10+ Best Books About Periods for 10-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

As your little one steps into the double digits, their curiosity about everything skyrockets, including their own bodies. That's why finding the right books about periods for 10-year-olds can be a game changer. These books are crafted to explain this natural part of life in a way that's both understandable and comforting. Curious about which books to pick? Keep reading as we explore various lists of books about periods for 10-year-olds, perfect for helping your child navigate this new chapter with confidence and clarity.

Fun Books About Periods for 10-Year-Olds

• Celebrate Your Body (and Its Changes, Too!) by Sonya Renee Taylor, illustrated by Caitlin Kuhwald
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Health, Body Positivity
  • Synopsis: This book provides a friendly and inclusive look at the changes young girls face during puberty, including menstruation.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's written in a supportive and reassuring tone that makes the topic of periods less daunting and more of a natural, celebrated part of growing up.
  • Perfect for: Young readers looking for clear and positive information about their changing bodies.

• The Care and Keeping of You: The Body Book for Younger Girls, Volume 1 by Valorie Schaefer, illustrated by Josee Masse
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Health, Self-help
  • Synopsis: This book covers everything preteen girls need to know about their developing bodies, from skincare and hair care to healthy eating and, of course, menstruation.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's incredibly informative and presents sensitive topics in a way that's accessible and easy to understand for younger readers.
  • Perfect for: Preteens who are curious about puberty and looking for a comprehensive guide to body changes.

• It's Perfectly Normal: Changing Bodies, Growing Up, Sex, and Sexual Health by Robie H. Harris, illustrated by Michael Emberley
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Health, Sex Education
  • Synopsis: This book offers a candid and detailed look at human sexuality, including detailed discussions about puberty and menstruation.
  • Why we recommend this book: It uses a straightforward and factual approach to discuss sensitive topics, helping to demystify aspects of growing up that can sometimes seem scary or confusing.
  • Perfect for: Children and preteens seeking a thorough explanation of sexual health and puberty with supportive illustrations.

• HelloFlo: The Guide, Period. by Naama Bloom
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Health, Guide
  • Synopsis: This straightforward guide dives into the nitty-gritty of periods, providing advice, anecdotes, and a bit of humor to help girls navigate this phase of life.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's engaging and uses humor to ease the anxiety surrounding periods, making it a fun and informative read.
  • Perfect for: Girls who might be feeling nervous about getting their period and could use some laughter along with their learning.

• Period Power: A Manifesto for the Menstrual Movement by Nadya Okamoto
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Activism, Health
  • Synopsis: This book aims to explain the history and politics of menstruation, advocating for period positivity and the elimination of the stigma surrounding menstruation.
  • Why we recommend this book: It empowers readers by connecting personal experiences with broader social issues, encouraging activism from a young age.
  • Perfect for: Young activists interested in social justice and health equality, and anyone ready to change the way society views menstruation.

Educational Books About Periods for 10-Year-Olds

• The Period Book: A Girl's Guide to Growing Up by Karen Gravelle and Jennifer Gravelle, illustrated by Debbie Palen
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Health, Guide
  • Synopsis: This comprehensive guide addresses all aspects of menstruation and the emotional and physical changes that come with it, in a straightforward and friendly manner.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of bodily changes, health literacy, emotional coping strategies
  • Why we recommend this book: It breaks down complex topics into digestible parts, making it easier for young readers to understand and accept the changes they are experiencing.
  • Perfect for: Girls who are approaching or beginning their menstrual cycles and want a clear and honest guide to what’s happening to their bodies.

• What's Happening to My Body? Book for Girls: Revised Edition by Lynda Madaras with Area Madaras
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Health, Education
  • Synopsis: This book provides detailed information on the physical and emotional changes a young girl experiences during puberty, including menstruation.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Body awareness, emotional intelligence, self-esteem
  • Why we recommend this book: It is renowned for its warmth and approachability, making challenging topics more accessible to young readers.
  • Perfect for: Preteen girls seeking a deeper understanding of their changing bodies and emotions during puberty.

• Girlology: There's Something New About You: A Girl’s Guide to Growing Up by Melisa Holmes and Trish Hutchison
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Health, Self-help
  • Synopsis: Written by two physicians, this book covers puberty and menstruation with a focus on medical accuracy and emotional support.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Medical knowledge, emotional resilience, self-care practices
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides medically accurate information in a compassionate and understanding tone, ideal for easing fears and promoting health.
  • Perfect for: Girls looking for straightforward, medically-informed advice about puberty and menstruation.

• My Little Red Book by Rachel Kauder Nalebuff
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Anthology, Personal Stories
  • Synopsis: This book is a collection of personal stories from women of all ages and backgrounds sharing their first-period experiences.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, cultural understanding, emotional expression
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates the diversity of menstrual experiences and helps normalize the conversation around periods.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in personal stories and those looking to feel connected to a community through shared experiences.

• Cycle Savvy: The Smart Teen's Guide to the Mysteries of Her Body by Toni Weschler
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Health, Education
  • Synopsis: This guide offers teens insights into their menstrual cycles, including detailed explanations of reproductive anatomy and practical advice for tracking cycles.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Biological science, self-monitoring, analytical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It empowers young women with knowledge about their bodies and encourages them to take charge of their health in an informed way.
  • Perfect for: Teen girls who are ready to understand and manage their menstrual health with confidence and clarity.

Challenging Books About Periods for 10-Year-Olds

• Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. by Judy Blume
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Young Adult, Coming of Age
  • Synopsis: This novel follows Margaret Simon, a sixth-grader who is navigating the complexities of puberty, faith, and friendships. She is particularly anxious about getting her first period and wearing a bra.
  • Why this book is challenging: It tackles complex themes such as religion, personal identity, and the anxieties associated with growing up, all interwoven with the topic of menstruation.
  • Why we recommend this book: Judy Blume's frank and empathetic approach provides comfort and understanding for readers going through similar experiences.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are beginning to ask questions about puberty and are looking for stories that reflect their experiences and feelings.

• The Moon Within by Aida Salazar
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Poetry, Middle Grade
  • Synopsis: Written in verse, this book tells the story of Celi Rivera, a girl whose mother is preparing her for a traditional Mexican moon ceremony to celebrate her first menstruation.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative poetry format and the blending of cultural themes with bodily changes make this a unique and enriching read for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a beautiful, lyrical exploration of coming-of-age within the rich context of Mexican-American culture, encouraging readers to embrace their heritage and bodily changes.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in cultural diversity and those who enjoy poetic storytelling.

• Red: A Crayon's Story by Michael Hall
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Picture Book, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: Although this book is not directly about menstruation, it uses the metaphor of a red crayon mistakenly labeled as blue to explore themes of identity and acceptance.
  • Why this book is challenging: It subtly introduces concepts of identity and societal expectations, which are relevant to discussions about body image and puberty.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a gentle introduction to accepting oneself and others, which is a crucial lesson for children approaching puberty.
  • Perfect for: Younger readers who are starting to notice and question societal roles and personal identity.

• Vaginas and Periods 101: A Pop-Up Book by Christian Hoeger and Kristen Lilla
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Health, Pop-Up Book
  • Synopsis: This innovative pop-up book educates readers about female anatomy and the menstrual cycle in a visually engaging way.
  • Why this book is challenging: The pop-up format requires interaction and engagement, which helps in retaining complex information about anatomy and physiology.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its interactive nature makes learning about potentially sensitive topics fun and engaging, helping to demystify aspects of puberty.
  • Perfect for: Visual learners and any young reader who might benefit from a more tactile learning experience about their bodies.

• Secrets of the Cycle: A Guide to Understanding Your Body and Loving Your Period by Mary Anderson
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Health, Self-help
  • Synopsis: This guide provides a detailed look at menstrual health, offering advice on how to embrace and manage menstruation positively.
  • Why this book is challenging: It delves deep into the physiological and psychological impacts of the menstrual cycle, providing advanced insights that are not typically covered in children's literature.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages a positive and proactive attitude toward menstrual health, which can build confidence and self-awareness in young readers.
  • Perfect for: Readers seeking a deeper understanding of their bodies and those looking for guidance on how to manage their menstrual health with confidence.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into books about periods and you're around 10 years old, it's a great time to build some strong reading habits. Here are a few exercises that can help make reading more engaging and fun. Remember, the more you enjoy reading, the more you'll want to read!

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how much time you'll spend reading each day or how many pages you want to read.
  • How it helps: Setting goals can give you a clear target to aim for, making reading a fun challenge.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals and gradually increase them as you get more comfortable.

• Create a Reading Space
  • What it is: Designate a special spot at home where you can read without interruptions.
  • How it helps: Having a dedicated space can make reading time a special part of your day.
  • Tips: Make sure your reading spot is comfortable and has good lighting.

• Read Aloud
  • What it is: Read your books out loud, either to yourself or to someone else.
  • How it helps: Reading aloud can improve your pronunciation and help you understand the text better.
  • Tips: Try changing your tone and voice to match different characters or situations in the book.

• Use a Reading App
  • What it is: Utilize an app that can track your reading progress or help you find new books.
  • How it helps: Apps can provide recommendations and make it easier to keep track of what you’ve read.
  • Tips: Look for apps that are kid-friendly and have engaging features like rewards or badges.

• Join a Book Club
  • What it is: Participate in a book club at school or in your community.
  • How it helps: Discussing books with peers can enhance your understanding and make reading a social activity.
  • Tips: Don’t be shy! Share your thoughts and listen to what others think about the book.

Wrapping up, these exercises aren't just about reading more; they're about making reading a fun and integral part of your life. Give them a try, tweak them to fit your style, and watch as books become your new best friends! Happy reading!