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Parents' Guide to

Guy Stuff: The Body Book for Boys

By Darienne Stewart, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 8+

Frank, funny boys' guide to growing up is packed with tips.

Book Dr. Cara Natterson Body Awareness 2017
Guy Stuff: The Body Book for Boys Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

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age 9+

Based on 2 parent reviews

Sam8403
Sam8403 Adult
July 3, 2020
age 9+

Kid friendly and educational

My son is 11- and for the last year has developed body hair, acne, and body odor. He's also growing fast. I wish I found this book a year ago. It engaged him immediately - he sat down and began reading and did not stop. This answered many questions for him- that while I have worked hard maintaining open levels of communication - being a single mom of a boy beginning puberty- well the book took away the awkwardness. I knew all the talks for a girl- but I had been doing my own reading for boys and trying to tell him what he should know at the right age. This book took the scary part of puberty out for my son. He is more comfortable with himself- and is beginning to care for himself better without me repeating did you put on your deodorant 3 times... Thank you to the author!! All in an appropriate language with just enough information.
Nrrvac1
Nrrvac1 Adult
June 10, 2019
age 8+

I Love This Book!

I found this book at the store and happened to pick it up to see what it was all about since I have two boys one who is 11. I read the whole book and loved everything that was written in it. There is one section regarding Male reproductive organs but it is need to know info and nothing more. It is tastefully written and so appropriate for boys who are about to hit puberty. It's written in a fun and comic book manner and will totally get a boys attention. Such great topics I wouldn't have even thought of to discuss. A great book and worth the read with your son.
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

GUY STUFF: THE BODY BOOK FOR BOYS is a head-to-toe guide for boys on how to care for their changing body, from fighting off funky smells to cultivating healthy habits with lifelong benefits. Chapters focus on different areas: face and hair, upper body, nutrition and body shape, major changes during puberty, lower body, fitness, sleep habits, and emotions. In addition to diagrams of genitalia and tips on brushing teeth, the book discusses less commonly explored issues such as temporary breast growth, why it hurts so much to get hit in the groin, insomnia, and the difference between confidence and arrogance.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (2 ):
Kids say (1 ):

American Girl's first book for boys is a thorough, approachable guide to growing up healthy and happy that goes beyond puberty basics to discuss ideas of masculinity and the power of personal choice. Guy Stuff: The Body Book for Boys is an engaging book for boys to read solo, and an excellent ice-breaker for parents who'd like to be more comfortable talking about puberty.

Author Dr. Cara Natterson offers empathetic advice on the ups and downs of puberty, reassuring readers who might feel self-conscious about how they compare with their peers. She covers the key issues you'd expect, but she also packs in a wealth of helpful nuggets, like how to get rid of warts, how the color of your pee can show dehydration, how to hide surprise erections. Her passages on masculinity, expressing emotions, and managing moods are valuable inclusions. Charming artwork by Micah Player helps illustrate key ideas and adds a bit of whimsy to the subject matter. Lack of an index -- or more info on how girls develop, too -- are minor flaws in an otherwise stellar guide.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the tone of voice in Guy Stuff: The Body Book for Boys. Does the casual style make it easier to read -- and hopefully talk -- about subjects that might make you feel self-conscious? Is the candid language helpful? Does knowing the facts make some of this less awkward?

  • How do you feel about the way boys' and men's bodies are portrayed in movies, on TV, and in magazines? (For help, see our tips for talking with boys about body image.)

  • Do you have any questions this book didn't address? If so, ask a trusted adult to help you find the answers.

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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