Introduction: Growing Up

Look at an old photo of yourself as a baby or a toddler. Chubby cheeks, tiny hands, maybe not much hair! Now look in the mirror. You’ve grown so much. And you’re still growing.

Right about now, somewhere between ages 9 and 12, many girls start noticing that growing up is speeding up. Your feelings might seem bigger. Your body starts to change. Your friendships shift. You start thinking more about who you are and who you want to become.

All of that can feel exciting. It can also feel confusing, awkward or even a little scary. That’s completely normal.

Here’s the most important thing to know: growing up is part of God’s good design. He isn’t surprised by any of it. He planned it. And He’s with you through every change.

King David prayed a beautiful prayer for the young people of his nation:

“Then our sons will be like plants nurtured in their youth, our daughters like corner pillars carved to adorn a palace.”

— Psalm 144:12 (BSB)

A corner pillar holds up a building. And these pillars were “carved to adorn a palace,” shaped with care and made beautiful. That’s a picture of you: a daughter of the King, being shaped by God into a strong, beautiful young woman.

What’s in this book

• Week 1 — Feelings. Big feelings, anger, sadness, embarrassment, and what to do with them.
• Week 2 — Your Body and Growing Up. How God designed your body, and the changes that come as you grow.
• Week 3 — Wise Choices. Friends, crushes, money, time, being wise online, and a pure heart.
• Week 4 — Calling. Discovering your gifts and what God might be calling you to do.
• Week 5 — Mentors and Finishing Well. Learning from older women, helping younger girls, and growing old beautifully.

At the end of each week, you’ll meet a real woman from history, some of them you may remember from Books 1 and 2, who trusted God in every season of life.

How each day works

Every day takes about five to ten minutes and has five parts: the verse, the teaching, Think about it, Try this and a prayer. Add your own words to the prayers!

A special note about Week 2

Week 2 talks about how your body changes as you grow up. Some of it might feel a little awkward to read, and that’s okay! It’s a great week to read with your mom, grandma, an aunt or another woman you trust. Every day that week ends by encouraging you to take your questions to her, because nobody has all the answers alone, and the women who love you want to help.

If you haven’t read Books 1 and 2, that’s okay! You can start right here.

For parents, grandparents and leaders

Book 3 of Daughters of the King is about growing up for girls aged 9 to 12, with Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible. As in the earlier books, it builds character and faith and does not teach adult roles.

Week 2 speaks openly and age-appropriately about puberty. It covers:

• growth and body shape
• breast development and body hair
• periods, explained simply and accurately
• hygiene
• changing moods

It frames all of this as God’s good design, and it deliberately leaves questions about sex and reproduction to parents. Each day of that week sends girls back to a parent or trusted woman with their questions, and Day 12 repeats a simple body-safety message. We strongly encourage reading Week 2 together. It may open the door to conversations you’ll be glad to have.

Day 14 is about crushes. It encourages girls not to rush, and to talk openly with their parents.