Growing Up Great! - by Scott Todnem (Paperback)

About the Book

Presents a guide for boys to help them understand and embrace the physical and emotional changes in the journey through puberty.

Book Synopsis

Help your boys grow up healthy, confident, and kind

Raising boys today comes with new challenges--and more questions than ever. From social media pressures to rising concerns about boys' self-esteem and emotional well-being, parents need trusted tools to share with their sons.

Growing Up Great! is a trusted puberty book for boys ages 8-14, written by National Health Teacher of the Year Scott Todnem. Unlike many guides that only focus on biology, this book takes a whole-child approach--covering body changes, emotional development, and social challenges that shape a boy's future.

Inside you'll find:

• Clear, honest explanations of physical changes, hygiene, and health.
• Support for emotional well-being with strategies like mindfulness, exercise, and creativity.
• Guidance for navigating modern challenges including social media, peer pressure, and friendships.
• Body positivity and respect to help boys value themselves and others.
• Glossary of puberty terms that ensures clarity and confidence in learning.

Growing Up Great! gives boys a reliable, affirming resource that normalizes change, fosters resilience, and builds the foundation for healthy adulthood. Help your son grow up not just informed, but empowered--with a guide that supports his body, mind, and heart.

Review Quotes

"Anyone who has ever met Scott Todnem knows that his students are extremely lucky to have him at the helm in their classroom. Growing Up Great! captures Scott's energy, passion, and insight on how to help guide a generation of adolescent boys into well-adjusted, happy men."--Melanie Lynch, 2016 SHAPE America National Health Teacher of the Year

"Finally a book about puberty focused on boys! Written in a safe, comfortable, yet humorous way, Scott answers the questions boys need and want to know building self-confidence and the understanding that 'change is good, and knowledge is power.' Not only does Scott explain what's going on 'down there' and other physical changes, but he includes the importance of social and emotional health as boys develop into men; including topics such as coping skills, mindfulness, and friendship. Growing Up Great! is a must-read for young boys and their parents/guardians helping boys appreciate their unique self."--Danielle Petrucci, M.Ed., @MsWellnessEdu

"Scott's new book is essential reading for all boys going through puberty! It's full of useful information and written in an engaging style that's honed from Scott's experience as a middle school health teacher. These days, it can be hard for teenagers to sift through the overwhelming amount of information available to them about puberty. Give them Scott's book, and they'll get the accurate, age-appropriate information they need to thrive as they mature from boys to young men."--Jeff Bartlett, Middle School Health Educator

"This is the puberty book for boys that you have been waiting for. It fills a much-needed gap in the market and approaches the sticky, yucky, and wonderful elements of puberty that can be difficult to navigate for teens and parents alike. Written in a wonderfully empathetic style, this book echoes the author's own approach to teaching and life. I appreciated the inclusive and nonjudgmental nature of the book in terms of the materials covered, the full-color illustrations, and importantly the language used throughout."--Andy Milne, 2017 National Health Teacher of the Year

Finally a puberty book that focuses on boys! Scott Todnem, SHAPE America's 2019 National Teacher of the Year, shares his expertise on puberty and the development of the whole child from a health educator's perspective. Scott's tenure of teaching middle school health shows through in his book by answering questions and giving need-to-know answers that many young people wonder about when it comes to their bodies.--Kimberly Ohara-Borowski, SHAPE America's 2018 National Health Teacher of the Year and Health Teacher at Ocean View High School in Huntington Beach, CA

Scott is a fantastic educator who knows how to connect with students. His personality comes alive in this age-appropriate, comprehensive, and inclusive book for young boys and parents. I have had the pleasure to see Scott teach and I am thrilled to know so many people outside the walls of his classroom will now get a chance to learn from one of the best health educators in the country!--Andy Horne, High School Health & Physical Education Teacher