Guy Stuff

Guy Stuff

book

2017, Children's Books, Growing Up & Facts of Life

WISE
82%

WISE Score

4.7

Amazon

A no-nonsense puberty manual for boys that makes body changes less cringey and more manageable.

Amazon4.7
Common Sense Media

Where to Read

Amazon
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Barnes & Noble
Libby
Libby

Our reviews and ratings are 100% unbiased, but as an Amazon Associate, Screenwise earns an affiliate fee if you buy a book or game by clicking one of our links. We don't get any credit if you just Google it instead :)

Screenwise Verdict

This is the book equivalent of a really good health class—not exciting, but genuinely useful. Dr. Natterson delivers exactly what boys this age need: straight talk about body changes, hygiene, and self-care without making it awkward or preachy.

It's not going to win any creativity awards, but that's not the point. The point is giving boys practical information during a confusing time, and it does that well. The 4.7 Amazon rating and strong parent reviews back this up.

Hand this to your 9-12 year old boy (or keep it on the shelf for reference) and you've given him a solid resource for navigating puberty. It won't gather dust because it's fascinating—it'll get used when he has a specific question or concern, which is exactly what a good reference guide should do.

Age Fit

Perfect for boys ages 9-12 who are starting or about to start puberty. This is the sweet spot when kids need practical information but aren't quite ready for more advanced content. Younger boys can have it read with a parent; older boys can reference it independently.

WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
92

Written by a pediatrician, this book approaches puberty with a straightforward, shame-free tone that normalizes bodily changes. It covers hygiene, voice changes, acne, and shaving in an age-appropriate way that helps boys feel less awkward about what's happening to them. The approach is practical and supportive without being preachy.

Imaginative
35

This is a practical health guide, not a creative work. It's informational and instructional by design—covering hygiene, body changes, and self-care. There's no storytelling, world-building, or creative exploration here. It serves its purpose but doesn't spark imagination.

Safe
95

Books about puberty are inherently safe—this is exactly the kind of information kids need at this age. Written by a respected pediatrician with medical accuracy, it presents body changes in a clinical yet accessible way. No surprise content, no inappropriate material, just straightforward facts about growing up. The only reason it's not 100 is that some families may want to preview any puberty content first.

Enriching
88

This is genuinely useful, life-skills content. Boys get practical information about hygiene, healthy habits, body changes, and self-care from a medical professional. The book fills a real gap—many boys get zero guidance on these topics. It builds body literacy and confidence during a confusing time. High marks for practical enrichment, even if it's not intellectually challenging.

Parent Info
✓

Why It Might Be Great

  • Written by a pediatrician who actually knows what she's talking about—medical accuracy meets real-world advice
  • Covers the stuff boys need to know but often don't get told: fighting funky smells, shaving, voice changes, acne, healthy habits
  • Straightforward and shame-free approach that normalizes puberty instead of making it weird
  • From the author of the mega-popular 'Care & Keeping of You' series, so the approach is proven and trusted
  • Fills a real gap—many boys get zero guidance on hygiene and body changes during puberty
⚠

What to Watch For

  • This is purely informational—don't expect storytelling or entertainment value
  • Some families may want to preview any puberty content before handing it over
  • Best as a reference guide to dip into rather than a cover-to-cover read

Conversation Starters

  • "What surprised you most about the changes your body is going through?"
  • "Is there anything in here you have questions about or want to talk through?"
  • "What's one new hygiene habit you want to try from the book?"
  • "Did reading this make you feel more or less worried about puberty?"

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic

Writing about Guy Stuff? Put this WISE score on your site