10+ Best Puberty Books for 11-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Navigating the twists and turns of puberty can be a bit of a puzzle for both parents and their 11-year-olds. That's where puberty books for 11-year-olds come into play, offering a treasure trove of insights and answers that are age-appropriate and easy to understand. Whether you're a parent looking for the right words to explain body changes or an 11-year-old seeking some self-guided knowledge, these books can be a great resource. Keep reading to discover various lists of puberty books for 11-year-olds that cater to different needs and questions.

Fun Puberty Books for 11-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 to the physical changes that preteen girls experience during puberty.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's written in a friendly and reassuring tone that makes sensitive topics approachable and easier to understand.
  • Perfect for: Young girls looking for answers to their body changes and health questions.

• Guy Stuff: The Body Book for Boys by Cara Natterson, illustrated by Micah Player
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Health, Self-help
  • Synopsis: This book offers a straightforward look at the physical changes and challenges boys face during puberty.
  • Why we recommend this book: It addresses common concerns in a factual and reassuring manner, making it a great resource for boys seeking guidance about their growing bodies.
  • Perfect for: Boys curious about the changes happening during their preteen years and seeking practical advice.

• 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 puberty, sexual health, and relationships, accompanied by engaging and informative illustrations.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a candid and age-appropriate explanation of topics that are often considered taboo, helping to normalize them and promote healthy discussions.
  • Perfect for: Preteens seeking a deeper understanding of sexual health and relationships in a respectful and educational format.

• What's Happening to My Body? Book for Girls: Revised Edition by Lynda Madaras with Area Madaras
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Health, Self-help
  • Synopsis: This book covers a range of topics related to the female body and puberty, including growth developments, menstruation, and emotional changes.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's comprehensive and empathetic, offering guidance and support through the various stages of puberty.
  • Perfect for: Girls who want a thorough guide to the changes their bodies are going through during puberty.

• What's Happening to My Body? Book for Boys: Revised Edition by Lynda Madaras with Area Madaras
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Health, Self-help
  • Synopsis: This book explores the physical and emotional changes boys experience during puberty and provides answers to common questions.
  • Why we recommend this book: It helps demystify the changes boys face during puberty in an honest and accessible way.
  • Perfect for: Boys looking for a reliable resource to help navigate the often confusing changes of puberty.

Educational Puberty Books for 11-Year-Olds

• The Boys' Guide to Growing Up by Phil Wilkinson
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Health, Self-help
  • Synopsis: A straightforward guide that addresses the concerns and changes boys face during puberty with practical advice and real-life examples.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of physical changes, emotional intelligence, personal hygiene
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides clear, no-nonsense advice that is easy to understand, making the sometimes-complicated topic of puberty more approachable for boys.
  • Perfect for: Boys who appreciate a direct and factual approach to learning about their bodies and emotions during puberty.

• The Girls' Guide to Growing Up by Anita Naik
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Health, Self-help
  • Synopsis: Offers advice on the physical and emotional changes that girls experience during puberty, along with tips on handling them with confidence.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Self-esteem, body awareness, emotional coping strategies
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a supportive and encouraging resource that empowers girls to feel confident about the changes they are experiencing.
  • Perfect for: Girls who are starting to notice changes in their bodies and are looking for guidance and reassurance.

• Sex is a Funny Word: A Book about Bodies, Feelings, and YOU by Cory Silverberg, illustrated by Fiona Smyth
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Health, Sex Education
  • Synopsis: This comic book-style guide explores themes of bodies, gender, and sexuality in a respectful and accessible way for children.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Gender identity, sexual education, respect for diversity
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces complex topics like gender and consent in a way that is engaging, thoughtful, and appropriate for preteens.
  • Perfect for: Children who are curious about different aspects of sex and relationships and are ready to learn about them in a safe and inclusive manner.

• Growing Up Great!: The Ultimate Puberty Book for Boys by Scott Todnem
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Health, Self-help
  • Synopsis: Covers all aspects of male puberty and growth, from physical body changes to emotional health, in an upbeat and positive tone.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional well-being, physical health awareness, social skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It tackles the topic of puberty without being overwhelming, using a friendly and reassuring voice that resonates with young boys.
  • Perfect for: Boys who are looking for a comprehensive yet easy-to-digest guide on navigating the challenges of puberty.

• Celebrate Your Body (and Its Changes, Too!): The Ultimate Puberty Book for Girls by Sonya Renee Taylor
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Health, Self-help
  • Synopsis: This book provides a positive and empowering guide to the changes girls face during puberty, promoting body positivity and self-love.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Self-confidence, body positivity, understanding of physical and emotional changes
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages girls to view puberty as a normal and exciting part of growing up, helping to build their confidence and self-esteem.
  • Perfect for: Girls who need a boost of positivity and empowerment as they navigate the complexities of puberty.

Challenging Puberty Books for 11-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, Self-help
  • Synopsis: This book offers a detailed look at the menstrual cycle, providing practical advice on handling periods, and answering common questions about puberty.
  • Why this book is challenging: It dives into the scientific aspects of menstruation, which can be complex, and discusses emotional coping mechanisms.
  • Why we recommend this book: It demystifies a topic that can be daunting and provides clear, factual information to help young girls feel more confident about their bodies.
  • Perfect for: Girls seeking a deeper understanding of their menstrual cycle and how to manage it.

• Will Puberty Last My Whole Life? by Julie Metzger and Robert Lehman
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Health, Self-help
  • Synopsis: This book answers real questions from real kids about puberty, covering everything from body changes to emotional turbulence.
  • Why this book is challenging: It addresses directly the concerns and curiosities of preteens, providing answers that require a mature understanding of human biology and psychology.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a comprehensive resource that encourages curiosity and provides honest answers, helping to alleviate the anxiety associated with puberty.
  • Perfect for: Preteens who have lots of questions about puberty and are looking for clear and accurate answers.

• HelloFlo: The Guide, Period. by Naama Bloom
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Health, Self-help
  • Synopsis: This guide covers everything related to periods, from tracking cycles to dealing with PMS, and includes personal anecdotes and expert advice.
  • Why this book is challenging: It combines scientific information with personal stories, requiring readers to engage with both empirical data and emotional narratives.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a relatable and informative approach to understanding menstruation, making it less intimidating and more approachable for young girls.
  • Perfect for: Girls who are about to start or have just started their menstrual cycle and want a friendly guide through the process.

• The 'What's Happening to My Body?' Book for Older Girls by Lynda Madaras with Area Madaras
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Health, Self-help
  • Synopsis: This book provides in-depth information about the later stages of female puberty, including advanced topics such as sexual health and body image.
  • Why this book is challenging: It covers more advanced and sensitive topics that require a mature understanding, suitable for older or more advanced readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It helps girls navigate the complex issues of late puberty with confidence and knowledge.
  • Perfect for: Older or more mature girls looking for a thorough exploration of the later stages of puberty and beyond.

• The Boy's Body Book: Fourth Edition by Kelli Dunham
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Health, Self-help
  • Synopsis: This is a comprehensive guide for boys on the physical and emotional changes they will encounter during puberty.
  • Why this book is challenging: It tackles not only the biological aspects of puberty but also delves into the emotional and social changes, requiring a broad understanding.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides practical advice and real-life examples that help boys understand and cope with puberty in a healthy way.
  • Perfect for: Boys who are beginning to experience the changes of puberty and need guidance on both the physical and emotional fronts.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Navigating the twists and turns of puberty can be a rollercoaster! Books about puberty can be a great resource for 11-year-olds, helping them understand and cope with the changes they're experiencing. To make the most out of these reads, developing good reading habits is key. Here are some exercises that can help:

• Set a Daily Reading Goal
  • What it is: Decide on a number of pages or a set amount of time to read each day.
  • How it helps: Encourages consistency and helps make reading a daily habit.
  • Tips: Start with small, manageable goals and gradually increase as you get more comfortable.

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Designate a special corner or area in your home just for reading.
  • How it helps: Provides a comfortable, distraction-free environment that can enhance concentration.
  • Tips: Include comfy seating, good lighting, and perhaps a small shelf for your books.

• Discuss What You Read
  • What it is: Talk about the book's content with friends or family members who are interested.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and retention, and can make reading more engaging.
  • Tips: Try forming a small book club with peers who are reading the same book.

• Use a Dictionary
  • What it is: Keep a dictionary handy while reading to look up unfamiliar words.
  • How it helps: Enhances vocabulary and understanding of the text.
  • Tips: Consider using a dictionary app on a device if it's more convenient.

• 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 and reflections.
  • Tips: Make it a habit of filling out the journal every day after your reading session.

• Read Aloud
  • What it is: Read books aloud to yourself or to a younger sibling.
  • How it helps: Improves pronunciation and can make reading more dynamic and interesting.
  • Tips: Change your tone and pace to match different characters or scenarios in the book.

These exercises are designed to not only improve your reading skills but also enhance your understanding and enjoyment of books about puberty. Remember, the goal is to make reading a fun, daily part of your life as you explore all the changes that come with growing up. Happy reading!