Recommended Books about Puberty

If you have a child who is nearing puberty, here are 2 book recommendations specifically for you.

Changing You: A Guide to Body Changes and Sexuality by Dr. Gail Saltz, is about 30 pages long, and illustrated with cartoon-style illustrations. It briefly addresses: puberty, boy genital names & pubertal changes, girl genitals and pubertal changes, erections, menstruation, hair growth, sexual intercourse, fertilization, pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding. It very, very briefly mentions masturbation and hints at sexual abuse (at almost the same time--saying that it's normal to touch your own body but that you shouldn't let anyone else do so.) All in all, a good run-down of the basics, especially if you are shopping for a daughter. A more detailed review of this book is here.


It's So Amazing by Robie Harris & Michael Emberley is my favorite book for puberty information, particularly if the child already knows some information and is now ready for more depth. The authors do a great job of covering a wide variety of topics, and do so with respect, pragmatism, and openness.



And for parents, I recommend From Diapers to Dating. It's a reference source and guide for all sorts of information about children and sexuality and development. The author is a minister, interestingly, and does address how to share your family values about sexuality with your kids as well.



There are many other good books, but these are my favorites. Happy Reading!