He won't ask you
And you may not know where to start. The book covers what is happening to his body and his moods in plain language, so he can read it privately and come to you when he's ready.
A puberty guide for boys ages 12 to 15
The talk nobody wants to have, made a whole lot easier.
A straight-talking, fact-checked guide to growing up, written so he will actually read it, and so you don't have to figure out what to say.
Every fact in the book is backed by a citation to a trusted medical or government source.
Fact-checked. Every claim cited to a trusted source.
Age-appropriate. Written for 12 to 15 year olds.
Honest and funny. Never mortifying, never preachy.
Why this book exists
Boys this age have questions and almost never ask them out loud. So they search online, where the answers range from unhelpful to flat-out wrong. This book gives him a better place to look.
Facts you can trust
Nothing is pulled from random websites. Each fact is tied to a citation from a respected medical or government source, so you can check it yourself.
Funny, not embarrassing
The tone is a friendly older cousin, not a health-class film. Humor helps a nervous 13-year-old keep reading.
What's inside
Ten topics, each short enough to read in one sitting.
- Puberty basics. What is happening, in what order, and why timing varies so much.
- Hygiene. Showers, deodorant, skin, and everything that suddenly matters.
- Anatomy. Clear, medically accurate answers, without the giggling.
- Food and sleep. Fueling a body that is growing fast.
- Emotions. Mood swings, big feelings, and what is normal.
- School and learning. How puberty affects focus, energy, and grades.
- Friendships. Changing friend groups, pressure, and fitting in.
- The digital world. Phones, social media, and staying safe online.
- Talking to parents. How to start the conversations that feel impossible.
- Confidence. Feeling okay in a body that keeps changing.
Written for ages 12 to 15. Pregnancy, STDs/STIs (sexually transmitted diseases and infections), and other topics for older teens are saved for a planned guide for ages 15 to 17.
Parents and grandparents: you are not alone in this
Many of us were handed an awkward pamphlet and a mumbled "any questions?" This is the book we wish we had been given.
- For parents: hand it over, then use it as a conversation starter. A chapter at a time works well.
- For grandparents: a thoughtful gift for a grandson, ideally with a short handwritten note and a heads-up to his parents first.
- For everyone: read it yourself first. You will know what he is reading and be ready for his questions.
Looking for help with the parent side of the conversation? Visit growingupdaily.com for everyday conversation starters.
Read it? Tell other parents.
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Get the free parent conversation guide
Join the list and the guide is emailed to you right away. You can download it on the next page, too. You'll also hear first about the companion guides for girls and for parents.
Free guide also in: 简体中文 · 繁體中文 · Tiếng Việt · 한국어
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For pediatricians, counselors, and teachers
If you work with boys this age, get a one-page summary of the book: who it is for, what it covers, and how it is sourced. It is emailed to you right away.
Common questions
What ages is the book for?
It is written for boys ages 12 to 15. Readers from 11 to 17 may find it useful, but the content is chosen to suit the younger end of that range.
Is it appropriate for my grandson?
Yes. It sticks to the changes of puberty, hygiene, emotions, school, friendships, and online life. Pregnancy and STDs/STIs (sexually transmitted diseases and infections) are intentionally left out and saved for a planned guide for ages 15 to 17.
Where do the facts come from?
Every fact is backed by a citation to a trusted source, such as a medical or government institution. Nothing is taken from unsourced websites.
Why the name I.M. Awkward?
Because everyone has been the awkward kid. The pen name is a reminder that nobody has to have it all figured out.
Will there be a guide for girls, or for parents?
Yes, those are planned. A companion guide for girls, a full parents' guide, and a guide for ages 15 to 17 are all in the works. Join the list to hear first.
When and where can I buy it?
The paperback is available now on Amazon.