Puberty
Puberty
Boys' stuff: Boys talking about what matters
A 224 page non-fiction book. Teenage boys reflect on their lives and cover topics such as: sex, friends, sports, drugs, music, school and family. They explain what the 'rules' are, how they break them and what's 'cool'.
How to talk to kids about bodies
Non-fiction
A 38 page guide for parents showing them how to have shame-free conversations with their child about their genitals.
Age: Parents and teachers of children 0 to 12 years.
Let's talk about sex
Non-fiction
Biological and psychological information about sex: from puberty and conception to birth control and STIs, including sections on the body, families and babies, and sexual health. New edition includes expanded information on internet, texting safety, contraception and LGBT.
Let's talk about the birds and the bees
Non-fiction
Cartoon illustrated book for parents to read to children about differences between male and female reproductive systems, private body parts, sexual intercourse, love, puberty, what touching is ok/not ok, families. Simple facts as a starting point for conversations.
Book review by Cath Hak 6min (external link)
Age: Parents and teachers of 4 to 11 year olds.
Let's talk about where babies come from
Non-fiction
Comics and cartoons outlining: similarities and differences between girls and boys, growing up, reproductive organs, how babies are made, what sex is, what is love, same sex attraction, conception, pregnancy, different types of birth, genetics (e.g. hair colour), different kinds of families, keeping safe (consensual touch), HIV (but not other STI/BBVs). A book that parents/teachers can read to younger children, or older children can read themselves.
Book review by Cath Hak 4min 36sec.
Age: 7 to 11 years.
Making sense of sex: a forthright guide to puberty, sex and relationships for people with Asperger's Syndrome
A paperback book for teenagers and young adults with Asperger's Syndrome who have questions about puberty, sex and relationships.
Menstrupedia Comic: the friendly guide to periods for girls
Menstrupedia Comic is an online resource, but there are also book versions available. The website and the book contain answers to questions about periods and provides useful information on menstruation, changing bodies and growing up.
More secret girls' business
Topics: puberty, menstruation.
Non-fiction
Uses simple text and colour illustrations to explain how to manage periods. It includes notes for parents, teachers and carers.
Age: 8+
Puberty and special girls
A simple yet sensitively written picture book that covers changes in bodies and appearance during puberty, good hygiene and other issues including protective behaviours and feelings for young women with special needs.
Puberty booklet
A WA Department of Health booklet addressing the changes that happen during puberty and how to look after yourself during this time. Recently updated in 2021 to combine the 'Girls and puberty' and 'Boys and puberty'. Aimed at ages 10-13 years.
Relationships, sex and other stuff
A WA Department of Health booklet for teenagers addressing friends and relationships, sex and pregnancy.
Secret boys' business (2nd Ed.)
Topics: puberty
Non-fiction
A puberty resource for boys, families, schools and community groups to explain the physical and emotional changes of puberty.
Age: 9 to 13 years.
Secret girls' business
Topics: puberty, menstruation.
Non-fiction
Uses simple text and colour illustrations to explain how to manage periods. It includes notes for parents, teachers and carers.
Age: 8+
Sexuality and severe autism: a practical guide for parents caregivers and health educators
A 208 page paper back book on sexual health and sexuality. This book contains information on males and females, including public and private sexual behaviours, sexual abuse, physical changes and menstruation.
So what is a vulva anyway?
This UK resource is aimed at educating young people about the vulva (the outside part of the female reproductive system that is often misnamed ‘vagina’). The booklet uses illustrations to normalise the wide range of ‘normal’ when it comes to the appearance of the vulva. It also details the changes which happen during puberty that are often not described.
Special boys' business
Topics: puberty. Autism, special needs.
Non-fiction
A puberty resource written for boys with special needs, including intellectual disability, physical disability, communication disorder and Autism.
Age: 8+
Special girls' business
Topics: menstruation, puberty
Non-fiction
A step by step guide on how to manage periods, including use and disposal of pads. A puberty resource written for girls with special needs, including intellectual disability, physical disability, communication disorder and Autism.
Age: 8+
Talk Soon. Talk Often: a guide for parents talking to their kids about sex
A WA Department of Health booklet developed to support parents to initiate regular and relaxed conversations with their children about relationships and sexuality. Age and stage appropriate information for parents with children birth to teens. First published 2011, updated in 2019.
The growing up book for boys
Topics: puberty, Autism.
Non-fiction
What boys on the Autistic Spectrum need to know about puberty. Covers topics: changes during puberty, shaving, erections, wet dreams, crushes, friendships, internet safety, body safety, emotions.
Ages: Parents and teachers.
The growing up guide for girls
Topics: puberty, special needs, Autism
Non-fiction
What girls on the Autistic Spectrum need to know about puberty. Covers changes during puberty, menstruation, emotions, crushes, appropriate behaviours, friends, staying safe online.
Age: Parents and teachers.