Parents' Guide to

The Care and Keeping of You: The Body Book for Younger Girls

By Darienne Stewart, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 8+

Helpful American Girl guide for girls starting puberty.

Book Valorie Lee Schaefer Body Awareness 2012
The Care and Keeping of You: The Body Book for Younger Girls Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

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age 9+

Based on 3 parent reviews

Mommacoo
Mommacoo Parent of 9-year-old
November 21, 2020
age 9+

Great start for "Mature" Audiences

This book was a great start for my daughter, starting to see development told me she was ready for the book. I would consider checking your daughters maturity level first before trying this book. It talks about periods, bras, and how to take care of your self and your emotions in situations as well. If your child thinks naked people are weird I would consider waiting a little longer because in a couple pages it will demonstrate showing how you might look by visual educating. It shows a girls vigina and breast a couple times but its for educational purposes. My daughter is at the age where she us able to get book 2, for the older audience. if you think your daughter is to young for book 1 then I would definitely wait for book 2. Book 2 gets into the nitty gritty of periods so I would personally read book 1 wait a little close to a year (if your child is somewhat near 9) and then get book 2 after having "THE" conversation. I hope this will help you consider getting this book for your daughter or not. But make sure their at the maturity level! My daughters were 9 when they got this book and its been about 2-3 years now and I'm about to consider getting them book 2. thank you for taking the time and reading my opinion!!! Have a wonderful day =)

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
Great role models
1 person found this helpful.
Themomyouwishyouhad
Themomyouwishyouhad Adult
March 29, 2019
age 9+

Read with your daughter before school teaches it

We started with this book when my oldest was 9. We chose to prepare her and have the conversation before school taught it- in turn she was more confident in the material.This has some information that might overwhelm your daughter. This book should not substitute open dialouge. Know your kid and their maturity level. I think it's important to talk about the content of both books together. My daughter has been very thankful and has felt less embarrassed or alone because we openly talk about it. Definitely educational.

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
Great role models
1 person found this helpful.
See all 3 parent reviews

What's the Story?

THE CARE AND KEEPING OF YOU: THE BODY BOOK FOR YOUNGER GIRLS is geared toward girls who are nearing -- or just beginning -- puberty. It covers all the basics of self-care, such as keeping hair clean and tangle-free, using sunscreen, cleaning teeth with braces, coping with acne, pampering blisters, and treating a sprain. One chapter focuses on changes in the pubic area and getting your period: what it is, what to do when it first begins, how to choose supplies and how to use them, and how to deal with PMS. The final chapter offers advice on navigating emotional ups and downs and maintaining good relationships.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (3 ):
Kids say (11 ):

This empowering self-care manual is targeted to young girls who are on the brink of growing up -- and trying to figure out how to embrace these major changes with competence and confidence. Valorie Lee Schaeffer's mostly positive language and Josee Masse's cheerful illustrations help strip away self-consciousness children might have about discussing puberty or personal hygiene. It is important to note that while informative, this book does include some negative messages about body image and dieting that could be damaging for young girls.

Schaeffer offers tons of practical tips for solving problems girls might not even think to ask their parents about. She also urges girls to ask trusted adults for help and more information; parents may want to preview the book before handing over to kids, and then check in and make themselves available for questions. Older girls -- or girls who've already begun their period -- may appreciate the companion book, The Care and Keeping of You 2: The Body Book for Older Girls.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about body image and confidence in The Care and Keeping of You: The Body Book for Younger Girls. Are you happy with the way your body is changing? What messages in this book were most helpful to you?

  • This book gives a lot of attention to girls' concerns about body image. Do you think there's an ideal body type? Do you compare yourself to other girls, or models, or actresses?

  • Do you have questions this book didn't answer? If so, ask a trusted adult.

Book Details

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