Grow & Know develops evidence-based puberty education resources with and for young people around the world. Working alongside adolescents, educators, health professionals, and local partners, we create culturally relevant books and educational materials that combine young people’s lived experiences with accurate, age-appropriate health information. Our resources help girls and boys navigate puberty with confidence while supporting the adults who care for them. 

The four books below were developed using participatory methods with adolescent boys in Cambodia, Tanzania, Kenya, and Sierra Leone, along with learning from adults in their lives, such as teachers, parents, and health workers. Each book combines boys’ real-life stories with factual guidance on puberty, body changes, emotions, healthy habits, and common myths. 

Tanzania 

Kuwa Kijana (To Become a Young Man) (2013)

The first Grow & Know boys’ puberty book, developed through participatory research with Tanzanian boys to provide culturally relevant guidance on puberty and adolescence.

Languages: Swahili and English (also available in Braille) 

Credits: Developed by Grow & Know. Authors: Marni Sommer, Samuel Likindikoki, and Sylvia Kaaya. Stories developed with boys from Tanzania. Translators: Annagrace Rwehumiza and Richard Mabala. Illustrator: Abdul Gugu. Layout and design: Sisi Illustrators.  

Cambodia

Growth and Changes: To Become a Young Man (2015)

Developed in partnership with Kampuchean Action for Primary Education (KAPE), this bilingual book combines real stories from Cambodian boys with factual guidance on puberty, body changes, emotions, relationships, and healthy development. 

Languages: Khmer and English 

Credits: Developed by Grow & Know in partnership with Kampuchean Action for Primary Education (KAPE). Authors: Marni Sommer and Leah Scandurra. Stories developed with boys from Cambodia. Translator: Sopheak Hoeun. Illustrator: Pisey Chan. Layout and design: Nova Design Cambodia. 

Kenya 

Kuwa Mvulana (To Become a Young Man) (2020)

Developed in partnership with Trócaire, this book combines evidence-based puberty education with stories from Kenyan boys, helping young adolescents navigate the physical and emotional changes of puberty.

Languages: Swahili and English 

Credits: Developed by Grow & Know in partnership with Trócaire. Authors: Marni Sommer, Allie Carney, and Titus Mulei. Stories developed with boys from Kenya. Translator: Eileen Ambasa. Illustrator: Chris Oluoch. Editor and layout/design: Mountain Top Educational Publishers. 

Sierra Leone

Growth and Changes for Boys in Sierra Leone (2021)

Developed in partnership with CODE, this book was created through participatory research with Sierra Leonean youth and supports boys with accurate, culturally relevant guidance on puberty and growing up. 

Languages: English 

Credits: Developed by Grow & Know in partnership with CODE. Text: Marni Sommer (Grow & Know). Stories developed with boys from Sierra Leone. Illustrator: Leslie Lumeh. Publications manager: Lynn O’Rourke. Design and layout: Lynn O’Rourke.