What Makes This Puberty Book Different?

Unlike outdated puberty guides, this book tackles the topics that matter most to today’s tweens and teens. The authors draw on decades of clinical experience, hundreds of conversations with young people, and the latest research to address everything from the physical milestones of puberty to the emotional roller coaster that comes with them. Whether your child is eight, twelve, or sixteen, you’ll find age-appropriate advice that meets them where they are.

Overview

Puberty today is nothing like it was a generation ago. Kids are hitting puberty earlier, navigating social media pressures, and facing questions about gender identity and consent—all while their bodies and brains change at lightning speed. This Is So Awkward: Modern Puberty Explained is the go-to resource for parents and teens who want honest, up-to-date, and practical guidance through these turbulent years. Written by trusted experts Cara Natterson, MD, and Vanessa Kroll Bennett, this book combines medical accuracy with real-world wisdom to help families communicate openly and confidently.

Key Features

• Expert Authors: Cara Natterson is a paediatrician and the author of the best-selling Care & Keeping of You series; Vanessa Kroll Bennett is a puberty educator and co-host of The Puberty Podcast. Together, they bring decades of frontline experience.
• Modern Topics: Covers social media, body image, gender diversity, consent, online safety, and mental health—alongside classic puberty topics like growth spurts, periods, and voice changes.
• Practical Tools: Includes conversation starters, scripts for tricky talks, and tips for handling embarrassment or resistance.
• For Both Parents and Teens: The book is written in a straightforward, non-judgmental tone that teens can read on their own, with sections specifically designed for adult caregivers.
• Science-Based & Age-Appropriate: Every recommendation is grounded in evidence, and the authors provide clear guidance on what to discuss at different developmental stages.

What You’ll Learn

• How to start and sustain conversations about puberty without awkwardness.
• What’s “normal” in modern puberty—and when to seek professional help.
• Strategies for managing mood swings, risk-taking behaviour, and social challenges.
• How to support your child’s changing body and self-esteem.
• Ways to address digital life: screen time, social media pressure, and online predators.
• How to talk about sex, consent, and relationships in a way that resonates with today’s teens.

Who Should Read This Book?

Parents and caregivers of children ages 8 to 18 will find this book invaluable—whether they are just preparing for puberty or already in the thick of it. Teachers, school counsellors, and paediatricians will appreciate the evidence-based, up-to-date content that supports their professional work. Teens themselves can read selected chapters to get straight answers about what they’re experiencing. This book is also an excellent resource for grandparents, aunts, uncles, and any adult who plays a role in a young person’s life.

How to Use This Book

You don’t have to read it cover to cover. Flip to the chapter that addresses your biggest concern, or share a passage with your teen to spark a conversation. The authors include practical exercises and reflection prompts that make the material actionable. Many families keep this book on the coffee table, letting teens pick it up when they’re curious. However you use it, This Is So Awkward will help you feel more prepared and less alone.

Important Note: This book is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace professional medical or psychological advice. If you have concerns about your child’s development or mental health, consult a qualified healthcare provider.

About the Authors

Cara Natterson, MD, is a board-certified paediatrician who has written extensively on child and adolescent health. She is the author of the iconic The Care & Keeping of You series, which has sold millions of copies. Vanessa Kroll Bennett is a writer, educator, and co-host of The Puberty Podcast. Together, they bring a unique blend of medical expertise and lived experience to this essential guide. Their work has been featured in major media outlets, and they are regularly sought after for their insights on raising resilient, informed kids.