Puberty Is Gross but Also Really Awesome

by Gina Loveless, Lauri Johnston (Illustrator)

Puberty… is pretty gross for pretty much everyone. It’s a smelly, hairy, sticky, and (worst of all) totally confusing time! But did you know there’s a lot about puberty that makes it REALLY AWESOME?

Get the whole picture with this honest, humorous, and empowering survival guide to the tween years. It’s packed with straighforward illustrations, easy-to-understand scientific information, interesting studies, and tips from experts, covering everything from breast development and gender identity to acne and mental health.

Genres: Nonfiction, Middle Grade, Parenting, Childrens, Banned Books, Gender

187 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 23, 2021

About the author

It was five years after Gina Loveless earned an MFA from California Institute of the Arts that she realized her mission as an author was to write books that helped all the weird kids of the world feel less alone. When she’s not writing or reading, Gina can be found in Eastern PA, boogying at concerts with her husband, tending to their awesome produce garden, or snuggling with her rescue dog Gerdie.

Reviews

[Jessica Haider · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ah puberty. Such an exciting time in our lives. Am I right?

I have an 11 year old son so we are just about RIGHT THERE, RIGHT NOW. So, when given the opportunity to get a review copy of this new book targeted at kids on the cusp of puberty, I was like "Yes please, I will take all the help that I can get!".

I was VERY impressed with this book. It is very well done and talks at the kids' level but in a very engaging, interesting and informative way. The book is even inclusive of gender fluid and transgender kiddos. There are subjects ranging from boobs, hair growth, the changes in genitals, menstruation, and more. All those things that can be icky and uncomfortable to talk about for some kids and parents. It is important for kids to know the facts about their own bodies and the bodies of those of the opposite sex. Having a sound scientific eduction on these matters is important for both their own understanding of themselves and their health but to help them be a better, nicer citizen to others.

I highly recommend this book!

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy!

[Ash Otterloo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A factual, gender-savvy book that lays out body change info in a matter-of-fact way that's the opposite of intimidating or agenda-laden. I appreciated that it addressed a whole array of growing-up issues--such as body image issues, body care, and mental health--in a way that includes all genders and orientations. This book sticks to the changing body basics without delving heavily into the practicalities of sex, making it perfect for the 8-12 crowd. Nicely done!

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a parent with a child starting puberty ... You NEED this book! It's super informative and inclusive! It covers a HUGE range of topics and is engaging. I gave it to my almost 11 year old daughter today. I read it before I gave it to her because I went for a snippet and couldn't put it down.

[Theresa Hegel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such an awesome, inclusive book about puberty. It's sparked some great conversations with my 9YO. The graphics are fun, and everything is broken down into easily digestible chunks, so kids can learn what they need to when they need to. Highly recommend.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for upper elementary/ middle schoolers/young teens to find answers to their questions about puberty. It's straightforward with plenty of humor, sidebars, graphics, colors, anecdotes, stories, and cultural references to keep everything highly interesting and informative. The author uses inclusive language for gender and offers plenty of resources and cited references in the back of the book. She also offers tips for teens and adults. This is more of an introduction/brief overview to the many topics included in this book. Readers may want to research more on some of these topics.

[Shannon Doleski · Rating 5 out of 5]

For tweens when asking questions is tough. For parents when answering questions is tougher. Puberty Is Gross, But Also Really Awesome is an inclusive, helpful manual for navigating puberty!

[JoAnne Boulware · Rating 4 out of 5]

While my students may be a little young for this book, I would definitely recommend it families with children nearing puberty. The facts were presented in a way that gave all the needed information to make you feel comfortable with what's happening to your body. I especially appreciated that this book addressed assigned and identified gender in a way that helped ALL readers tackle the feelings that puberty may bring to the surface.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

A few too many mentions of obesity when I think the term unhealthy could have been used.

[Alyssa Zaczek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marvelously inclusive, bursting with humor and fun factoids, and packed with thoroughly researched, reassuring knowledge, PUBERTY IS GROSS, BUT ALSO REALLY AWESOME is the all-things-puberty book I wish I had as a kid. PUBERTY acknowledges that not every child's experience of growing up will be the same, and treats every permutation of that weird and wonderful age with joy and tenderness. I've never read a puberty book so dedicated to gently reinforcing body positivity and self-love on every page. It's the book I'd want my kids to have in their toolbox as they embark on the lifelong journey that is getting to know yourself, your body and your orientation across all arenas of our wide and wacky world.

*ARC was provided to me by the author/publisher for review purposes.

[Elise Burmeier · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I read the ebook version, which was a bit irritating when the graphics and design didn't align on the screen properly.

I found the content to be well explained, using language appropriate for the expected audience of tweens. The author chose to use accurate terms for body parts as well as varying sexualities, which some people may find off-putting. I found this use of accurate language to be refreshing and most helpful to an age group that is wrought by hormones, which muddle everything. Delightfully, the book takes a chapter to explain that hormones affect everything during puberty, especially mental health.

All in all a succinct yet accurate and straightforward informative book on tough topics.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who knew drinking milk may cause pimples? Or that everyone can grow boobs but male boobs usually disappear in 18-24 months? Extensively researched, tons of resources, eye-catching graphics, hilarious chapter titles - my favorite: chapter 16 "In My Day, I had to Walk Uphill Both Ways to Get a Book (all about technology)". Most uncomfortable chapter for me: chapter 9 "I is Who I Is and I Like Who I Like (All about Gender Expression, Gender Identity, and Sexual Expression)." Still, straightforward information that everyone - adults and adolescents need.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, I don't know if kids will agree with the 'awesome' part, even after reading this book, but it is a good introduction to anatomy and physical changes. Topics include breast development, menstruation, ejaculation, gender identity, sweat, hair, and more, all presented in an age-appropriate manner. Great for late elementary-aged kids, not a lot of sex details, but does explain consent, harassment, and abuse, with resources and help lines.

[Rebecca Siegel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gina Loveless has given us the puberty survival handbook we all needed as teens. It’s inclusive, empowering and often laugh-out-loud funny. Loveless tackles everything from periods to gender identity, all while reassuring her readers that puberty can actually be really awesome. File this title under: Must Read.

[Jessica Rinker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Puberty is Gross is an inclusive, humorous and yet sensitive guide designed with fun in mind, something one might not expect with puberty, but that Loveless handles with ease. The conversational, confident tone makes it possible for any child to pick it up, find themselves in the pages and laugh, while also understanding they are not alone in this sometimes uncomfortable stage of life.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Puberty may be gross--but it's easier to understand than ever before thanks to Gina Loveless and her comprehensive, inclusive guide. This book will answer pressing questions about puberty and prompt important discussions about what it means to grow up. Any tween who is currently experiencing puberty needs their own copy.

[Nicole Valentine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could’ve used this amazing book twice in my lifetime, as a kid myself, and as a mother. Loveless has managed to capture both lighthearted humor, in-depth research and full inclusivity in this ‘perfect for all’ guide to puberty.

[Kaitlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this ebook from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed this book and learned some things that I didn't already know. I also like how it talks about everything and even includes diagrams if the writing is confusing or needs more clarification.

[Arthur]

I'm far too old to be the intended audience. I read this book because it is one of several that a group is attempting to ban from our public library.

This is by far the most inclusive of the books that the group is attempting to ban. The author warns you up front and certainly tells the readers that questioning their birth-assigned gender is ok. The graphics are teen friendly (or what an adult thinks is teen friendly). The book cover, however, does not invite teens to pick it up. (Actually, I think most of these books this group is trying to ban have covers that would cause teens to die of embarrassment.)

I do not think this book is for preteens or to replace "the talk." It seems geared for teens already in the throes of puberty who have questions about whether their experience is "normal." To that end, Loveless does an excellent job of providing guidance as to when to see a doctor. She also provides resources and plenty of sources (with citations).

Loveless addresses the physical issues of puberty but also goes on to address bullying, self-confidence, mental health, technology & screen time. All of these are worthy topics; unfortunately, most of those chapters are what all adults say all of the time. Loveless does strive for a chattier, more inviting tone, and sometimes she hits it.

Overall, this is a handy resource.

As for banning it, nah. Like always, parents have the right to decide what their children see and hear. They don't have the right to police what others' children see and hear. If you don't think your kids should read this, don't let them.

[Julia Pika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is a non-fiction title that goes into all angles of puberty. What makes this book really unique is that it's inclusive of all genders, which is really awesome to see in this day and age.

The artwork and doodles all around made it feel less intimidating and less "textbook-y" which will be more friendly to younger readers.

I really like the use of real-life analogies to help familiarize audiences with complex topics. The history tidbits were fascinating and clearly explained. The confidence and mental health chapters were fantastic, many puberty books are sorely missing these. A great, honest, introduction to puberty and all its annoying quirks!

[Shilo Quetchenbach · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really informative and inclusive book about puberty that was perfect for my 10-year-old. He loves science / informative books and he seemed very interested in all the weird things that happen to your body. It doesn't go into the mechanics of sex at all but instead focuses on body changes, mood changes, and how it all comes back to hormones. Some things felt a little vague but were usually things that are hard to explain to people who haven't experienced them, like crushes. There were several mentions of obesity and weight gain as being bad and focus on healthy eating and getting outside, and I think those could have used a bit more nuance, but I think the author was working from a mindset of 'convince kids to get off screens and make healthy choices.'

[Nadine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently bought this book to supplement the very old and very boring books that were on offer for our Middle school students about puberty and body changes. Luckily teens can now have more inclusive books around this topic and this book hits all the spots.

* Well designed with a great font and layout
* Illustrations are appropriate at just the right amount of detail
* Tone is child friendly without being too patronising
* On the spot with the topics that are likely to be "hot button" items with the target market
* Interesting tidbits on puberty in history and various parts of the world.

It will be a great addition to books like "Sex is a funny word"

[Brooke Beschorner · Rating 4 out of 5]

My 10 year old has 2 of her closest friends start their periods recently, so I figured it was time to talk. She was embarrassed and rolled her eyes, but. once we started reading, she was engaged. She asked a lot of questions and we had great communication on our bodies and what we go through. The chapters are broken up nicely so we could skip all the male topics that she refused. overall a great resource. It even talks about technology, which I wish it brought up taking nude pictures and how that can affect you. But it let us talk about it, which isn't something I would have thought of since she doesn't have social media or a phone yet.

[Aiyana PZ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was recommended to me for its inclusiveness and approach to gender during puberty. I really appreciated its inclusiveness and thorough list of resources. I will say it’s definitely geared toward audiences on the younger side of puberty. I liked the continuous message that multiple outcomes are ok and that there really is not one set of normal. The author dealt with many topics such as mental health, consent, eating disorders, harassment, bullying, and the Internet in addition to body changes during puberty.

[Deanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honestly… I think there’s too much information here for younger kids hitting puberty. In the very first chapter it talks about “penis-in-vagina intercourse” with no explanation, but in chapter 15 describes kissing as “pressing lips together with someone.” Too much scary stuff too, eg: you see a hair where there shouldn’t be one, you could have (insert scary scientific disease name).

In high school I probably would have appreciated this book but I wouldn’t have read it because of the title…

I won’t give this book to my preteen boys.

[Heydi Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. It's very progressive and quite down to earth. It doesn't feel like a biology book but a conversation about what's what and what options there are. It does get kind of tedious with the repetitive nature of 'you have option' and 'it's your choice' about a trillion times but at the same time you're probably not going to read it cover to cover so its totally understandable. I would give this to young people I know to start the conversation.

[Jasmine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an approachable book about some of the changes and science about the changes and challenges of puberty. It’s definitely written for the earlier years of puberty but would be helpful for any young person (or parent) to navigate all the changes that occur.

I liked the inclusivity within the tone and the helpful likes and numbers - although it’s definitely written from a US audience perspective.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Juv-teen non-fiction
Really well done. This is the book that everyone I've talked to has said, "I wish I had this when I was going through puberty."
It is graphic in text and sketches. It is probably more than many kids want to know. But it is very instructive about what is going on with your body, when and which adults to talk with, and fact based.
Inclusive.

[Andréa]

Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok

[Brittany K]

Not sure how I feel about this one.