10+ Best Puberty Books for 12-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Navigating the twists and turns of puberty can be a rollercoaster for any 12-year-old, and finding the right resources to help can be just as tricky for parents. That's where puberty books for 12-year-olds come into play, offering valuable insights and answers that can make this transition a little smoother for everyone involved. Curious about which books might be the best fit? Keep reading as we explore various lists of puberty books for 12-year-olds, each packed with supportive information and guidance.

Fun Puberty Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Care and Keeping of You: The Body Book for Younger Girls by Valorie Schaefer, illustrated by Josee Masse
  • Genre(s): Health, Non-fiction
  • Synopsis: This book provides a comprehensive look at the physical changes that girls can expect during puberty.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a friendly and reassuring guide that covers essential health and hygiene topics in an accessible way, making it less intimidating for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Young girls who are looking for answers about body changes and health.

• What's Happening to Me? by Peter Mayle, illustrated by Arthur Robins
  • Genre(s): Health, Non-fiction
  • Synopsis: A light-hearted and informative look at the changes which occur during puberty, addressing common questions and concerns.
  • Why we recommend this book: It uses humor and straightforward language to explain the changes happening during puberty, making it engaging and easy to understand.
  • Perfect for: Pre-teens who appreciate a humorous take on serious topics.

• It's Perfectly Normal: Changing Bodies, Growing Up, Sex, and Sexual Health by Robie H. Harris, illustrated by Michael Emberley
  • Genre(s): Health, Sex Education
  • Synopsis: This book offers a detailed look at sexual health and the physical and emotional changes of adolescence.
  • Why we recommend this book: With its candid and respectful approach to sensitive topics, it helps normalize puberty and encourages open discussion.
  • Perfect for: Kids and pre-teens seeking straightforward answers to complex questions about growing up.

• The Boys' Guide to Growing Up by Phil Wilkinson, illustrated by Sarah Horne
  • Genre(s): Health, Non-fiction
  • Synopsis: A guide that talks boys through the big changes that come with puberty, from body changes to emotional shifts.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides clear and honest explanations about puberty, aimed specifically at easing the concerns of young boys.
  • Perfect for: Boys looking for a direct and reassuring source of information about the changes they are experiencing.

• Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret by Judy Blume
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: The story follows Margaret as she navigates new friends, boys, her family, religion, and the challenges of puberty.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a timeless coming-of-age story that captures the essence of adolescence and the personal growth that comes with it.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories about personal discovery and the challenges of growing up.

Educational Puberty Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Guy Stuff: The Body Book for Boys by Cara Natterson, illustrated by Micah Player
  • Genre(s): Health, Non-fiction
  • Synopsis: This book provides a practical guide covering the changes boys face during puberty with tips on how to manage them.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of bodily changes, health management, self-care
  • Why we recommend this book: It's written specifically for boys and addresses common concerns with straightforward, friendly advice.
  • Perfect for: Boys seeking guidance and reassurance about puberty.

• The Girl's Body Book by Kelli Dunham, illustrated by Laura Tallardy
  • Genre(s): Health, Non-fiction
  • Synopsis: This book is like a friendly guide through the physical and emotional changes girls experience during puberty.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional intelligence, health knowledge, self-esteem
  • Why we recommend this book: It's comprehensive and reassuring, offering advice that helps girls feel more confident about their changing bodies.
  • Perfect for: Girls who are beginning to experience or are curious about the changes of puberty.

• Sex is a Funny Word by Cory Silverberg, illustrated by Fiona Smyth
  • Genre(s): Health, Sex Education
  • Synopsis: A comic book for kids that includes discussions about bodies, gender, and sexuality in a direct, accessible way.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of sexuality and gender, communication skills, critical thinking about social norms
  • Why we recommend this book: It's inclusive and respectful, making it a modern resource for discussing complex topics.
  • Perfect for: Children and pre-teens exploring concepts of gender and sexuality in a safe, informative context.

• The Feelings Book: The Care & Keeping of Your Emotions by Dr. Lynda Madison, illustrated by Josee Masse
  • Genre(s): Health, Emotional Development
  • Synopsis: This book helps girls understand and cope with their emotional lives during puberty.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional regulation, self-awareness, coping strategies
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides tools and tips for managing a wide range of feelings, which can be particularly tumultuous during the pre-teen years.
  • Perfect for: Young girls who need support in managing emotions and understanding their feelings during the changes of puberty.

• What's Going on Down There? A Boy's Guide to Growing Up by Karen Gravelle, illustrated by Nick Castro
  • Genre(s): Health, Non-fiction
  • Synopsis: A straightforward guide that answers common questions boys have about puberty, from voice changes to hair growth.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Knowledge of physical health, understanding of personal development
  • Why we recommend this book: It tackles sensitive topics with humor and facts, making it less daunting for boys to learn about puberty.
  • Perfect for: Pre-teen boys looking for clear and reliable information about the changes happening in their bodies.

Challenging Puberty Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Teenage Brain: A Neuroscientist's Survival Guide to Raising Adolescents and Young Adults by Frances E. Jensen with Amy Ellis Nutt
  • Genre(s): Science, Non-fiction
  • Synopsis: This book explores the science behind the teenage brain, offering insights into its unique strengths and vulnerabilities.
  • Why this book is challenging: It delves into complex neurological concepts and scientific studies that are advanced for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a scientific perspective on why teenagers think and act the way they do, which can be enlightening for young readers starting to notice changes in their own behaviors.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in science and understanding more about their own brain development during puberty.

• Being a Teen: Everything Teen Girls & Boys Should Know About Relationships, Sex, Love, Health, Identity & More by Jane Fonda
  • Genre(s): Health, Relationships, Identity
  • Synopsis: This comprehensive guide covers a wide range of topics relevant to teenage life, from body image and mental health to relationships and sexual health.
  • Why this book is challenging: It addresses complex emotional and social issues with depth and maturity that can be challenging for younger readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers thoughtful advice and information that can help teens navigate their complex feelings and relationships during puberty.
  • Perfect for: Teens looking for a deeper understanding of personal and social issues during adolescence.

• The "What's Happening to My Body?" Book for Girls by Lynda Madaras with Area Madaras
  • Genre(s): Health, Non-fiction
  • Synopsis: This book provides detailed information about the physical and emotional changes that girls experience during puberty.
  • Why this book is challenging: It offers an in-depth look at puberty with more detailed and comprehensive information than typical puberty books.
  • Why we recommend this book: It empowers girls with knowledge about their bodies and the changes they undergo, promoting a positive body image and self-esteem.
  • Perfect for: Girls seeking a thorough and informative guide to the changes of puberty.

• The "What's Happening to My Body?" Book for Boys by Lynda Madaras with Area Madaras
  • Genre(s): Health, Non-fiction
  • Synopsis: This resource covers the physical and emotional development boys face during puberty with detailed explanations and advice.
  • Why this book is challenging: Like its counterpart for girls, this book provides detailed, in-depth information that goes beyond basic puberty education.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers boys a comprehensive understanding of their developmental changes, helping them feel more confident and informed.
  • Perfect for: Boys who want a detailed and supportive guide through their puberty journey.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Navigating through puberty can be a rollercoaster, and believe it or not, reading can be a fantastic companion during this time. Books about puberty not only provide valuable information but also comfort and a sense of normalcy. To make the most out of these reads, developing good reading habits is key. Here are some exercises designed specifically for 12-year-olds to enhance their reading experience:

• Set Specific Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide on how many pages or chapters to read each day.
  • How it helps: Encourages consistency and discipline in reading.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

• Create a Dedicated Reading Space
  • What it is: Designate a specific area in your home for reading.
  • How it helps: Minimizes distractions and enhances focus.
  • Tips: Make sure it’s well-lit and comfortable, adding personal touches like a favorite chair or decorations.

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

• Use a Reading App
  • What it is: Utilize technology by using apps that encourage reading and track progress.
  • How it helps: Modernizes the reading experience and can make tracking progress fun.
  • Tips: Choose apps that offer rewards or achievements to keep motivation high.

• Join a Reading Group
  • What it is: Participate in a book club or reading group that focuses on puberty and young adult books.
  • How it helps: Provides social interaction and exposes you to diverse perspectives.
  • Tips: Be active in discussions and don’t be afraid to share your own insights!

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

Incorporating these exercises into your daily routine can transform reading from a solitary activity into a more engaging and enriching experience. As you explore books about puberty, these habits will not only improve your reading skills but also enhance your understanding of the changes you're experiencing. Happy reading!