Books on Becoming a Teen for Boys & Girls

The teenage years are a time of rapid physical and emotional changes. Many kids are uncomfortable asking questions about those changes; likewise, many parents are uncomfortable answering them. Books that kids can read alone -- or with their parents -- can make these conversations a little easier and ensure that kids get accurate information.

  1. Guides to Becoming a Teen

    • ̶0;American Medical Association Girl̵7;s Guide to Becoming a Teen̶1; by Kate Gruenwald discusses puberty and other life changes that girls can expect as they become teens. Besides the physical changes in a girl̵7;s body and the onset of menstruation, this book discusses healthy eating, avoiding eating disorders, sexual and romantic feelings and relationships. ̶0;American Medical Association Boy̵7;s Guide to Becoming a Teen̶1; by Kate Gruenwald Pfeifer is a guide to puberty for boys. It helps boys prepare for the changes they can expect in their bodies. It also discusses personal hygiene, healthy eating habits, relationships and the sexual urges and feelings that develop during this time.

    Puberty Questions and Answers

    • ̶0;What̵7;s Going on Down There? Answers to Questions Boys Find Hard to Ask̶1; by Karen Gravelle with Nick and Chava Castro, discusses a lot of subjects that may be difficult for boys to ask about and for parents to answer. With straightforward text and descriptive cartoon drawings, this book covers changing voices, acne, body changes, sexual feelings and more. ̶0;The Period Book: Everything You Don̵7;t Want to Ask But Need to Know̶1; by Karen Gravelle and Debbie Palen will answer questions every girl has about getting her period. Younger girls will find the book reassuring, as the information is presented in a practical and clear manner.

    Teens and Spirituality

    • ̶0;This is Me: A Teen Girl̵7;s Guide to Becoming the Real You̶1; and ̶0;Watch This: A Getting-There Guide to Manhood for Teens̶1; are both by Jeffrey Dean. These two books describe the journey though the teenaged years with an emphasis on finding out what God has in store for teens. Dean has also written ̶0;One-Line Wisdom for Today̵7;s Guys̶1; and ̶0;One-Line Wisdom for Today̵7;s Girls,̶1; which raise thought-provoking questions about they way teens want to live their lives and how they can get there. All of Dean̵7;s books quote from the Bible and have a decidedly Christian point of view.

    Hygiene and Body Image

    • ̶0;The Care and Keeping of You: The Body Book for Younger Girls̶1; by Valorie Schaefer and Josee Masse and ̶0;The Care and Keeping of You 2: The Body Book for Older Girls̶1; by Cara Natterson and Josee Masse divide up the subject of female puberty by age, which helps keep the information from being overwhelming. These two books cover everything that pre-teen and teen girls will be curious about: health and hygiene, body image, eating disorders, menstruation, peer pressure and more. ̶0;The Boy̵7;s Body Guide: A Health and Hygiene Book̶1; by Frank C. Hawkins and Dr. Greta L. B. Laube discusses the physical and emotional issues boys will face as they enter the teen years.

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