Resources Especially for Families When Puberty is Just Around the Corner (9-12 year olds)

Nonfiction Books:

Highly recommended with a contemporary inclusive approach:

"Sex is a Funny Word" by Corey Silverberg –-joyful and non-clinical, the text discusses not only puberty but consent, gender identity and body norms. Part of an expanding series of titles by Silverberg that include LGBTQIA identities.

“The Autism-Friendly Guide to Periods” by Robyn Steward—Written by autistic author Robyn Steward, this is a detailed guide for young people aged 9 to 16 on the basics of menstruation. Created in consultation with young people, an online survey and a group of medical professionals, this is a book that teaches all people about periods, which can be a scary and overwhelming issue.

“Wait, What?: A Comic Book Guide to Relationships, Bodies, and Growing Up” by Heather Corinna and Isabella Rotman—a graphic novel guide that covers essential topics for preteens and young teens about their changing bodies and feelings. Using comics, activities and examples, they give encouragement and context for new and confusing feelings and experiences.

Older titles also recommended, despite their heteronormative bias:
"It's Perfectly Normal" by Robie Harris –-is recently updated, and very thorough. Part of a series. It offers young people the factual information they need to make responsible decisions that can help them stay healthy as they approach and experience puberty and adolescence.
"Will Puberty Last My Whole Life?" by Julie Metzger, RN, MN, and Robert Lehman, MD. This flip book offers "Straightforward, age-appropriate answers to REAL questions from preteens."
"What's Happening to My Body? : Book for Boys/Girls" by Lynda Madaras, Area Madaras, and Simon Sulivan --information ranging from body hair, growth spurts, to romantic feelings. With detailed illustrations and real-life stories throughout, plus an introduction for parents and a helpful resource section.
“Period. A Girls' Guide” by JoAnn Loulan, Bonnie Worthen, Marcia Quackenbush, and Chris Wold Dyrud --this text uses diagrams to familiarize readers with the inner workings of their bodies, including what happens during menstruation, it does not discuss puberty and sexuality as thoroughly as "What's Happening to My Body".
“The Caring and Keeping of You 2: The Body Book for Older Girls" by Cara Natterson and Josee Masse --for kids ages 10 and older. Published by American Girl, this book discusses "the physical and emotional changes" as well as peer pressure and personal care. This book, like the other recommendations, promotes responsible education about sexuality without shame.

“Guy Stuff, The Body Book for Boys” by Cara Natterson —a book on puberty changes for male bodies. The American Girl publishers recognized that boys need access to information and advice about puberty changes just as girls do.

Fiction Books:

“George” by Alex Gino—an award winning, candid, genuine, and heartwarming middle grade story about a transgender girl. When people look at George, they see a boy. But George knows she’s a girl. George thinks she’ll have to keep this a secret forever. With the help of her best friend Kelly, George comes up with a plan so everyone can know who she is, once and for all.

“Ivy Aberdeen’s Letter to the World” by Ashley Herring Blake— a tender novel about emerging identity in which twelve-year-old Ivy Aberdeen develops feelings for a girl. When a tornado rips through town, Ivy's house is destroyed and her family of five is displaced. Ivy feels invisible and ignored in the aftermath of the storm--and what's worse, her notebook filled with secret drawings of girls holding hands has gone missing.

Websites:

http://kidshealth.org/ a searchable factual resource sponsored by the Nemours Foundation. Covers many puberty and sexual health topics.
https://www.girlshealth.gov another searchable public health resource. Maintained by the U.S. Government Department of Women’s Health with many topics for girls ages 10-14.
http://amaze.org/ Large collection of sexual health videos curated by Advocates For Youth. Targeting 10-14 year olds, this innovative platform allows parents to preview and select the videos they want their child to see, while blocking those that parents feel are too mature. The quality of these videos varies.

Videos:

http://amaze.org/ Large collection of sexual health videos curated by Advocates For Youth. Targeting 10-14 year olds, this innovative platform allows parents to preview and select the videos they want their child to see, while blocking those that parents feel are too mature. The quality of these videos varies.