10 Best Puberty Books for Boys Reviewed in 2024
Lianna Tedesco
We know that for children growing up can be exciting but also be scary all at the same time. We also know that for parents having a young child enter that awkward pre-teen puberty stage can also be challenging. Parents have always turned to puberty books, otherwise known as “body books” to help explain to their children what is going on with all the changes that their bodies are about to experience during this time.
Puberty is a sensitive subject and something that parents should make sure that no child is ashamed regardless of how embarrassing or unnatural it might seem at first, parents should always remind their child that everyone goes through these changes and that it’s 100% normal for their children to be feeling what their feeling.
In a Hurry? The test winner after 47 hrs of research
Provides comic relief
Fun and cartoon-like illustrations
It's written in a way that's easy to understand
Makes puberty a positive thing
It's appropriate for kids as young as four-years-old
10 Best Puberty Books for Boys Reviewed
1. It's Not the Stork!
Provides comic relief
Fun and cartoon-like illustrations
It's written in a way that's easy to understand
Makes puberty a positive thing
It's appropriate for kids as young as four-years-old
Might be a bit too immature for kids over the age of eight
This serves as a gentle introduction for kids who might not be familiar at all with puberty and the changes it brings. It starts off easy and explains things in a gentle way so that your child won't be overwhelmed with information.
Read moreEvery child needs to learn about where babies come from at some point because simply saying the "stork brings them" or that they're "born out of love" simply won't cut it as they get older. While these explanations can get them through their childhood, once they get into middle school, they'll be learning about the process of reproduction and how it works with various animals, including human beings.
Educational Value
Author Robie E. Harris and illustrator Michael Emberley have come up with a genius educational way of describing reproduction and puberty to children; Through detailed and informative series of slightly humorous illustrations and loveable characters, nothing seems as scary as you'd think.
Accuracy
When their questions arise, it's a good idea to have a book such as this on-hand. It's Not the Stork!: A Book About Girls, Boys, Babies, Bodies, Families, and Friends breaks down nearly everything they need to know about the biology involved in growing up and does so in a clever and innocent way.
Emotional Development
This book features something that many body books don't, and that's the gift of humor. While puberty itself is no joking matter, this book has been written in such as that comic relief is laid out perfectly to provide comfort and break up moments that can often become too serious.
Value
What makes this book so spectacular are its illustrations that keep children from feeling like they're reading something that's hardcore and upsetting. Rather, they'll feel like they're reading a descriptive and at times, uplifting, story about what it's like to grow up and what to expect.
2. Middle School Makeover
Well guided information on middle school aged boy
Educates parents and caregivers on emotional, physical, and developments of the age group
Presents a large range of topics
Addresses; dating, social media, and peer interactions
Gives details on ways to build and encourage their confidence
Addresses practical sides of parenting a middle school aged boy
Covers a ton of information in small chapters
Understanding what it is like to be a boy in middle school is tough for some. The emotions, the social interactions, the body changes, it is very overwhelming. This is the complete guide for parents, caretakers, and teachers to help to understand just what is going on. Also covered in the book is information on how to help a boy build their confidence through such a trying time in their life.
Read moreEducational Value
Helping a boy navigate through their middle school era of life can be a very guided and well adjusting time in their life with the right parents or caregivers. This book gives parents and caregivers the knowledge and how to’s to for empowering that middle schooler when they need it most. It gives readers exact information and real life advice on how to guide the process and advance them through this developmental stage just like all the other wonderful stages of their preteen years.
Accuracy
Covering such a wide range of topics, this book covers everything from what is going on in their minds and how to help them understand that, to understand their identity. Many adults have just as many questions as the kids, so this well formulated and easy read goes a long way for everyone that is involved with a boy that is in middle school or entering soon. This stage is chaotic enough without knowing exactly what is going on from head to toe.
Emotional Development
Middle schoolers have a lot to navigate; there is the social aspect, the gym interactions, and even eating with others in a large cafeteria full of kids. It can be completely overwhelming. The design of this book is to not only address the physical side of this stage of development, but also the emotional side. The author is able to address many topics; dating, social media experience, and peer interactions. From both personal experience and her own personal experiences all the tools are described on how to handle such an emotional time in their life.
Value
The value of the book is all in its readers, but we can look at the price compared to others on the markets that cover the same information. Not all books present the information in a guide like information terms like this one, but it does come in at the middle of the range for the price on the book. The guide is a complete experience for anyone that is interacting with a middle school aged boy.
3. About You!
Contains plenty of helpful illustrations
The text is easy to understand by all ages
Encourages body positivity
Helpful to answer uncomfortable questions
It can be referred to throughout puberty for both boys and girls
Some parents might not be ready for their kids to learn about the opposite sex
This book is a great way to show boys both the parts they were born with as well as girls. It's helpful to understand both, especially when they start learning about reproduction in school.
Read moreIn a world where kids seem to mature faster and faster each day, a book such as this can be helpful for kids who are still young; preschool ages and above. Both girls and boys are discussed in this book with accompanying illustrations so that both are aware of what they have going on as well as what the opposite sex goes through. When children see that there's nothing unusual or different about them, they'll feel a lot more confident and comfortable in their own skin knowing that everyone else has these parts, too.
Educational Value
Sometimes, kids are more curious about the parts of themselves that are hidden from plain view. A picture book is educational in ways that traditional books aren't, because as opposed to reading about "private parts", kids will have the chance to see them for themselves and relate easily to pictures.
Accuracy
The illustrations provide enough detail to be understood but not enough to be truly explicit and shocking for a child so young. It does a great job of explaining every part of your "private parts" with accuracy and in a way that encourages kids to be knowledgeable, but not embarrassed.
Emotional Development
For parents who seek a book that is uplifting, positive, and encouraging, this book is a wonderful option for helping your child understand all the parts they're new to. The best part is, they'll be able to refer back to this book as often as necessary which is helpful as they work their way through puberty.
Value
We love that this book isn't too rough or mature for kids who are just starting to learn about their bodies. It's just the basics of all the parts kids are often ashamed or embarrassed to have and it teaches them that all of this is normal, natural and that their bodies are exactly how they should be.
4. What's Happening to My Body?
For older kids, preteens, and young teenagers
Provides tons of detail
Explains things that go outside the topic of puberty
Written by a health educator
Perfect to go hand-in-hand with ad middle school health class
This book is difficult for kids under the age of 12 to understand
Preteens and teens sometimes need a little bit of guidance too, and all the answers to the questions they might have can be found in this book. It's extensive but informative and will rid them of any anxiety they might be feeling toward growing up.
Read moreNot everyone learns about puberty and life changes at age 10 and below which is why books that are targeted for an older age group, such as this one, are so important. It doesn't beat around the bush or sugarcoat things which, again, makes it perfect for older learners who are already experiencing changes and ready to learn about everything that happens during and after puberty.
Educational Value
The book explains things in such a way that make it less scary to boys, although it's very descriptive. With the help of real-life accounts as well as facts about STDs, acne, and other puberty and sex-related topics, preteens, as well as teens, will take plenty of knowledge with them after reading this book.
Accuracy
This book has been written by a health educator which means that your child is getting the facts and nothing but. You can be sure that everything in this book is accurate, descriptive, and coming from a place of knowledge and experience.
Emotional Development
Intended for kids age 10 and up, this book includes a bit more detail than a normal puberty book in order to comply with what preteens experience at that age. It goes very into detail as far as changes your child will experience and how his emotions will also change as far as romantic interests go.
Value
This book for boys is a wonderful way for older kids to get the inside scoop on what they're dealing with. Something this highly detailed might make some parents nervous and while it does touch on topics that can be very uncomfortable, it does so in a way that makes them aware and not afraid.
5. Boy's Guide to Becoming a Teen
From a trusted association
Detailed and informative
Great transitionary book
Provides helpful advice and suggestions
Includes topics outside of strict puberty
Some readers think the book is a bit too mature for preteens
The American Medical Association definitely knows what they're talking about when it comes to all the changes a boy's body goes through as they get older. This book serves as a guide but also a source for reassurance from a certified medical association.
Read moreThe Boy's Guide to Becoming a Teen by the American Medical Association is the perfect transitionary book for kids who are just entering their preteen years. Many forget that puberty is exhausting and your body does need all of its vitamins and nutrients in order to grow normally, and hydration and eating right are a big part of that. Overall, your child will learn how to care for his body in the right ways to make puberty a smooth and natural process.
Educational Value
It provides educational medical info about the changes their body is beginning to go through, but not in the mature, explicit way that others do. It's a great way to ease kids into learning about their own bodies while mentally preparing them for what to expect.
Accuracy
If boys already have a hunch that their body is changing, this book goes one step ahead and includes accurate tips about diet and exercise in order to ensure that not only is your child healthy and strong, but that their bodies continue to remain that way through puberty.
Emotional Development
It's tough enough having "the talk" with your little boy let alone finding the right time and way to do it. This book allows you to stress about one less thing and provides helpful advice and comforting tips for getting through puberty in the best way possible.
Value
The American Medical Association is a group you can trust as far as health and education source go which will put your mind at ease when gifting this book to your child. Many parents don't know what to expect when it comes to puberty books and this one has no surprises.
6. What's Going on Down There?
Covers topics that are both sensitive and part of growing up
Ten years of success with readers
Good for many in-between ages
Contains progressive info such as same-sex relations
Descriptive without being explicit
Some parents might disagree with the material offered
For all the questions your child has, this book has answers. It's comprehensive, appropriate for any preteen age, and contains informative sources that describe everything they need to know in-detail without being too much.
Read moreAlthough this book came out a decade ago, its relevance is still easily seen in the pages of this 160-page puberty book. This book is simple with no filler or sugarcoating but it's also not explicit or inappropriate in any way for the age groups. However, this book also touches on issues that aren't embarrassing such as when to shave and what to expect when your voice changes. It goes hand-in-hand with what your child will learn in school as well as all the things he's afraid to ask in class.
Educational Value
Not only does this book answer common questions that boys often have, but it gives them a thorough educational explanation of sex, pregnancy, and how to handle sort through new romantic feelings.
Accuracy
It works well to suit those are in grades five to ten and the best way to describe this book is to say that it answers every question kids could possibly have with ease, simple detail, and just enough description.
Emotional Development
This book is a confidence-booster. Boys will feel like they're much more familiar with their bodies once they've read it and, in turn, they'll be well-prepared and ready to handle whatever puberty throws at them.
Value
The relevance that this book still maintains is what makes it such a solid choice as a puberty book. It holds ten decades of success in its title which makes it golden and incredibly valuable as far as our booklist goes.
7. The Body Book For Boys
There's no unnecessary filler or sugarcoating
Provides helpful quizzes and a Q&A section
It includes essential information about puberty and body changes
Encourages kids to embrace growing up
Good for grades five to eight
Some parts are unnecessary casual or immature
Filled with quizzes, Q&A, and answers for all the things your child is probably wondering but too afraid to ask, this book is one of a kind in puberty education. It'll hold your child's attention while encouraging them to be proactive and test their knowledge on what their bodies are going through.
Read moreThere's no reason that learning about puberty can't be fun as well and the Body Book For Boys knows exactly how to incorporate that into learning. This book is rather straight-forward with all of its info on puberty and body changes but includes things such as quizzes and even a question and answer section to keep things interesting.
Educational Value
By taking the quizzes, they'll be more invested in what they're learning and by reading the question and answer section, they'll learn that they're not so alone in what they're curious about. It's the perfect way to take puberty from a unique and proactive educational standpoint.
Accuracy
The Body Book For Boys also offers advice and tips that are well-received at the end of the reader and truly help to make puberty issues bearable. It's nothing but the straight facts, something parents will really appreciate and ultimately find that this book is surprisingly entertaining.
Emotional Development
There's nothing better than when you find a way to engage your child in something that they normally wouldn't have any interest in. This book takes all the discomfort and awkwardness out of providing your preteen with pertinent information to what their body is going through.
Value
It stands apart from other books in this category simply because it's not strictly just reading; it allows readers to interact and engage in the content that they're learning about. Boys can be especially challenging to talk to when it comes to puberty and this book is a great way to rope them in.
8. Guy Stuff
Written by a doctor
Well-received by parents
Includes helpful tips and advice
Age-appropriate for preteens
Answers many commonly-asked questions
It doesn't go too into detail about reproduction
This helpful guide was created with boys specifically in mind. It'll help them to understand everything from how their body parts work to understanding all of the feelings they're probably having for the first time.
Read moreWhile it sounds similar to the last title, they are actually two very different books. The author of this book is a pediatrician and her method of explaining puberty changes are accompanied by helpful advice as well as how to embrace the changes your child's body is going through. This book serves much more as a guide or introduction than a "this is what your body is doing, this is what will happen" type of book, which can get boring and feel impersonal.
Educational Value
In this book, boys will find helpful suggestions on how to care for every aspect of their body in addition to finding helpful ways to deal with things they can't necessarily control. It's a great way to prepare them and ensure that they're ready for this bump in the road of growing up.
Accuracy
The fact that this was penned by a practicing pediatrician means that it's chock full of helpful knowledge in addition to methods of coping with puberty. These are helpful tips that come straight from the doctor's office so you can be sure that your child will feel at ease and comfortable reading them.
Emotional Development
Having a guide when going through a major life change can be tremendously comforting, especially when you can refer back to it in a time of need. This book serves just that purpose and functions as a how-to guide as well, so boys can grow and develop emotionally in a positive and encouraging light.
Value
What sets this body book apart is its way of discussing individual topics and relating them to the average boy rather than sounding like a health class lesson. It is undeniably a valuable asset for boys during the confusing period of puberty when so many changes occur in their bodies.
9. Who Has What?
Age-appropriate for kids as young as three
It's a short book with easy reading
It's an excellent introductory book
Helpful in learning about boys' body parts
The illustrations are detailed but not too mature
It's not very thorough as far as learning about a girls' anatomy
While this body book is targeted a little more toward boys, it'll help them understand both their bodies as well as a girls'. It's filled with helpful illustrations and makes things easier to understand by incorporating their pets and how they, too, have "private parts".
Read moreThe awesome thing about this body book is that it's appropriate for kids in preschool and older, making it completely age-friendly for a variety of grades. This guide helps boys to realize that all girls have the same parts just like he has the same parts as other boys and that it's perfectly normal to have all sorts of questions about them.
Educational Value
When the appropriate age comes, boys need to learn about girls' bodies, too. While they will learn some things in school, books can provide more in-depth and thorough explanations as well as ways to cope with all the feelings boys will begin to have.
Accuracy
Through helpful illustrations and accurate meaningful content, boys will learn that boy their bodies as well as girls' are perfectly normal with different parts. This book even helps boys to understand by pointing out that even their pets have those private parts, too.
Emotional Development
Being embarrassed by their bodies is one of the main reasons as to why boys won't ask questions and this book shows them that not only is it okay to ask, but it's okay to learn, too. There is nothing more comforting than knowing that these changes are perfectly normal.
Value
We really like how kid-friendly this book is. Not only are the pictures detailed and appropriate, but it's written in such a way that makes learning about the human body completely harmless. It's not embarrassing to read or look at and paints a good picture for young kids.
10. The Biggest, Baddest Book Ever
Well-developed information on how to’s on just about every situation
Focuses on the development of preparation
Encourages self-development and confidence
Describes solutions to all the situation in great detail
Includes 250 plus of informational solutions
Many can find information out of date
Feeds into the stereotypes of boys and their roles
Is your little boy about to enter middle school? Do you think that they are prepared with everything that they could know about being a young person? Well, this is just the book to prepare them for a super wide range of events. It prepares young men for just about everything. It gives details on every one of the 250 pages that is helpful, eventful, and life changing.
Read moreEducational Value
Does your boy know what to do when an airplane needs to land because of an emergency? Do they know how to fight an alligator from attacking? What if they were tied up, how do they escape that? This book includes these very scenarios and more. It gives very detailed information on what exactly to do and when exactly to do it.
Accuracy
This book includes 250 full pages of some of the best information on just about anything. It is the “biggest, baddest, and best” information for any boy on just about anything and everything. When they need to know a solution this is the go to solution book that they need to read.
Emotional Development
Emotional Development for boys that may be entering one of the hardest times of their life is so important. This book is able to focus on preparing them for situations that may arise in their lives and giving them the confidence to be able to handle the situation with pride. From landing an airplane in an emergency situation to solving a puzzle this book covers it all.
Value
It is hard to put a price on the “biggest, baddest, and best” book for boys on the market, but everything has its price. This book falls in at the lower end of the price range making it affordable and fun for everyone. The solutions that it presents truly are priceless for all.
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Criteria Used for Evaluation
Educational Value
We know how hard and difficult it can be to talk to your child about the changes in their body. To save parents the awkwardness of ending up in a conversation where both parties feel uncomfortable, we wanted to provide our readers with books about puberty that are filled with educational content. We also don’t want parents to take this awkwardness that this conversation might be and use it as an excuse to avoid talking to your child about puberty and the changes that they’re going to experience.
These books will give parents detailed introductions that break the process of puberty down in understandable terms in a way where parents won’t be afraid to talk to their children about it. With so much expertise and meaningful content, parents will be able to share significant knowledge with their loved ones and provide comfort in the most challenging years of psychological and physical development.
Accuracy
We know that there’s no real easy way to discuss puberty and we know for parents dealing with your children during this time is not going to be easy. When we researched a topic as sensitive as this one, we knew that care had to be taken to think of things from not only a parent’s perspective as well as a child’s perspective. We also had to make sure that we addressed many questions that are usually asked during this time: What’s happening? Why is my voice changing? Where is all this extra hair coming from? Why am I feeling all the things that I’m feeling?
Mainly as you can see, boys tend to have a lot of questions regardless of whether they’ve started puberty or not. Therefore the books that are included on this list had to provide accurate answers about this confusing stage of life. We looked for books that are highly praised by critics and customers are being precise, valid and detailed when it comes to discussing puberty.
Emotional Development
We knew that it then became our mission to find books that would not only address puberty but would also address being a boy in general. At some point, boys will need certain things explained to them because being a growing boy just doesn’t come with an instruction manual, unfortunately. These books will help serve as yours and their guide. They will help direct boys on how to care for their bodies, what to expect, and, provide an explanation for why all these things are happening.
Puberty is overwhelming and can be uncomfortable, but it doesn’t need to be something that comes as a surprise or constant embarrassment for your children. Books of this kind can be a great relief for both parents and their children, as they represent a vessel for a wholesome conversation that will allow a safe space for proper emotional development. By expressing the feelings and emotional states that children go through puberty, a meaningful bond can be created between both the parents and their boys.
Value
We also understand that every parent has different views, values, and methods when it comes to parenting. Some parents are very open about their bodies and all the things that come with them, while others are a bit more reserved and don’t believe everything needs to be laid out in the open. Neither of these parenting styles is wrong and we’ve tried to find books to comply with any style of parenting. When you break it down, explaining puberty, sex, and anatomy is a tough time to initiate and can be an even tougher conversation to have with your children.
However, these books do an excellent job guiding the parents through the whole process by offering them knowledge, information, and entertainment. Whether the writers used humor, pictures or personal stories to approach the readers more effectively, the purpose of each book is providing valuable support during those confusing times when things get a bit challenging and emotional.
Educational Value Accuracy Emotional Development Value 
Most of these books will bring up the topic of sex and all the feelings associated with them and while you might think that your preteen is too young to learn about these things, you can't stop them from feeling something that is a natural human instinct. Puberty doesn't discriminate when it comes to ages and most kids learn about reproduction by the time they're in middle school, which means the topic will come up eventually, one way or another.
It's always up to you, as the parent, to decide when they're old enough to do things such as date, hang out with the opposite sex, go to school dances with dates, etc., however, parents can't control when their children start having feelings toward others or when they discover that they, too, have "private parts". It's uncomfortable but it's human nature, and that's exactly what these books are created for -- To help you and your child learn, understand, and handle all the changes that puberty brings on.
Other Factors to Consider
Design
The overall design of each book is an important criterion. Even though these books approach the same subject of puberty, the writing styles and presentation skills of each author are different and some might be more suitable for you are a reader than others. With so many versatile methods included, parents will also be able to show their children helpful diagrams and pictures while receiving reassurance the whole time that everything they’re experiencing is normal and a part of growing up and getting older.
By the time you and your child have finished having the discussion about these changes that they are going to be going through they will feel nothing but confident in who they are and what they’re about to experience and you’ll be able to guide and provide emotional support as best as you can.
Comfort
Regardless of how you fall on the scale of open communication with your child, nothing will prepare you more for this subject and these books can be the saving grace of an uncomfortable situation. You’ll be able to read someone else’s words and won’t need to rely so much on finding the right ones to convey what it is you want to say.
Books can sometimes cushion the blow and reassure kids from a third-party voice and not to mention, you’ll be able to learn with them and they’ll trust any input you have to add to the words on the page that’s in front of them. We live in a world where many conversations about our bodies and sexuality are considered taboos that ultimately limit us for progressing as a society. By being introduced to books of this kind, we are offered comfort and support in knowing we are not alone and we are indeed accepted and understood.
Frequently Asked Questions
q: At what age is it appropriate to introduce my son to these books?
When we began our search for books that would both educate and inform boys about puberty and how their bodies will begin to change, we made sure to include books that would suit a variety of ages. Some are good for boys as young as three, while others are a bit more mature and should be given to teens age 13 or older. There's a wide variety on our list and we've made sure to use our own discretion as well as taking into consideration that of parents, and have included age ranges in each summary of these books.
q: How closely do these follow what boys will learn in school?
They all fall in line with what a boy will learn during his health class. If anything, these books also contain extra bits about shaving, hygiene, and emotions that can only help fill in the voids that school education can leave empty.
q: Why are these better than watching an educational show?
You can control what your child reads in a book. While a show might hold their attention for longer, books allow you the pace and time you need to explain things thoroughly and carefully. Unlike a show, you can pause in the middle of reading, skip pages, and also provide your children with illustrations that are easier to take than things you'd see in show or documentary.
q: Why do some of these books have information pertinent to girls’ bodies?
Boys will learn about both in school. In order for them to fully understand puberty, it helps to understand that both boys and girls go through it. Additionally, they should understand that girls have parts specific to reproduction as well.
q: What is the reading level for these?
The reading level falls in line with the age-appropriate ratings on each one. However, if your child is too young to read one of these books on their own, that allows the perfect chance for you to bond with them over the changes they’ll soon begin to notice.
q: Are the illustrations too mature for boys under the age of 10?
Some of these books do contain more detailed information than others. By using the “look inside” feature for each of these books, you can use your own discretion to decide if it’s age-appropriate. We also have the appropriate ages listed in each summary as well as a caution if the book does contain mature material.
Sources
- , How to Start Talking to your Son About Puberty, Parenting Tips
- , Talking to your Child About Puberty, Informative Article
- , How to Talk to Kids About Puberty, Blog Post
