Common Sense Media Review
By Darienne Stewart
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Deeply informative, reassuring puberty handbook for girls.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 3 parent reviews
Based on 13 kid reviews
Kids say that this book is an invaluable resource for helping girls navigate puberty, providing essential information about body changes, self-care, and healthy relationships. While many recommend it for ages 10 and up, some reviewers feel certain topics might be more appropriate for slightly older readers, emphasizing that this book offers reassurance and practical advice in a comforting manner.
- great resource
- informative
- supportive advice
- appropriate age
- self-care guidance
- peer pressure addressed
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
THE CARE AND KEEPING OF YOU 2: THE BODY BOOK FOR OLDER GIRLS is a comprehensive overview of self-care for girls going through puberty. The first section reviews the basics: girls' changing appearance, staying clean, coping with acne, good sleep habits. The second section dives into female anatomy, hormones, breast development, periods, and infections. Then it's on to brain development, emotions, and body image. The final section discusses relationships, peer pressure, body modifications (like ear piercing), and learning to love your changing body.
Is It Any Good?
Puberty will always be both a little exciting and anxiety provoking, but this easy-to-read guide makes it less mystifying by explaining exactly what's going on -- and how to roll with the changes. The Care and Keeping of You 2: The Body Book for Older Girls -- written by pediatrician Cara Natterson -- equips girls with the biological information they need to better understand why they're changing and how to adapt.
Natterson's reassuring, knowledgeable style makes the content matter-of-fact and accessible, with a boost from Josée Masse's friendly illustrations. The book offers some excellent tips on preserving closeness with family, respecting privacy, and when to break a friend's trust. Originally published in 2013, the book barely touches on screen use and social media, and it provides outdated advice on breast self-exams. It also sidesteps sexual behavior, so families seeking information on sexual activity will need to look elsewhere.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the biological details in The Care and Keeping of You 2: The Body Book for Older Girls. Does knowing how and why your body is changing make it easier for you to embrace it?
Do you feel as if you're treating your body respectfully? What changes could you make?
Do you feel confident about yourself? Do you compare yourself with other girls? How can you cultivate a healthy body image?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Josee Masse
- Genre : Body Awareness
- Topics : Friendship
- Book type : Non-Fiction
- Publisher : American Girl Publishing, Inc.
- Publication date : February 26, 2013
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 10 - 12
- Number of pages : 96
- Available on : Paperback, Nook, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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