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

Hey there! Are you on the lookout for the perfect puberty books for 8-year-olds? It's a time full of curiosity and change, and finding the right resources can make all the difference. Whether you're a parent, guardian, or educator, navigating this topic can be smoother with the right books in hand. Keep reading as we explore various lists of puberty books for 8-year-olds that are both informative and age-appropriate. Let's help make this journey a positive and enlightening one for the young ones!

Fun Puberty Books for 8-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 look at the physical changes young girls will experience during puberty.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's written in a friendly and reassuring tone that makes the topics of puberty and body changes approachable and less daunting.
  • Perfect for: Young girls who are beginning to notice changes in their bodies and have questions about what to expect.

• 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 clear look at sexual health and puberty, covering a wide range of topics important for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It uses humor and accurate illustrations to educate children about a potentially sensitive subject, ensuring they get the right information in a digestible format.
  • Perfect for: Children who are curious about their bodies and the changes that come with puberty, and parents looking for a resource to help explain these topics.

• What's Happening to Me? by Susan Meredith, illustrated by Nancy Leschnikoff
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Health, Guide
  • Synopsis: This friendly book explains to young readers the changes both boys and girls experience during puberty.
  • Why we recommend this book: It addresses common questions and concerns in an accessible way, helping to normalize the experiences of puberty.
  • Perfect for: Pre-teens seeking answers about their own bodies and the changes they are experiencing or will soon experience.

• The Boys' Guide to Growing Up by Phil Wilkinson, illustrated by Sarah Horne
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Health, Self-help
  • Synopsis: A guidebook that gives boys advice on the physical and emotional changes that accompany puberty.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides straightforward, empathetic guidance on puberty tailored specifically towards boys, making it easier for them to understand and cope with the changes.
  • Perfect for: Boys who are starting to go through puberty and need a relatable and informative guide to help them through the process.

Educational Puberty Books for 8-Year-Olds

• The Girls' Guide to Growing Up by Anita Naik, illustrated by Sarah Horne
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Health, Self-help
  • Synopsis: This book offers advice and explanations about the physical and emotional changes that girls face during puberty.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of bodily changes, emotional intelligence, self-care
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a straightforward and empathetic guide that addresses common concerns and feelings experienced during this confusing time.
  • Perfect for: Girls who are approaching or beginning puberty and looking for guidance and reassurance.

• Guy Stuff: The Body Book for Boys by Cara Natterson, illustrated by Micah Player
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Health, Guide
  • Synopsis: This book provides a detailed look at the changes boys undergo during puberty, from body odor to emotional shifts.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Knowledge of physical health, emotional awareness, personal hygiene
  • Why we recommend this book: It's tailored specifically to boys and uses a friendly and understanding tone to discuss sensitive topics.
  • Perfect for: Boys who need clear and accurate information about the changes happening to their bodies during puberty.

• Sex is a Funny Word by Cory Silverberg, illustrated by Fiona Smyth
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Sex Education, Inclusivity
  • Synopsis: A comic book for kids that includes discussions of bodies, gender, and sexuality in a respectful and engaging way.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of gender identity, sexual orientation, body positivity
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes inclusivity and respect for all individuals, regardless of their body type or gender identity.
  • Perfect for: Children and families looking for a comprehensive and inclusive approach to discussing sexuality and relationships.

• HelloFlo: The Guide, Period. by Naama Bloom
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Health, Guide
  • Synopsis: This book demystifies the myths and facts about menstruation and puberty in an engaging and humorous way.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Menstrual health knowledge, debunking myths, self-confidence
  • Why we recommend this book: It tackles the subject of menstruation openly and honestly, helping to reduce stigma and empower young girls.
  • Perfect for: Pre-teens and teens who are looking for a relatable and informative guide on menstruation and other changes that come with puberty.

Challenging Puberty Books for 8-Year-Olds

• American Medical Association Boy's Guide to Becoming a Teen by Amy B. Middleman and Kate Gruenwald Pfeifer
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Health, Guide
  • Synopsis: This book offers practical advice and factual information about the changes boys face during puberty.
  • Why this book is challenging: It delves into complex biological processes and psychological aspects in a detailed manner, which can be advanced for younger readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides scientifically accurate and relatable information, helping boys understand and navigate the changes they experience.
  • Perfect for: Boys seeking a deeper understanding of their physical and emotional development during puberty.

• American Medical Association Girl's Guide to Becoming a Teen by Amy B. Middleman and Kate Gruenwald Pfeifer
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Health, Guide
  • Synopsis: This guide covers everything girls need to know about the physical and emotional changes of puberty.
  • Why this book is challenging: It addresses complex topics such as hormonal changes and emotional fluctuations with a level of detail that is informative yet challenging for younger readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a comprehensive overview of puberty, empowering girls with knowledge and confidence.
  • Perfect for: Girls who are ready for an in-depth look at the changes happening in their bodies and minds during puberty.

• Will Puberty Last My Whole Life? by Julie Metzger and Robert Lehman
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Health, FAQ
  • Synopsis: This book answers real questions from real kids about puberty, covering everything from body changes to emotional health.
  • Why this book is challenging: It presents a wide range of topics in a question-and-answer format that requires readers to engage with diverse and sometimes complex issues.
  • Why we recommend this book: It directly addresses the concerns of young readers with clear, honest answers that help demystify puberty.
  • Perfect for: Curious pre-teens who have lots of questions about puberty and appreciate straightforward, factual answers.

• The 'What's Happening to My Body?' Book for Boys by Lynda Madaras with Area Madaras
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Health, Guide
  • Synopsis: This detailed guide provides in-depth information on the physical and emotional changes boys experience during puberty.
  • Why this book is challenging: It uses a comprehensive and detailed approach to discuss puberty, which can be intellectually demanding for younger readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's thorough and empathetic, providing boys with the knowledge they need to feel confident about the changes they are experiencing.
  • Perfect for: Boys looking for a detailed and supportive guide to understanding puberty.

• The 'What's Happening to My Body?' Book for Girls by Lynda Madaras with Area Madaras
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Health, Guide
  • Synopsis: This book offers a thorough exploration of the physical and emotional changes girls face during puberty.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book covers a broad range of topics in great detail, from biological changes to emotional management, which can be complex for younger readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides comprehensive and compassionate guidance, helping girls navigate this critical period with confidence and understanding.
  • Perfect for: Girls who want a thorough understanding of the changes happening during puberty and how to handle them.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your 8-year-old dive into books about puberty, fostering good reading habits is key. Here are a few exercises that can make reading more engaging and beneficial for them. These activities not only make reading fun but also enhance their understanding and retention of what they learn.

• Set a Daily Reading Time
  • What it is: Dedicate a specific time each day for reading.
  • How it helps: Creates a routine, making reading a regular part of the day.
  • Tips: Choose a quiet time when your child is usually relaxed and not too tired, such as after dinner.

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Designate a special corner in your home as a reading area.
  • How it helps: Makes reading an enjoyable and anticipated activity.
  • Tips: Let your child personalize the space with comfy cushions, their favorite toys, or posters.

• Read Together
  • What it is: Spend time reading the same book with your child.
  • How it helps: Strengthens comprehension and allows for discussion and questions.
  • Tips: Try to express enthusiasm and use different voices for different characters to make it fun.

• Use Book-Related Activities
  • What it is: Engage in activities related to the themes or settings of the book.
  • How it helps: Deepens understanding and makes connections between reading and real life.
  • Tips: If a book mentions a specific dish, try cooking it together, or if it's about a place, look it up on a map.

• Ask Open-Ended Questions
  • What it is: Pose questions that require more than a yes or no answer.
  • How it helps: Encourages critical thinking and personal connection to the content.
  • Tips: Ask questions like "What would you do if you were in the character’s shoes?" or "Why do you think the character acted that way?"

• Start a Book Club
  • What it is: Gather a few of your child’s friends and read the same book.
  • How it helps: Promotes social interactions and different perspectives on the same material.
  • Tips: Organize a monthly meeting where they can discuss the book and share their views.

These exercises are fantastic ways to get your child engaged with books about puberty and beyond. By integrating these activities into their reading routine, you're not only enhancing their literacy skills but also making reading a fun and insightful part of their everyday life. So, grab a book, get comfy, and let the adventures begin!