustrations and gentle language.

Age Group

Suitable for girls aged 8 to 14 years, especially those with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

Topics Discussed

Puberty | Periods

Buy a Copy

Buy a copy of Puberty and Special Girls from Amazon.

What this book is about

This Australian resource is a go-to puberty book for girls with disabilities—and it’s easy to see why. It’s filled with gentle, factual language and inclusive illustrations that show real diversity in body shapes, sizes, and skin tones.

Inside, it covers:

• Body changes like breast growth, body hair, and pimples
• Naming and understanding the vulva and what’s inside the body
• Periods—what they are, how to manage them, and how you might feel
• Masturbation (in a private space) and managing sexual feelings
• Understanding love, relationships, and safe touch
• Personal boundaries and being the boss of your body
• How babies are made and a simple explanation of sex

What sets it apart is how supportive and respectful the tone is—never scary or overwhelming. It also acknowledges that some girls might need help with self-care, and that’s okay. There’s even a section at the back for parents and carers, which makes this a fantastic shared resource.

If your child needs a clear, kind, and inclusive explanation of puberty that respects their learning needs, this book is a wonderful place to start.

I hope you find this book review helpful!

Happy talking!
❤️ Cath