8 puberty books for boys

Written by Cara Natterson, American Girl Publishing. With the success of their puberty guide books for girls, American Girl has published another puberty book, but this time it’s for the boys. This book is not just about general puberty though, it’s more of a guide to becoming a healthy adult, both physically and mentally (Body odour? Check. How to be confident? Check. Good sleeping and eating habits? Check). Plus, the colour-coded sections make it super easy for your son to reference whenever he has a new question. $19, indigo.ca 

Written by Kelli Dunham, R.N. Applesauce Press. This bestselling book for ages nine and older explains everything boys need to know about growing up. It’s colourful and easy to read, covering topics like acne, shaving, braces, body hair, vocal changes and what Dunham refers to as “morning surprises.” The author understands her tween and teen audience (with headings like “What do these people want from me?”) and has included cartoon illustrations to go along with the humorous moments. It helps that Dunham is a professional comedian, and a former registered nurse (she describes herself as an ex-nun, genderqueer nurse, author, and nerd comic). $15, indigo.ca

Written by the American Medical Association, Kate Gruenwald Pfeifer and (Editor) Amy B. Middleman, Jossey-Bass. It’s inevitable—your sweet little boy will one day become a stinky (and possibly surly) teenager. This guide by The American Medical Association (Canadian boys can read it too!) explains feelings and relationships, in addition to covering the usual physical changes that occur. Sometimes boys may feel like kids who still want to play, and other times they yearn to be grown-ups, with more freedom and independence. The authors—Pfeifer works as a clinical social worker and Middleman as an adolescent medicine specialist—explain puberty with a straightforward candidness, and there’s also a helpful glossary of medical terms. $18, amazon.ca

Written by Robie H. Harris, Published by Candlewick Press. It’s Perfectly Normal is the third book in a three-part series for ages 10 and up about changing bodies, growing up, sex, and sexual health. The first book, It’s Not The Stork (for ages four and up), is narrated by an adorable cartoon bird and bee as they learn about body parts and where babies come from. The second book, It’s So Amazing (for ages seven and up), is about birth, families, love, homosexuality and more. It’s Perfectly Normal, the grand finale in the series, deals with issues that are more complicated: adoption, abortion, sexual abuse, masturbation, other types of sex, gender identity, miscarriage and HIV/AIDS. Due to the breadth of topics, the book has become somewhat controversial, but it’s popular: it has been translated into 30 languages for parents around the world to use. (It’s recommended for ages 10 and up, but you know your child best, and can decide what is appropriate for him or her). $17, amazon.ca

Written by Jonathon Mar and Grace Norwich, Scholastic Paperbacks. In typical Scholastic fashion, this book includes quizzes, a question-and-answer section and plenty of factual tips. The funky fonts and graphics make it fun to read. The book outlines five stages—starting at age 10 and younger—and continues up until age 17. Get ready: this book doesn’t shy away from hot topics like smelly feet and bad breath, on top of everything else related to puberty. $12, indigo.ca

Written by Jacqui Bailey, Barron’s Educational Series. This book—for both girls and boys, aged 11 to 16—is divided into sections called “Boy Stuff” and “Girl Stuff,” which allows young readers to learn about changes for the opposite sex, too. It also tackles more complicated issues like dating, sex, contraception, pregnancy, STDs, and homosexuality. Some of the line drawings are quite funny, too, which is always appreciated—sometimes you and your kid may need a good laugh to break up a serious conversation. $16, indigo.ca

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