Books for feelings and life
Books about growing up, bodies and puberty
These are reference books, not stories. Most are from mainstream publishers and align with American Academy of Pediatrics guidance. Parents should read the one they choose before handing it over.
Picks drawn from long-standing children's-librarian lists, ALSC notable and award records, and Common Sense Media age ratings, with each title and author checked against Open Library, Oct 2026. Checked 2026-10-25. Nobody paid to be here. The buy links are plain search links, not affiliate links, so Peabody earns nothing from them.
The Care and Keeping of You: The Body Book for Younger Girls
Valorie Schaefer (American Girl) · Ages 8-11
The standard first book on periods, hair and hygiene for girls.
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The Care and Keeping of You 2: The Body Book for Older Girls
Dr. Cara Natterson (American Girl) · Ages 10-13
Written by a pediatrician for the next stage.
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Guy Stuff: The Body Book for Boys
Dr. Cara Natterson (American Girl) · Ages 9-13
A pediatrician's guide for boys covering growth, voice and hygiene.
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It's Perfectly Normal
Robie H. Harris · Ages 10+
Illustrated, frank, covers puberty, reproduction and health. Often challenged.
Watch for: Frank drawings of anatomy and sex.
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It's So Amazing!
Robie H. Harris · Ages 7-10
The younger companion on how babies are made and born.
Watch for: Drawings of anatomy, conception and birth.
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What's Happening to My Body? Book for Boys
Lynda Madaras · Ages 10-14
Long-running guide, updated several times.
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What's Happening to My Body? Book for Girls
Lynda Madaras · Ages 10-14
The matching book for girls.
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Celebrate Your Body (and Its Changes, Too!)
Sonya Renee Taylor · Ages 9-13
A body-positive guide to puberty and self-image, covering sex-neutral language.
Buy: Bookshop.org · Amazon
More lists
Books about self-esteem and being yourself
Picture books that tell children they are fine as they are, without the hollow cheerleading.
Books about anger for kids
Anger is one of the first big feelings children need words for.
Books about sadness and sad days
Children are often told to cheer up.
Books about fear, the dark and monsters
Fear of the dark, of monsters, and of being left is normal between ages 3 and 7.
Books about worry and anxiety
Worry can show up as stomachaches, clinging or perfectionism.
Books about shyness and quiet kids
Shy and quiet are not problems to fix.
Books about loneliness and finding a friend
Loneliness is different from being alone.
Books about frustration and trying again
For the child who throws the pencil when the drawing is not right.