10+ Best Books About Periods for 8-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Navigating the conversation about puberty and menstruation with your little ones can feel daunting, but it doesn't have to be! With the right resources, you can help your 8-year-old understand their body in a healthy, positive way. Our curated list of books about periods for 8-year-olds offers age-appropriate, engaging, and educational content to ease into these important discussions. Keep reading to discover the perfect books to support you and your child through this significant learning curve.

Fun Books About Periods for 8-Year-Olds

• Celebrate Your Body (and Its Changes, Too!) by Sonya Renee Taylor, illustrated by Caitlin Kuhwald
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Health, Self-help
  • Synopsis: This book provides a friendly and age-appropriate exploration of puberty and the changes that come with it, including menstruation.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's written in a reassuring tone that makes the topic of puberty less daunting. The illustrations are engaging and help clarify the text.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are curious about the changes their bodies are beginning to experience.

• The Care and Keeping of You: The Body Book for Younger Girls by Valorie Schaefer, illustrated by Josee Masse
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Health, Self-help
  • Synopsis: This book offers a comprehensive look at the physical and emotional changes that girls experience during puberty.
  • Why we recommend this book: It breaks down complex topics into digestible information, making it easier for young readers to understand and accept these changes.
  • Perfect for: Girls looking for guidance and reassurance about puberty.

• 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, Education
  • Synopsis: This book covers a range of topics including puberty, sexual health, and body image, presented in a straightforward and accessible way.
  • Why we recommend this book: It includes detailed illustrations and clear explanations, helping to normalize the changes that come with growing up.
  • Perfect for: Preteens seeking a thorough and factual guide to puberty and sexual health.

• What's Happening to Me? by Susan Meredith, illustrated by Nancy Leschnikoff
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Health, Education
  • Synopsis: This friendly book answers common questions about puberty and growing up, from body changes to emotional swings.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gentle introduction to puberty that helps demystify the process with clear, friendly advice.
  • Perfect for: Children who are just starting to notice changes in their bodies and have lots of questions.

• The Girls' Guide to Growing Up by Anita Naik, illustrated by Sarah Horne
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Health, Guide
  • Synopsis: Offers advice on the challenges of growing up, from body changes and dealing with bras to handling emotions and maintaining friendships.
  • Why we recommend this book: It addresses common fears and questions with sensitivity and practical advice, making it a supportive guide for navigating puberty.
  • Perfect for: Girls seeking straightforward advice and tips on handling the ups and downs of puberty.

Educational Books About Periods for 8-Year-Olds

• HelloFlo: The Guide, Period. by Naama Bloom, illustrated by Fleur Sciortino
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Health, Self-help
  • Synopsis: This guide offers a fun and informative look at menstruation and puberty, aiming to demystify the process and provide practical advice.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of bodily changes, health awareness, personal hygiene
  • Why we recommend this book: It uses humor and relatable scenarios to ease the anxiety around getting a period for the first time.
  • Perfect for: Preteens who appreciate a light-hearted yet informative approach to learning about periods.

• Period: A Girl's Guide by JoAnn Loulan & Bonnie Worthen, illustrated by Chris Wold Dyrud
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Health, Guide
  • Synopsis: This book provides detailed information about the menstrual cycle, offering answers to both common and unique questions young girls might have.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Knowledge about menstruation, self-care practices, body confidence
  • Why we recommend this book: It's comprehensive yet accessible, making it a great resource for girls seeking thorough explanations about periods.
  • Perfect for: Girls who want a deeper understanding of their bodies and are looking for answers to specific questions about menstruation.

• My Little Red Book by Rachel Kauder Nalebuff
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Health, Anthology
  • Synopsis: This book is a collection of personal stories from women of all ages from around the world sharing their first menstruation experiences.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, cultural awareness, emotional understanding
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates the shared experience of menstruation and helps normalize it through diverse personal narratives.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy real-life stories and can learn from the experiences of others.

• 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 discusses everything a girl needs to know about her period, from the biological basics to practical advice on handling it with confidence.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Biological understanding of menstruation, practical problem-solving, self-management
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides clear, reassuring answers to common questions and concerns regarding menstruation.
  • Perfect for: Young girls looking for a straightforward and supportive guide to understanding and managing their periods.

Challenging Books About Periods for 8-Year-Olds

• Secrets of the Cycle: Mastering the Mysteries of Menstruation by Melissa Holmes
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Health, Science
  • Synopsis: This book dives deep into the science of menstruation, explaining the biological processes in a detailed and engaging way.
  • Why this book is challenging: It uses scientific terminology and concepts that are usually introduced at higher educational levels, challenging young readers to expand their vocabulary and scientific understanding.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a scientific foundation for understanding menstruation, encouraging curiosity and a respect for the body's natural processes.
  • Perfect for: Young scientists and any reader eager to learn the "whys" behind their bodily functions in a detailed manner.

• The Moon Within by Aida Salazar
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Poetry
  • Synopsis: Told in verse, this novel follows Celi Rivera as she navigates her first menstruation, cultural expectations, and personal identity.
  • Why this book is challenging: The poetic format and the exploration of complex themes such as cultural identity and body positivity offer a rich, multi-layered reading experience.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines lyrical storytelling with the exploration of puberty, offering a unique perspective on personal growth and acceptance.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate poetry and stories that delve into personal and cultural exploration.

• Cycle Savvy: The Smart Teen’s Guide to the Mysteries of Her Body by Toni Weschler
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Health, Guide
  • Synopsis: This book provides detailed insights into the menstrual cycle, including how to track it and understand its impact on one's body and mood.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces concepts of charting and hormonal fluctuations that are typically not discussed until much later in life.
  • Why we recommend this book: It empowers readers by providing them with tools to understand and manage their menstrual health proactively.
  • Perfect for: Advanced readers who are ready to take a hands-on approach to understand their bodies better.

• Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret by Judy Blume
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: This classic novel explores the experiences of Margaret as she confronts the challenges of puberty, religion, and social dynamics in her preteen years.
  • Why this book is challenging: While primarily aimed at preteens, the themes of self-discovery, faith, and the quest for identity present nuanced challenges for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a compassionate look at the anxieties and triumphs of growing up, making it a timeless tale for those experiencing similar changes.
  • Perfect for: Readers looking for a story that reflects their own uncertainties and milestones during puberty.

• Luna's Red Hat: An Illustrated Storybook to Help Children Cope with Loss and Suicide by Emmi Smid
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Health, Emotional Learning
  • Synopsis: This touching story addresses the difficult topics of grief and suicide through the eyes of Luna, a young girl dealing with her mother's death.
  • Why this book is challenging: It tackles very mature themes through a narrative accessible to children, requiring them to deal with complex emotions.
  • Why we recommend this book: It helps young readers understand and process feelings of loss, providing them with emotional tools that are crucial during any life-changing event, including the onset of puberty.
  • Perfect for: Children who are dealing with or curious about the emotional aspects of growth and loss.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your 8-year-old develop great reading habits while exploring books about periods, I've got some fun and effective exercises for you. These activities are designed to engage young readers and make their reading experience both enjoyable and educational. Let's dive in!

• Create a Reading Corner
  • What it is: Set up a cozy, dedicated space for reading.
  • How it helps: Encourages regular reading by providing a special spot just for this activity.
  • Tips: Let your child personalize the space with comfy cushions and their favorite stuffed animals.

• Book-Themed Art Projects
  • What it is: Create art related to the themes or characters in the book.
  • How it helps: Reinforces the content of the book and stimulates creative expression.
  • Tips: Use a variety of materials like crayons, markers, and construction paper to keep things exciting.

• Story Map Creation
  • What it is: Draw a map that outlines the story’s events or settings.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and helps visualize the narrative structure.
  • Tips: Start with major events and settings, then add smaller details as they become more familiar with the story.

• Character Role Play
  • What it is: Act out scenes from the book as different characters.
  • How it helps: Deepens understanding of the characters and their motivations.
  • Tips: Use simple costumes or props to make the role-playing more fun and engaging.

• Reading Out Loud
  • What it is: Take turns reading the book aloud with your child.
  • How it helps: Improves pronunciation and builds confidence in reading skills.
  • Tips: Encourage expression by changing your voice for different characters.

• Discussion Time
  • What it is: Set aside time after reading to discuss the book’s themes and lessons.
  • How it helps: Enhances critical thinking and comprehension.
  • Tips: Ask open-ended questions to encourage thoughtful responses.

• Bookmark Crafting
  • What it is: Create custom bookmarks related to the book.
  • How it helps: Makes the reading process more personal and fun.
  • Tips: Use materials like ribbons, stickers, and markers for decoration.

These exercises aren't just about reading; they're about making reading a comprehensive and enjoyable part of your child's daily life. By incorporating these activities, you're not only helping your 8-year-old develop strong reading habits, but you're also creating wonderful memories together. Have fun reading and learning together!