15 Books That Can Help Explain Menstruation to Tweens

Image Source: https://www.amazon.com/I'm a Girl, My Changing Body ($11) prepares children as young as 8 and 9 for the changes their body will experience during puberty. This one doesn't cover periods as in-depth as the followup book that's meant for tweens 11 to 12, but it does cover hormones, reproduction, and physical changes that happen during puberty.

The Girl's Body Book ($8) was written by a nurse who also happens to be a comedian, and the tone reflects her expertise and wit. Written for tweens 10 and up, topics like periods, PMS, and even visiting the gynecologist are handled in an engaging and informational way.

Rather than a traditional guidebook, Chill Out & Stop Making This Weird: A Girl's Survival Guide Extraordinaire ($8) tackles menstruation and puberty through the first-person experience of a character named Maddie. Tweens who are feeling uncomfortable talking about these topics will appreciate reading about someone who is going through the same things they are.

The authors of Bunk 9's Guide to Growing Up: Secrets, Tips, and Expert Advice on the Good, the Bad, and the Awkward ($8, originally $13) recommend that parents read the book before handing it over to their child so they're prepared for any questions that may come up (and they definitely will). The book is written from the perspective of a group of camp counselors who have been through everything your child is about to go through and want to help make the transition as smooth as possible.

I'm a Girl, Hormones! ($11) is the followup book to I'm a Girl, My Changing Body. It's geared toward tweens 10 and up and delves deeper into preparing them for their first period in an age-appropriate manner.

Your Moontime Magic: A Girl's Guide to Getting Your Period and Loving Your Body ($15) goes beyond period basics — though it does cover those, too. It also explores "moontime" rituals and mythology from cultures around the globe to help convey the significance of going through puberty.

Written by a board-certified doctor with decades of experience working with the transgender community, this book breaks down the basics of gender identity, sexual orientation, puberty, and more. Where's My Book $30) is designed to be read by families and lead to discussions on topics like identity and the physical changes that come with growing up.

If your tween is into comics and graphic novels, they may prefer the illustrated style of The Period Comic: A Girl's Easy Guide to Puberty and Periods ($20). It's fun to read but doesn't gloss over the important details.

The Girl's Guide to Becoming a Teen ($12, originally $15) is written by the American Medical Association and touches on the the physical and emotional changes of puberty, along with solid tips and advice that will help tweens understand what's going to happen before it happens.

Celebrate Your Body (and Its Changes, Too!) ($8, originally $13) does just what it says: it celebrates the person you are becoming in a body-positive, empowering way. It's written for kids ages 8 to 12 and features colorful illustrations and realistic depictions of tween and teen bodies.

The Care & Keeping of You: The Body Book For Younger Girls ($8, originally $13) teaches kids 8 to 10 how to care for their bodies during the many changes they'll experience during puberty. From body odor and pimples to periods and bras, this book covers it all.

The Period Book: A Girl's Guide to Growing Up ($10, originally $14) is an illustrated guidebook that walks through the visible and invisible changes of puberty. It even addresses sensitive topics like harassment and body image.