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

Navigating the twists and turns of growing up can be a rollercoaster for both kids and parents alike. That's why finding the right puberty books for 10-year-olds is crucial. These books can offer the insights and answers that curious young minds need at this pivotal stage. Whether you're a parent, guardian, or educator, stick around as we dive into various lists of puberty books for 10-year-olds, each thoughtfully curated to help make this journey a little smoother for everyone involved. Keep reading to discover your go-to guide!

Fun Puberty Books for 10-Year-Olds

• 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 provides a comprehensive guide on the physical changes that girls experience during puberty.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's written in a friendly and understanding tone, making the sometimes awkward topic of puberty approachable and less intimidating.
  • Perfect for: Young girls who are beginning to experience changes in their bodies and have questions about what to expect.

• What's Happening to Me? by Peter Mayle, illustrated by Arthur Robins
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Health, Education
  • Synopsis: This illustrated book offers clear and unpatronizing answers to the questions children really ask about the body, sex, and puberty.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its humorous and informative approach helps demystify the changes that come with growing up, making it easier for children to understand and accept them.
  • Perfect for: Curious pre-teens who appreciate a light-hearted yet factual approach to learning about their bodies.

• 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 provides detailed information about a variety of topics related to puberty and sexual health in an accessible and age-appropriate way.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages open dialogue about growth and changes during puberty with reliable information and supportive illustrations.
  • Perfect for: Pre-teens seeking a thorough understanding of puberty and sexual health, fostering a healthy body image and self-esteem.

• The Boys' Guide to Growing Up by Phil Wilkinson, illustrated by Sarah Horne
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Health, Guidebook
  • Synopsis: A friendly and reassuring guide for boys about the challenges and joys of growing up, including changes to their bodies and emotional development.
  • Why we recommend this book: It addresses common questions and concerns in a straightforward and reassuring manner, making the puberty conversation less daunting.
  • Perfect for: Boys who are looking for answers about puberty and appreciate guidance presented in a clear and calm way.

Educational Puberty Books for 10-Year-Olds

• The Girls' Guide to Growing Up Great by Sophie Elkan, Laura Chaisty, and Maddy Podichetty
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Health, Self-Help
  • Synopsis: This book covers everything from body changes and mood swings to peer pressure and self-esteem for young girls.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional awareness, self-confidence, and understanding of physical health
  • Why we recommend this book: It's empowering, supportive, and filled with relatable advice tailored for girls navigating the challenging pre-teen years.
  • Perfect for: Girls looking for guidance and reassurance as they go through puberty.

• Guy Stuff: The Body Book for Boys by Cara Natterson, illustrated by Micah Player
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Health, Guidebook
  • Synopsis: This book provides practical advice about common physical, emotional, and behavioral changes in boys during puberty.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of bodily changes, emotional self-care
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a straightforward, engaging, and reassuring approach to puberty tailored specifically for boys.
  • Perfect for: Boys who want clear and practical advice about the changes happening in their bodies and lives.

• Sex is a Funny Word: A Book about Bodies, Feelings, and YOU by Cory Silverberg, illustrated by Fiona Smyth
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Sex Education, Diversity
  • Synopsis: This comic book-style guide discusses bodies, gender, and sexuality in a direct, inclusive, and non-judgmental manner.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Gender identity, emotional literacy, respect for diversity
  • Why we recommend this book: Its inclusive approach makes it a pioneering resource for discussing complex topics like gender and consent in an accessible way.
  • Perfect for: Children and families looking for an inclusive, comprehensive discussion about bodies and sexuality.

• Growing Up Great!: The Ultimate Puberty Book for Boys by Scott Todnem
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Health, Education
  • Synopsis: This guide covers physical changes, emotional fluctuations, and important health habits for boys during puberty.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Health literacy, emotional management
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides boys with the tools and knowledge they need to navigate puberty with confidence and understanding.
  • Perfect for: Pre-teen boys seeking straightforward and supportive advice on the changes they are experiencing.

Challenging Puberty Books for 10-Year-Olds

• The Feelings Book by Dr. Lynda Madison, illustrated by Norm Bendell
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Health, Self-Help
  • Synopsis: This book delves into the wide array of feelings that kids can experience and provides advice on how to handle complex emotions during puberty.
  • Why this book is challenging: It tackles emotional intelligence, a complex area that is not often discussed in depth for this age group.
  • Why we recommend this book: It helps young readers understand and manage their emotions, which is crucial during the turbulent years of puberty.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are navigating both the physical and emotional changes that come with growing up.

• Will Puberty Last My Whole Life? by Julie Metzger and Robert Lehman
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Health, Education
  • Synopsis: Real questions from real-life pre-teens are answered in this book, covering everything from physical changes to emotional swings.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book addresses both common and complex questions with depth and maturity, encouraging advanced understanding.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides honest and relatable answers to tough questions, making puberty less daunting.
  • Perfect for: Curious pre-teens who have many questions about puberty and are looking for detailed answers.

• 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, Guidebook
  • Synopsis: This guide offers comprehensive advice on getting your period, including what to expect and how to handle it.
  • Why this book is challenging: It provides in-depth information on menstruation, a topic that requires a mature understanding and sensitivity.
  • Why we recommend this book: It demystifies a key aspect of female puberty with empathy and factual detail, empowering young girls.
  • Perfect for: Girls who are approaching or have just begun menstruation and need guidance and reassurance.

• Being a Teen: Everything Teen Girls & Boys Should Know About Relationships, Sex, Love, Health, Identity & More by Jane Fonda
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Health, Relationships
  • Synopsis: This book tackles crucial topics about physical health, emotional well-being, and relationships during the teenage years.
  • Why this book is challenging: It discusses a broad range of topics including identity and relationships with an in-depth approach suitable for older or more mature pre-teens.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a comprehensive guide to the teenage years from a trusted source, providing valuable insights into complex issues.
  • Perfect for: Teens and pre-teens looking for a deeper understanding of the physical and emotional aspects of growing up.

• What's Going on Down There? by Karen Gravelle, illustrated by Nick Castro
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Health, Anatomy
  • Synopsis: This book answers questions boys have about puberty, sex, and other bodily changes in a straightforward and accessible way.
  • Why this book is challenging: It covers sensitive topics with a level of detail that requires mature comprehension and openness.
  • Why we recommend this book: It helps demystify many of the questions boys have about their bodies, promoting a healthy and informed perspective.
  • Perfect for: Boys who are seeking clear and honest explanations about the changes happening during puberty.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Navigating through puberty can be a rollercoaster, and finding the right books to read during this time can be just as challenging. To make the most out of the puberty books you're exploring, here are some exercises designed to enhance your reading habits and deepen your understanding. These activities are perfect for 10-year-olds looking to get more from their reading experience.

• 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: Helps you stay focused and make reading a regular part of your day.
  • Tips: Start with small, manageable goals and gradually increase them.

• Create a Reading Space
  • What it is: Designate a specific area in your home as your reading nook.
  • How it helps: Provides a comfortable and quiet environment that can enhance concentration.
  • Tips: Make sure it’s well-lit and free from distractions like TV and smartphones.

• Discuss What You Read
  • What it is: Talk about the book with friends or family who are reading it too.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding and retention of the book’s content.
  • Tips: Try to express what feelings and thoughts the book evokes in you.

• Use a Dictionary
  • What it is: Look up any words you don’t understand while reading.
  • How it helps: Expands your vocabulary and improves comprehension.
  • Tips: Keep a dictionary handy or use a dictionary app while reading.

• Visualize the Story
  • What it is: Picture the scenes from the book in your mind as you read.
  • How it helps: Makes the reading experience more engaging and memorable.
  • Tips: Pause occasionally to imagine the setting, characters, and events.

• Keep a Reading Journal
  • What it is: Maintain a journal to note down thoughts and favorite quotes from the book.
  • How it helps: Helps establish a routine and keep track of progress.
  • Tips: Make it a habit of filling out the journal every day.

By incorporating these exercises into your reading routine, you'll not only enjoy your puberty books more, but you'll also develop strong reading habits that will benefit you throughout life. Happy reading!