Parents' Guide to

Growing Up Great!: The Ultimate Puberty Book for Boys

By Mandie Caroll, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 8+

Encouraging puberty guide covers emotional growth, too.

Book Scott Todnem Body Awareness 2019
Growing Up Great!: The Ultimate Puberty Book for Boys Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

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What's the Story?

After an introduction from the author, the first chapter previews the major aspects of puberty for boys and establishes that though all boys go through puberty, genes determine how you grow (fast, slow, big, small, etc.), and no matter how you develop, your body is pretty great. Subsequent chapters maintain the compassionate tone while elaborating on the preview in Chapter 1. Topics covered include how a boy's body changes, underwear options, parts of boy's genitals, self-care (physical and emotional), privacy and consent, managing emotions and how to navigate peer pressure, friendships and family dynamics. A glossary, resources list, and a reference list provide a jumping off point for more learning and exploration.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
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Kids say (1 ):

This puberty book for boys is an engaging, funny, and comprehensive guide for tween boys. Unlike other puberty books that focus on body changes, author-educator Scott Todnem takes a whole person approach to physical, emotional, and mental health. Its informal and upbeat tone will pull readers in and there's lots of clear, science-based information. Unlike its companion book for girls (Celebrate Your Body (and Its Changes, Too!)), Celebrate Your Body, Growing Up Great! briefly and age appropriately covers masturbation, sex, crushes, and romantic relationships. Boys will be able to see themselves reflected in the illustrations, which portray boys of many shapes, skin colors, hair styles, and gender expressions.

Areas of concern include no mention of gender identity (trans or nonbinary genders), and the illustrations don't capture the full range of body diversity: There are some "stocky" boys, but none are large or fat. Finally, reproduction is defined as the "act of a man and a woman creating new life," which might cause raised eyebrows in readers with same-gender or single parents who relied on donor sperm/eggs to create a family. But the rest of the book uses inclusive language and generally avoids presuming heterosexuality. Critiques aside, the confidence-boosting focus of this book and its accurate information make this a wonderful go-to source for boys entering puberty.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how Growing Up Great! talks about bodies. What causes bodies to develop differently? What kind of messages do you get about your body and the bodies of other boys? Do you feel the way you want to feel about your growing body? How can the adults in your life help you feel good about puberty and your body?

  • How is this book the same and different from other puberty books you've read or information you've learned about puberty at school or elsewhere?

  • Talk about the suggestions for managing intense feelings. Which of the mindfulness or coping skills have you tried, or do you want to try? What (or who) helps you work through big feelings?

Book Details

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Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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