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Growing Up Great!: The Ultimate Puberty Book for Boys
An inclusive, body-positive guide to puberty for boys ages 8 to 14
Help any young boy progress from childhood to adulthood with a strong, confident appreciation of himself. This puberty book for boys offers essential guidance for helping boys get through the adolescent years happily and healthily—so they can focus on all the good stuff ahead.
Cover the basics with a simple explanation of what puberty is and what boys can expect to happen in their bodies and brains during that time. All changes are discussed in terms of overall health and well-being, with a focus on hygiene, managing emotions, and maintaining safety and privacy.
This boys' book on puberty
Easy definitions —Get a glossary of puberty terms with simple definitions that help boys understand their changing bodies.
Coping mechanisms —Boys will learn how to deal with strong emotions by tapping into creativity, exercising, or practicing mindfulness.
Topics relevant to teens today —Go beyond other puberty books with practical advice for handling challenges like social media, peer pressure, friendship, and more.
Help your young boy confidently navigate adolescence with Growing Up Great .
Help any young boy progress from childhood to adulthood with a strong, confident appreciation of himself. This puberty book for boys offers essential guidance for helping boys get through the adolescent years happily and healthily—so they can focus on all the good stuff ahead.
Cover the basics with a simple explanation of what puberty is and what boys can expect to happen in their bodies and brains during that time. All changes are discussed in terms of overall health and well-being, with a focus on hygiene, managing emotions, and maintaining safety and privacy.
This boys' book on puberty
Easy definitions —Get a glossary of puberty terms with simple definitions that help boys understand their changing bodies.
Coping mechanisms —Boys will learn how to deal with strong emotions by tapping into creativity, exercising, or practicing mindfulness.
Topics relevant to teens today —Go beyond other puberty books with practical advice for handling challenges like social media, peer pressure, friendship, and more.
Help your young boy confidently navigate adolescence with Growing Up Great .
158 pages, paperback
Published July 30, 2019
417 people are currently reading
149 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
July 23, 2019
If you're looking for an easy-to-read, age-appropriate book designed to help your son understand his changing body as he goes through puberty, then Growing Up Great (written by the 2019 National Health Teacher Of The Year) is a great choice! This book is informative, educational and colorfully designed to hold one's visual interest. A lifesaver for single moms!
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher, but I was not required to post a review. My comments represent my personal impressions of this book!
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher, but I was not required to post a review. My comments represent my personal impressions of this book!
August 3, 2020
I thought this book did a great job of explaining what boys can expect to happen as they move from childhood to adulthood. Simple, clear, non-judgmental language that focuses on self-respect and positive self-image. The primary focus of this book has more to do with how to take care of a changing body, personal grooming, what are normal changes and what should be addressed by a doctor, etc. This is much less about sex and relationships than I thought it was going to be. It's very accessible for the boy just starting out on the puberty journey. I think this might be too simplistic for the boy who's already started to see these changes in his body and mind.
I have to commend the author for several things. One, there is an entire section on consent. It is done without mention of gender, so it is equally applicable to gay and bi boys. (It should go without saying that this book is primarily aimed at CIS boys. Homosexuality and Transgender issues aren't really covered.) It talks about how one's body is one's own and no one has a right to touch it without consent and that same rule applies to everyone else. It's very clear and easy to understand. Two, there is a section about social media and here he explicitly states that once something is on the internet, it's there to stay, FOREVER. He suggests people consider how they want to present themselves to the world and then post accordingly. Three, there is a good deal of discussion about feelings - namely that boys and men have a full range of emotions, and it's perfectly normal to feel them and even show them.
There are two things I'd like to see in a revised addition. One, I know this is a book about boys, but there should be a chapter that briefly discusses what happens to girls and female anatomy. It doesn't have to be in depth, but presumably the boys reading this will have friends who are girls, and it might be helpful for them to have a basic understanding of what's happening to their girl friends. Additionally, many of the boys reading this, will be hetero or bi and thus have relationships with girls and women when the time comes. It would be good for them to have a solid understanding of female anatomy. Two, a brief discussion of how to be safe about STIs would be good too. Again, just name them, give some basics about what happens if you get one, and how to protect themselves. Considering that so many young people in this country seem to be engaging in risky activities earlier than maybe is healthy, it would be a good inclusion.
All in all, a great book for those at the start of things. It is lighthearted, full of bad dad jokes and puns, and shouldn't be overwhelming to those who might find change terrifying.
I have to commend the author for several things. One, there is an entire section on consent. It is done without mention of gender, so it is equally applicable to gay and bi boys. (It should go without saying that this book is primarily aimed at CIS boys. Homosexuality and Transgender issues aren't really covered.) It talks about how one's body is one's own and no one has a right to touch it without consent and that same rule applies to everyone else. It's very clear and easy to understand. Two, there is a section about social media and here he explicitly states that once something is on the internet, it's there to stay, FOREVER. He suggests people consider how they want to present themselves to the world and then post accordingly. Three, there is a good deal of discussion about feelings - namely that boys and men have a full range of emotions, and it's perfectly normal to feel them and even show them.
There are two things I'd like to see in a revised addition. One, I know this is a book about boys, but there should be a chapter that briefly discusses what happens to girls and female anatomy. It doesn't have to be in depth, but presumably the boys reading this will have friends who are girls, and it might be helpful for them to have a basic understanding of what's happening to their girl friends. Additionally, many of the boys reading this, will be hetero or bi and thus have relationships with girls and women when the time comes. It would be good for them to have a solid understanding of female anatomy. Two, a brief discussion of how to be safe about STIs would be good too. Again, just name them, give some basics about what happens if you get one, and how to protect themselves. Considering that so many young people in this country seem to be engaging in risky activities earlier than maybe is healthy, it would be a good inclusion.
All in all, a great book for those at the start of things. It is lighthearted, full of bad dad jokes and puns, and shouldn't be overwhelming to those who might find change terrifying.
December 4, 2019
At times it seems a little cheesy to me so I know the 12 yr old will roll his eyes. However there are many little things I think will help him. If this book answers just one question for him then it's worth it. I'm his aunt n I 've read it and asked his mother to do the same. Now it's his turn and we're prepared if any discussions come about. (One can only hope!)
It's a quick read but contains a good amount of everyday stuff. Things that you overlook. Things adults normally take for granted are brought up.
One star off because of the cheesy stuff. First thought is it's more for 8 yr olds but then it gets more involved. Like I said, just one question answered and it's worth it.
It's a quick read but contains a good amount of everyday stuff. Things that you overlook. Things adults normally take for granted are brought up.
One star off because of the cheesy stuff. First thought is it's more for 8 yr olds but then it gets more involved. Like I said, just one question answered and it's worth it.
November 16, 2021
I pre-read this book to see if I could share it with my sons. Very impressed with the book. Gave very good descriptive counsel for the hygiene necessary during teen years. Easily covered topics that are more challenging for me to address, like wet dreams. I appreciated that all aspects of puberty were handled pretty sensitively, without bias toward any opinions that I could pick up on. There seemed to be emphasis on informing the reader and then encouraging them to make the decision best for them and their circumstances. An example was the paragraph about masturbation, which I’m religiously opposed to, but the book said nothing that I would not be okay with my sons reading about. There were a couple surprises for me. One is that attraction was clearly explained in a way that I felt my autistic son could actually understand, like having a mental attraction or liking facial features, etc. The other surprise is that although the book discusses decision making about holding hands and kissing and consent, you will not find the words sex or intercourse anywhere. If you want your child to learn about sexuality, sexual or gender identity, or reproduction, you will need an additional resource.
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April 23, 2025Read this chapter book aloud to the boys to start encouraging better self-care and hygiene as they get older (and smellier) and it was such a handy dandy useful book! Helped initiate a safe space for uncomfortable conversations about what's happening or going to happen to growing bodies, promotes non-shameful privacy, and generated some great questions to further explore together. Hopefully a less embarrassing start to what will eventually become some very embarrassing growth spurts. Wish me luck!
October 13, 2021
Perfect Intro Book for 9-12 yr olds
I encourage parents to also read as a guide for discussion with your children about many topics covered in this book related to growing up! One of the first teachings to the reader is that knowledge is power! Book covers emotional, social and physical changes during pre-adolescence and after! Great Manuel to gift a son or grandson! Nice that there is also an audible companion book!
I encourage parents to also read as a guide for discussion with your children about many topics covered in this book related to growing up! One of the first teachings to the reader is that knowledge is power! Book covers emotional, social and physical changes during pre-adolescence and after! Great Manuel to gift a son or grandson! Nice that there is also an audible companion book!
June 15, 2021
It is okay in how it informs, but it runs in rants. It teaches about “growing up great” with its seven chapters; when it does rant it gives great detail. I am not sure if i would recommend this book (i have already been told some of the things in it) but i feel it will help people new to certain concepts contained in the book.
April 7, 2022
I really thought this was terrific. It’s a positive, trustworthy, evidence based, easy to read book geared towards tween and early teen boys but I think it would be wise for all boy parents (especially moms) to read.
May 21, 2022
A good all-rounder that is very suitable for preteens and includes sections on staying healthy (nutrition, exercise, sleep), friends (peer pressure, consent, false perceptions) and even some internet safety.
March 14, 2024
growing up great is helpful and positive
This is a great book for boys who are close to and entering puberty! I like the approach of the author and recommend reading it too so you can have discussions with your son.
This is a great book for boys who are close to and entering puberty! I like the approach of the author and recommend reading it too so you can have discussions with your son.
February 3, 2025
This book was really good for boys who are going through puberty and will in the future. Here is proof because when I read it, I got less scared for puberty because I knew what would happen and I could be prepared.
May 22, 2025
Okay, so, when it comes to reading enjoyment, this is really more like a 4. We enjoyed Growing Up Feeling Great more. But I honestly think I hit the jackpot with this series when it comes to approaching puberty in a balanced and positive way. So, for that, I'm rounding up!
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April 12, 2021Asking the Grandson what HE thinks. It's a buddy read.
June 20, 2021
Too many repetitions, we end up going in circles.
April 23, 2023
Nice overview of puberty and associated social and mental dimensions of growing up. Written in an accessible, welcoming and reassuring tone - could be read to/with a kid or just handed over.
July 9, 2023
For the most part, this book was really well done. There were just a couple pages I tore out before I let my kids read it, because I disagreed with the content.
October 29, 2021
excellent informative book!
If you want to figure out the words to use when you talk to your kids about puberty and life changes, this is pure gold!
(This is even helpful with my discussions with daughters!)
If you want to figure out the words to use when you talk to your kids about puberty and life changes, this is pure gold!
(This is even helpful with my discussions with daughters!)
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews