The Ultimate Girls’ Body Book by Dr. Walt Larimore and Dr. Amaryllis Sánchez Wohlever

This nonfiction book about puberty and sexuality for girls is described as a book of “not-so-silly questions about your body.” The two pediatrician authors believe growing up in a changing body shouldn’t be a mystery and aim to provide tween and teen girls with all the information they need to navigate this stage of life. This information is presented from a Biblical worldview and scripture is quoted and referenced throughout.

It is organized by questions, instead of chapters. There are 34 questions that are addressed. These questions range from the basics of being healthy, things like getting adequate sleep and sufficient calcium intake, to menstrual cycles and sexuality. There are QR codes throughout, which link to more information. However, some of these QR codes no longer work. There is a section for additional resources at the back of the book where you and your daughter can find links to more information, which is referenced throughout the book. The resources are also organized by question number.

This comprehensive guide to growing up is recommended for girls ages 10-14. They are encouraged to read this book with a trusted female adult so they can ask questions and gain further clarity.

Recommended Ages: 10-14

As a mom of a fourth grader, I am very grateful for this resource. I will be using it with my own daughter towards the end of her fourth-grade year before she goes to middle school. In reading this myself, I feel better prepared to engage in conversations about puberty and other topics of a sexual nature with her. For your daughter, it will depend on the peers she is influenced by and her maturity level on whether you start this book at the age of 10, or wait until older. The information about sexual intercourse goes no further than those words. I don’t feel my own daughter would be ready for those details, so I’m appreciative that they were not graphic in describing that aspect.

I appreciated the authors including multiple references to scripture as they answered each of the 34 questions. Do note that they use the NIV translation. Every answer always had a connection to how we were created by God and female bodies are doing exactly what they were made to do through each of the changes that happen during puberty. There is nothing weird or awkward happening, even though it may feel that way at the moment.

There is a question about weight, and calculating your BMI is discussed, as well as the next steps depending on where your weight and height have you fall on the BMI scale. It is a very factual conversation with references to other medical resources that can be consulted for more information. Eating disorders are also discussed. If your daughter, or other young female, is struggling with their body image I would definitely make sure to guide them through the information given in this question’s answer.

I also loved that when birth control was discussed, it was not described as an answer to moods, acne, irregular periods, etc. Side-effects were mentioned as well as other remedies for these issues that teen girls may face. Pregnancy is discussed as a reality that can happen for any girl who is having a period, regular or not, and engages in sexual activity. Motherhood is described as a blessing, and girls are reminded that their monthly period is a reminder of the blessing God has for women. Breast development is also described with medically factual information, but then also brought back to the fact that breasts were created to nourish babies and they are a blessing and part of being a woman that was uniquely designed by God.

The book constantly reminds girls to talk to a trusted female adult. I was glad to see that relationship encouraged throughout. Girls are told that not every family has the same values and morals, and friends are not to be trusted as the source of authority or truth on the matters discussed in this book. Tweens and teens are reminded that their peers are going through these changes for the first time as well, so they cannot be trusted experts.

Throughout the questions, both doctors tell personal stories and small bits of humor are intertwined with the facts. This helps them feel relatable to the readers and breaks up the somewhat serious topics being discussed. It wasn’t distracting from the information, and I think these little sections will help young readers stay motivated in reading the book.

Jesus is once described as Prince Charming. It wasn’t my favorite reference, but it was only once. This was mentioned in the question about modesty. The authors want the reader to feel loved and valued by God and describes Jesus as coming like Prince Charming into the world to battle for them and ultimately die for them.

If you consider yourself a reformed Christian, there are a few mentions of choosing to follow Jesus or asking him to live in our hearts. The scripture that immediately followed was 1 Corinthians 6:19, which states we receive the Holy Spirit from God. I feel like I could have a conversation about our families’ beliefs using this reference of scripture and that salvation and the Holy Spirit come from God not us asking or choosing to follow.

This book also discusses drug and alcohol abuse, sexting, and pornography. I feel it really hits all the topics you would want to address with your tween or teen girl for them to be successful in navigating puberty and their teenage years.

This review was written by Good Book Mom contributor, Rachel. To learn more about Rachel, click HERE.

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