10+ Best Puberty Books for 9-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Navigating the twists and turns of growing up can be a breeze with the right resources at hand. If you're looking for the perfect way to introduce the topic of puberty to your 9-year-old, you've come to the right place. Our guide to puberty books for 9-year-olds is packed with thoughtful, age-appropriate options that can help make this conversation as comfortable and informative as possible. Keep reading to discover our top picks for puberty books that are sure to support both you and your child through this important phase.

Fun Puberty Books for 9-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 changes young girls can expect during puberty, including tips on hygiene, health, and emotional well-being.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gentle introduction to puberty that is specifically tailored to younger readers, making complex topics approachable and understandable.
  • Perfect for: Young girls who are beginning to experience changes in their bodies and want a reliable source to help guide them through this new phase.

• What's Happening to Me? by Susan Meredith, illustrated by Nancy Leschnikoff
  • Genre(s): Health, Non-Fiction
  • Synopsis: This friendly and informative book explains to young readers the changes that come with puberty, addressing both physical and emotional growth.
  • Why we recommend this book: It answers common questions in a straightforward and reassuring manner, which can help reduce anxiety about puberty.
  • Perfect for: Children who are curious about the changes happening to their bodies and seeking clear and comforting explanations.

• It's Perfectly Normal: Changing Bodies, Growing Up, Sex, and Sexual Health by Robie H. Harris, illustrated by Michael Emberley
  • Genre(s): Health, Non-Fiction
  • Synopsis: This book offers a detailed look at human sexuality, including puberty, reproduction, and emotional health, presented in a friendly and factual way.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its inclusive and respectful approach makes it a valuable resource for understanding a broad range of topics related to sexual health.
  • Perfect for: Pre-teens looking for honest and clear information about puberty and sexual health in a non-judgmental format.

• Guy Stuff: The Body Book for Boys by Cara Natterson, illustrated by Micah Player
  • Genre(s): Health, Non-Fiction
  • Synopsis: This book covers everything boys need to know about their developing bodies and minds during puberty, from grooming to emotional management.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's specifically designed for boys and addresses their unique concerns during puberty, making it a personalized guide.
  • Perfect for: Boys who are beginning to go through puberty and need practical advice and information tailored to their experiences.

• The Girls' Guide to Growing Up by Anita Naik, illustrated by Sarah Horne
  • Genre(s): Health, Non-Fiction
  • Synopsis: This guide offers advice on the physical and emotional changes that girls face during puberty, with tips on dealing with everything from friendships to first periods.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's written in a friendly and reassuring tone, which can help ease the worries commonly associated with growing up.
  • Perfect for: Young girls looking for guidance and support as they navigate the challenges of puberty.

Educational Puberty Books for 9-Year-Olds

• The Boys' Guide to Growing Up by Phil Wilkinson
  • Genre(s): Health, Non-Fiction
  • Synopsis: A straightforward guide that covers all aspects of male puberty, from physical changes to emotional shifts.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of physical health, emotional intelligence, personal hygiene
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides clear, honest, and reassuring advice that can help boys feel more confident and informed about the changes they are experiencing.
  • Perfect for: Boys seeking a straightforward and supportive guide to puberty.

• Sex is a Funny Word by Cory Silverberg, illustrated by Fiona Smyth
  • Genre(s): Health, Non-Fiction
  • Synopsis: A comic book style exploration of bodies, gender, and sexuality designed for slightly older children.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of gender identity, sexual orientation, body positivity
  • Why we recommend this book: It's inclusive and engaging, perfect for fostering a healthy dialogue about sensitive topics.
  • Perfect for: Children and pre-teens who are ready to learn about the broader spectrum of human sexuality in a respectful and accessible way.

• HelloFlo: The Guide, Period. by Naama Bloom
  • Genre(s): Health, Non-Fiction
  • Synopsis: This guide demystifies the female menstrual cycle with humor and a straightforward tone.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Knowledge about menstruation, body awareness, self-care
  • Why we recommend this book: It tackles menstrual health without embarrassment or euphemisms, encouraging girls to be proud of their bodies.
  • Perfect for: Girls who are approaching or have just started their menstrual cycle and need clear, friendly advice.

• Growing Up Great! by Scott Todnem
  • Genre(s): Health, Non-Fiction
  • Synopsis: This book addresses the emotional and physical changes that boys face during puberty with tips on everything from hygiene to healthy eating.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional well-being, nutritional habits, personal hygiene
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a comprehensive guide that supports boys' health and well-being during a crucial developmental period.
  • Perfect for: Boys in need of a supportive guide to navigate the challenges and changes of puberty.

• Celebrate Your Body (and Its Changes, Too!): The Ultimate Puberty Book for Girls by Sonya Renee Taylor
  • Genre(s): Health, Non-Fiction
  • Synopsis: This empowering book encourages girls to celebrate the changes in their bodies during puberty.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Self-esteem, body positivity, knowledge of physical health
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes a positive self-image and helps girls feel good about themselves and their bodies during the changes of puberty.
  • Perfect for: Girls looking for a positive and affirming guide to the physical and emotional changes of puberty.

Challenging Puberty Books for 9-Year-Olds

• The Boy's Body Book: Fourth Edition by Kelli Dunham
  • Genre(s): Health, Non-Fiction
  • Synopsis: This book serves as a guide for boys navigating the tricky waters of puberty, covering everything from body changes to social issues.
  • Why this book is challenging: It tackles complex social and emotional issues in addition to physical changes, requiring a mature understanding from the reader.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides comprehensive information in a relatable way, helping boys feel more confident and prepared for the changes they're experiencing.
  • Perfect for: Boys seeking a deeper understanding of both the physical and emotional aspects of growing up.

• The Period Book: A Girl's Guide to Growing Up by Karen Gravelle, illustrated by Jennifer Gravelle
  • Genre(s): Health, Non-Fiction
  • Synopsis: This book discusses all things related to menstruation and the physical changes of puberty for girls, aiming to demystify the experience.
  • Why this book is challenging: It discusses sensitive topics like menstruation in depth, requiring a mature level of comprehension and comfort from the reader.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's straightforward and empathetic, making it easier for girls to understand and accept the changes happening to their bodies.
  • Perfect for: Girls looking for clear and detailed information about menstruation and other changes that occur during puberty.

• American Medical Association Boy's Guide to Becoming a Teen by Amy B. Middleman and Kate Gruenwald Pfeifer
  • Genre(s): Health, Non-Fiction
  • Synopsis: This guide offers boys advice on the physical and emotional changes that accompany puberty, backed by medical insights.
  • Why this book is challenging: The inclusion of medical perspectives and terminology makes it a more advanced read, suitable for those looking for a deeper understanding of puberty.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines medical accuracy with practical advice, providing a trustworthy resource for navigating puberty.
  • Perfect for: Boys interested in a scientifically accurate, yet accessible guide to the changes of adolescence.

• American Medical Association Girl's Guide to Becoming a Teen by Amy B. Middleman and Kate Gruenwald Pfeifer
  • Genre(s): Health, Non-Fiction
  • Synopsis: This book provides girls with expert advice on the physical and emotional changes that happen during puberty, with a focus on medical accuracy.
  • Why this book is challenging: It uses medical terminology and detailed explanations that require a higher reading level and comprehension.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a reliable and informative resource that empowers girls with knowledge about their changing bodies.
  • Perfect for: Girls who appreciate a detailed, medically informed guide to understanding puberty.

• Will Puberty Last My Whole Life? by Julie Metzger and Robert Lehman
  • Genre(s): Health, Non-Fiction
  • Synopsis: This book answers real questions from real kids about puberty, covering everything from body changes to emotional fluctuations.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book's Q&A format addresses complex questions that require advanced comprehension and emotional maturity.
  • Why we recommend this book: It directly addresses common and uncommon questions with sensitivity and clarity, making it a great resource for curious minds.
  • Perfect for: Kids seeking straightforward answers to their pressing questions about puberty.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your 9-year-old get the most out of reading puberty books, you're in the right place. Developing good reading habits early on can make this journey both educational and enjoyable. Here are some fun and effective exercises to try out:

• Set a Daily Reading Goal
  • What it is: Decide on a number of pages or chapters to read each day.
  • How it helps: Encourages a consistent reading habit and makes the process manageable.
  • Tips: Start with a small, achievable goal and gradually increase it as they get more comfortable.

• Create a Cozy Reading Nook
  • What it is: Designate a special corner in the house just for reading.
  • How it helps: Provides a comfortable and inviting space that can make reading more appealing.
  • Tips: Let your child personalize the space with cushions, a favorite blanket, or some fun decor.

• Discuss What You Read
  • What it is: Have a discussion about the book's themes or characters.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and allows your child to express thoughts and feelings about the topics covered.
  • Tips: Ask open-ended questions to encourage deeper thinking and understanding.

• Use Bookmarks with Questions or Quotes
  • What it is: Create bookmarks that feature questions or quotes related to the book.
  • How it helps: Keeps your child engaged and thinking critically about the reading material.
  • Tips: Change the bookmarks regularly to keep things interesting and relevant to the book's progression.

• Pair Reading with a Reward Chart
  • What it is: Implement a system where your child earns a sticker or a mark for each reading session completed.
  • How it helps: Motivates continued reading and makes it a fun challenge.
  • Tips: Offer a small reward when they reach a certain number of stickers or marks.

By integrating these exercises into your child’s reading routine, you can help them not only build strong reading habits but also navigate the topic of puberty with more ease and understanding. Remember, the goal is to make reading a fun and regular part of their day. Happy reading!