BECOMING YOU for Girls and for Boys: 2 Book Set Review (Giveaway)

Are you looking for biblically based books to help girls and boys prepare for the physical, emotional, and spiritual changes of growing up? Is talking about upcoming body changes awkward for your preteens and possibly for you, too?

Then, check out this review of two books recently released by the Christian publisher, New Growth Press. Becoming You: Everything You Wanted to Know About Growing Up includes one book specifically for girls and one book for boys.

The publisher has generously sent me a copy of each book to give away to one of you, dear readers. Learn more about the giveaway at the end.

About the Author

Darby Strickland, MDiv, is a faculty member and seasoned counselor at the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation (CCEF). She has written several books for adults and kids, including one I’ve reviewed here before, A Big Change Happened.

Darby loves helping families.

She says, “Through children’s books and parent resources, I also help families shepherd their children through hard seasons with wisdom, patience, and care.”

Darby and her husband have three children. Learn more about Darby and her work at darbystrickland.com.

About the Becoming You Books

The Becoming You books follow a similar format, with sections on God’s Amazing Design, Your Changing Body, Your Feelings and Friendships, and Growing in Wisdom.

A note at the beginning offers great suggestions for readers to read a little bit at a time and talk it over with someone if they have questions. The books have wonderful content but are probably too much for the youngest readers to digest in one sitting. It would be a great book for parents to read alongside their preteens.

The book handles awkward topics with gentleness, dignity, and appropriate humor. Biological changes, emotional development, and other preteen issues are presented in a straightforward manner, while staying grounded in biblical truth.  The tone is encouraging and easy to understand.

I like that the books don’t mention physical attractions to others. Instead, they focus on growing in wisdom, building good relationships with family and friends, and loving others more like Jesus.

Both books make some similar points—especially about God’s constant love and becoming who He created us to be. Yet, like His design for males and females, each book is unique.

Physical changes are introduced. Becoming You for Boys addresses everything from awkward voice changes to the random things that happen in a growing boy that are out of his control. And Becoming You for Girls covers everything from bras to zits.

They offer suggestions to preteens on how to start conversations with parents about what they’re experiencing during this sometimes uncomfortable season of growth between childhood and adulthood.

But these books don’t just educate. They present everything through a Christian worldview. Throughout, they remind kids that growing up isn’t just about the body. More importantly, it’s about the heart.

Scriptures are presented throughout the book using the NIV and ESV translations.

Growth Goals

At the end, there is a section provided for readers to write in goals for physical growth, wisdom and choices, emotional growth, spiritual growth, and for growth in relationships with family and friends.

“Every part of puberty is part of God’s perfect design. Some changes can feel confusing, awkward, or just plain annoying. You don’t have to love every part of puberty to know you are loved through all of it. As you go through this season, remember that God is with you through every step. He knows you completely, and he cares about every little thing happening in your body. Puberty is a reminder that you are growing into the person he has made you to be!”   – Darby A. Strickland, Becoming You for Girls.

A Note to Parents and Caregivers

I appreciated the note to parents and caregivers at the back of the books about creating a safe and open space for their kids to come and talk to them. It also explained how to care for and speak of their own bodies with grace and anchor their own worth in Christ.

Another unique touch in this book is a note to parents of kids with disabilities or medical conditions. I love the biblical truths provided here for parents to keep sharing with their kids who have extra challenges.

Different Giveaway Details

Normally, we follow the “Winner Selection Process.” But this time, we will put everyone’s name in the drawing who comments in the comment section below, on my Instagram, or on my Facebook Page. On November 19, 2026, we will randomly select one winner to receive both books. If one of the books doesn’t apply to your family, consider giving it to a friend or donating it to a library. It would make a great addition to any home or homeschool library.

Do you know someone who would like this book?
Which one–the one for boys or the one for girls?

I received a free copy of this product. I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations.

Motivated by the power of story, history, and His Story, Sally Matheny’s passion is telling the next generation wondrous things.

Her nonfiction writing appears in national and worldwide publications, including Appleseeds, Clubhouse Jr., Homeschooling Today, and The Old Schoolhouse.

She and her husband live in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and are blessed with three children, two sons-in-law, and armfuls of grandbabies. Connect with Sally on several social media sites, but her favorite hangouts are at SallyMatheny.com and Pinterest.