The Change. The Talk. Down There. It all sounds so ominous. But it doesn’t have to be. Depending on your own comfort level with the topic of puberty — which can sometimes segue into discussions of sex and sexuality — there are plenty of books that will help you and your tween daughter or son muddle through armed with facts, funny anecdotes, and a good dose of tender loving care and reassurance.
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Books for Tweens and Teens:
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A Kids Book About Body Hair
Buy from:Puberty can mean finding body hair in surprising new places, and this book helps kids understand that it's a normal part of growing up. And with so many children experiencing puberty at younger ages, this is a good resource to have on hand. Easy-to-understand text and a minimalist design make it an age-appropriate and kid-friendly option.
(Ages 5 – 9)Buy from: -
Will Puberty Last My Whole Life?
Buy from:This informative Q&A-style book was designed with pre-teens in mind. Readers will find answers to their most pressing questions about puberty, periods, pimples, body odor, and more. The unique flipbook format divides the information into sections for boys and girls, allowing kids to read the one that best applies to them (and sneak a peek at the other one).
(Ages 8 – 12)Buy from: -
Growing Up Powerful
Buy from:Even the most confident girls’ self-esteem can take a hit during puberty, but this book can help. Using affirmations, information, and helpful advice, it shows girls how to embrace themselves during these formative years. This book offers girls the coping skills they need, from dealing with pimples and mood swings to friendship drama and managing anxiety.
(Ages 8 – 12)Buy from: -
It’s Perfectly Normal: Changing Bodies, Growing Up, Sex, and Sexual Health
Buy from:For a more direct, yet still age-appropriate and friendly, approach that includes the sexual side of puberty, there’s the classic It’s Perfectly Normal. When I first started asking around for resources to have “the talk,” this was the resounding winner. It’s more than 20 years old now, and the illustrations (of fully-naked people, mind you) still have that quirky ‘70s vibe, but it’s gone through a recent update and, at its core, it remains a refreshingly straightforward book about sex, sexuality, puberty, emotions, and relationships — including topics like sexually transmitted infections, what it means to be transgender, and the potential consequences of having sex. And it works for both boys and girls.
And for even more resources, here are some other titles by Harris that help explain all things birds and bees, particularly for younger kids, including It’s So Amazing! and It’s Not the Stork! and Who Has What?
(Ages 10 and up)Buy from: -
Puberty Is Gross but Also Really Awesome
Buy from:Puberty — the good, the bad, and the gross — it’s all here in this highly informative and entertaining book! It tackles everything your kid needs to know about their changing body, from vocal cords and body hair to pimples and periods. Humor, facts, easy-to-read text, and an inclusive approach to puberty eliminates the awkwardness many kids feel about the subject.
(Ages 10 and up)Buy from: -
You Know, Sex
Buy from:If you want an empowering book that tackles topics like consent, bodily autonomy, gender (and gender identity), and boundaries, you’ll love this diverse and inclusive title. From the creator of What Makes a Baby and Sex Is a Funny Word, it’s the perfect resource for modern families and kids.
(Ages 10 and up)Buy from: -
HelloFlo: The Guide, Period.
Buy from:Most of the puberty books listed thus far have been in print for decades — long enough to have been updated more than once for our rapidly changing, modern audience. HelloFlo: The Guide, Period. is one of the few brand-new tomes out there. The tone is fresh, frank, funny; the content is, as any book in this genre should be, first and foremost fact-based. Anecdotes from real girls capture the reality of puberty — including the emotional stuff that underpins it all. This book sounds like the people I know — and the people I want my daughter to know. And there’s a clear effort to bring a little diversity to the conversation, too.
(Ages 10 and up)Buy from: -
Girling Up
Buy from:Actress, neuroscientist, and Jeopardy! host Mayim Bialik uses science and personal anecdotes to explain the ins and outs of growing up. She covers nutrition, self-care, puberty, crushes, school, and more. This book encourages girls to embrace the lifelong journey of becoming their best selves.
(Young Adult)Buy from: -
Boying Up
Buy from:If you want a book about growing up that was created specifically for boys, this is an excellent pick. Mayim Bialik shares the science and facts about growing up as a male in modern society and backs it up with graphics, charts, and personal experiences. Boys looking for a good book about reaching their full potential and becoming well-rounded people will find it here.
(Young Adult)Buy from:
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Books for Parents:
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Growing Up in Public
Buy from:Social media is a significant factor in young people’s lives, and it can be overwhelming for parents to help them navigate it. Devorah Heitner, PhD, offers parents and caregivers advice backed by research and her work with families, schools, and children. You’ll learn how to help your child stay safe online, keep their privacy, and find authenticity in a world where their entire life is captured and shared.
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Growing Up
Buy from:This guide to growing up is a helpful resource for both teens and their parents. Not only does it cover the ins and outs of puberty, but it also provides guidance on navigating modern life, from social media and anxiety to relationships and final exams. It’s a must-have guide for any parent who wants to maintain an open dialogue with their teen as they grow.
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This Is So Awkward
Buy from:If you’re looking for a book that covers every aspect of parenting tweens and teens, this is it. Parents and caregivers will find a holistic look at the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of teens today. It offers excellent advice on how to talk to your kids about topics like puberty, pimples, body odor, mental health, gender and identity, sexuality, mood swings, and more.
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Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2017 and updated in 2026.