In my view, this is an excellent book for the younger child (9-12) starting puberty. I read this book from cover to cover before giving it to my 9 year old son and I did not find anything in it that I would not want my son to know about. To put it in perspective, the other three books I ordered, in my view, were not suitable for a 9 year old and I have had to put them away until my son is older as they are more explicit and discuss topics in too much detail. I would feel comfortable reading this book with my child or allowing my child to read this book alone.
This book is written in very simple language with almost cartoon style illustrations and so can be easily understood by the younger child going through puberty. The book describes exactly what will happen to their body in a straightforward, easy to understand way. Not only does the book explain physical changes, differences and feelings, the book also covers; responsibilities and sections on how best to look after their body through basic diet, exercise, personal hygiene and health. One particular theme that runs through the book is that each child is unique and each child develops at different times, and changes to their body may happen in a different order to their mates - so that even if they are not developing the same as their mates or if they look different to their mates - this is perfectly normal and it is OK to be different. Knowing this can help reduce some of the insecurities, embarrassments and frustrations that going through puberty can cause.
In addition, I like the fact that the book also covers what to do in difficult situations, such as peer pressure, re: bullying, smoking, drinking, drugs, sex and the right to say `No!' to peer pressure.
The book also includes a small section to help boys to understand some of the changes that happens to girls highlighting that girls worry about the changes happening to them just as much as boys and even have a lot of the same problems.
If you are wondering, which book to get for your young male starting puberty - I don't think you will be disappointed with this one.