Parent-Approved Books About Puberty and Reproduction

Brittany Kozielski:  Interested in helping your daughter understand a bit about puberty and the changes young ladies go through around this age? American Girl has created this helpful book which is filled with cute illustrations and straightforward information. The book covers topics such as bra sizes and styles, pimples, periods and healthy eating habits.

Beth Wood:   We all know children are exposed to information about sex through tv, movies, books, the internet and friends - but what they are seeing isn't always a healthy or accurate view of sexuality. If you are unsure of the best way to talk to your children about sex and growing up, this book by Joanna Cole is perfect! Written especially for preteens, the book is formatted in a easy to read and explain question-and-answer layout that discuss a wide range of subjects related to sex, sexuality and puberty.

Kelly R:  This popular favorite from Robie H. Harris explains the biology of human reproduction in a simple and straightforward way with engaging illustrations and comics, and is a good tool for guiding "the talk" with your child. As with any of these books, make sure to preview it to make sure you're comfortable with all of the topics covered. There are additional books in the series for younger and older kids.

Beth Wood:  Learning how to deal with emotions while growing up can be a challenge. This book is a great companion to The Care & Keeping of You book! This book can help your child understand their emotions a bit better. It can also teach them to deal with their emotions in positive ways. Topics include: expressing feelings, handling fear, anxiety, jealousy and grief.

Beth Wood:  This book by Karen Gravelle is a wonderful resource for both girls and their parents when preparing for the milestone of getting your period. This book specifically addresses younger girls and offers information and advice on what to expect and your daughters changing body.

Kristy Pepping:  Do you have a pre-teen or teen boy going through some body changes? If so, this is a great book to get your child. They can read it and then you can answer any additional questions that may have. Author Kelli Dunham RN makes sensitive topics like sex, changes in the body and even pressures like social media less taboo subject matter.

Kristy Pepping:  This book by Shelley Metten is geared toward girls at the beginning stages of puberty and what's going on with their bodies. Sometimes these topics can be uncomfortable, friends may offer misinformation or internet searches may yield misleading information. This book offers a great resource for girls to get some questions answered they may have.

Kristy Pepping:  If you have a pre-teen girl, I highly recommend having her read this book. What I like about this book is it is written by a female doctor so she knows how to speak to girls on a level they understand, but it still comes from a medical perspective which I find also important. It will answer questions on subjects like periods, peer pressure and personal body care. Plus, it speaks about changes in emotions and the fact that these changes are normal for girls. My daughter read this book and found it super helpful.