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Body Book #2
The Care and Keeping of You 2: The Body Book for Older Girls
This thoughtful advice book will guide you through the next steps of growing up. With illustrations and expert contributors, this book covers new questions about periods, your growing body, peer pressure, personal care, and more! Written by Dr. Cara Natterson for girls 10 and up, The Care & Keeping of You 2 follows up the original bestseller with even more in-depth details about the physical and emotional changes you're going through.
96 pages, Paperback
First published February 26, 2013
281 people are currently reading
2687 people want to read
About the author
Cara Natterson
15 books98 followersDR. CARA NATTERSON is a leading voice in puberty and adolescent health. A pediatrician, speaker, and the co-host of the This Is So Awkward podcast, she is the author of ten books including the bestselling This Is So Awkward: Modern Puberty Explained and the New York Times bestselling "The Care and Keeping of You" series.
When her own kids started puberty, Cara founded Less Awkward, the first company aimed at making puberty less cringey and more comfortable with both product and content. These days, puberty starts between 8-10 for most kids and it lasts a decade. The kids going through it and the adults helping them all deserve less cringe and more joy, which is why everything Cara does delivers crucial information in a relatable, reliable way.
Cara graduated from Harvard college and Johns Hopkins Medical School, trained at UCSF. She has two college aged kids and lives in Los Angeles.
When her own kids started puberty, Cara founded Less Awkward, the first company aimed at making puberty less cringey and more comfortable with both product and content. These days, puberty starts between 8-10 for most kids and it lasts a decade. The kids going through it and the adults helping them all deserve less cringe and more joy, which is why everything Cara does delivers crucial information in a relatable, reliable way.
Cara graduated from Harvard college and Johns Hopkins Medical School, trained at UCSF. She has two college aged kids and lives in Los Angeles.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
October 16, 2017
I want to give this book 5 stars just for existing. I'm pretty sure back in the day when I was an awkward tween (before the word existed, even), I got all of my information from Judy Blume books.
This book has been crafted for girls ten and older, with topics, tone, and layout appropriate for the age group. It contains cute cartoony pictures that keep it feeling on the younger side. Its main focus is on the upcoming body changes and how to manage them, with a much-needed discussion of the myriad of emotions that are along for the ride: feeling awkward, moody, unexplainably sad or angry, uncomfortable, and ahead or behind when it comes to physical changes. This book covers a lot of ground from anatomy and periods to peer pressure, from choosing a bra to using a tampon. Many parts aren't applicable or of interest yet, but the information is good and is a good starting point for conversations. I most appreciated how it repeatedly encourages family time, relying on a parent for help and advice, and enjoying the age you are. There is also a strong, consistent message of positive body image and self-esteem. 5 stars
This book has been crafted for girls ten and older, with topics, tone, and layout appropriate for the age group. It contains cute cartoony pictures that keep it feeling on the younger side. Its main focus is on the upcoming body changes and how to manage them, with a much-needed discussion of the myriad of emotions that are along for the ride: feeling awkward, moody, unexplainably sad or angry, uncomfortable, and ahead or behind when it comes to physical changes. This book covers a lot of ground from anatomy and periods to peer pressure, from choosing a bra to using a tampon. Many parts aren't applicable or of interest yet, but the information is good and is a good starting point for conversations. I most appreciated how it repeatedly encourages family time, relying on a parent for help and advice, and enjoying the age you are. There is also a strong, consistent message of positive body image and self-esteem. 5 stars
June 1, 2016
It's a pretty decent follow up to "The Care and Keeping of You". Props for expanding the section on emotions, especially anxiety and depression (though the term isn't used) and including information about keratosis pilaris in the skin care section. I had KP from the time I was 11 and didn't know what it was until I was 21; having this information would have made me (and my mother) much more comfortable.
With the subtitle "for older girls" I thought there may have been too much emphasis on deference to parent opinion and influence; perhaps "older girls" is supposed to be 11 or 12, not 14 or 15 as I was thinking. By the time one hits high school, it would be pretty weird to ask your parents for permission to shave your legs or take a pain reliever for your period. Then again, everyone's family is different. There's also a brief mention of what instances it is OK for someone to touch your body (your parents and your doctor); I would have liked it to be clearer that it is only OK in instances of health concerns when you have given permission. As is, it reads like the other party determines what is and is not a concern.
I docked a star for not going further into problems with periods, especially excessive bleeding. It may seem like a scary topic, but girls need to know that it isn't normal to soak through a pad in 4 hours as I did all through middle school and high school before being diagnosed with a hormone imbalance. There are variations in normal for periods, but skipping months or having 2 a month, or very heavy bleeding is a health concern.
Overall, a decent book, but it's already starting to show its age. There are a number of informative and reliable online resources which provide more information and better explanations.
With the subtitle "for older girls" I thought there may have been too much emphasis on deference to parent opinion and influence; perhaps "older girls" is supposed to be 11 or 12, not 14 or 15 as I was thinking. By the time one hits high school, it would be pretty weird to ask your parents for permission to shave your legs or take a pain reliever for your period. Then again, everyone's family is different. There's also a brief mention of what instances it is OK for someone to touch your body (your parents and your doctor); I would have liked it to be clearer that it is only OK in instances of health concerns when you have given permission. As is, it reads like the other party determines what is and is not a concern.
I docked a star for not going further into problems with periods, especially excessive bleeding. It may seem like a scary topic, but girls need to know that it isn't normal to soak through a pad in 4 hours as I did all through middle school and high school before being diagnosed with a hormone imbalance. There are variations in normal for periods, but skipping months or having 2 a month, or very heavy bleeding is a health concern.
Overall, a decent book, but it's already starting to show its age. There are a number of informative and reliable online resources which provide more information and better explanations.
March 30, 2013
I remember giving the earlier book to one of my students years ago and she felt it helped her understand a lot about her body growing into adulthood. I teach kids who speak another language as their first language and their parents usually come from other countries. As kids live here and learn English faster than their parents, there is often a communication gap between them that makes conversation in depth difficult. This book can help these girls and other girls to really read about their changing bodies and develop an understanding that might help them converse a bit better with their parents about it. For any girl going through puberty, this is a helpful book that assists in any discussion about their bodies and a guide they consult when they are in to do so. I highly recommend this book.
May 1, 2013
This is a great step up from the first book which is geared for younger girls. This is good for girls who have already started into puberty and have more specific questions. It would be smart to read through it together first, so there can be a discussion of anatomy and some of the girl things that are tricky to bring up in everyday conversation.
I really like how this book refers to parents and encourages girls to respect and communicate with them. It also teaches girls to respect themselves and addresses body image, eating disorders, why they get moody, and the importance of family time!
As I said in my review if the companion book- This is not a book to keep on the family book shelf. Especially if you have boys in your house who might get curious. This is not appropriate for them to read and should be kept in a "girls only" place.
I really like how this book refers to parents and encourages girls to respect and communicate with them. It also teaches girls to respect themselves and addresses body image, eating disorders, why they get moody, and the importance of family time!
As I said in my review if the companion book- This is not a book to keep on the family book shelf. Especially if you have boys in your house who might get curious. This is not appropriate for them to read and should be kept in a "girls only" place.
May 2, 2025
This was such a sweet return to adolescence and was great to see updated themes including screen time, consent, bodily autonomy, and difficult friendships.
Reminders that all bodies are good bodies, and the best thing you can say about someone else's is nothing.
Reminders that all bodies are good bodies, and the best thing you can say about someone else's is nothing.
January 8, 2024
Pre-reading to determine if it's appropriate for my oldest and pleasantly surprised. It addresses a lot of useful topics--body changes, social challenges, etc--and does so in a very careful way. There are a few things that some preteens may not have been exposed to yet (like anorexia or self-harm) so I would recommend concerned parents pre-read before handing this book to their daughter.
One thing I really appreciated was how frequently the author directs her readers to talk to their parents, encouraging open conversations and pointing out that parents' rules usually are made for good reason.
One thing I really appreciated was how frequently the author directs her readers to talk to their parents, encouraging open conversations and pointing out that parents' rules usually are made for good reason.
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December 31, 2018This book helped me as a 10 year old girl to understand my body better. Hopefully, other girls who read this book will feel the same way. I read the 'The Care and Keeping of You for Younger Girls' and that book also helped me. That book should be read at ages 7-9 in my opinion. These books, like I had said earlier, can help girls to understand how their body works and how to keep it healthy. I hope I can help you or your daughter, read this book and learn more about you. Hope this helped!!!
October 25, 2022
This sequel book reviews some things covered in the first book, goes a lot more in-depth on some topics, and addresses other topics on growing up that the first book didn’t cover. It also has a good glossary at the end with terms/topics covered in the book.
I give it 3 stars for a number of reasons. First, because even though it’s over a decade newer than the original book, it still doesn’t address the pain points I had with book one: reduces period products to only pads and tampons when many others exist, and not discussing gender identity and sexual orientation even though it is incredibly important when someone’s going through massive changes with their body and mind.
Although I appreciated how there was a big emphasis on the connection to family because of the support they can give, at times it felt a bit overly forced. For example pages 80-81 Family Dynamics, has significant time carved out daily just dedicated for family time with themed activities, which is a LOT when there’s work and housework for the parents, and school, extracurriculars, and homework for the kids. I think I get what the authors are going for here - that finding a little family bonding time is valuable for everyone, but the message came through quite muddled.
The other issue I have is with the whole “always go to your parents with everything” theme. A LOT of kids don’t have traditional families and traditional family dynamics. There are a number of scenarios where going to the parents is not the best choice or even an option. It seemed like the authors tried to acknowledge this a little with the “or a trusted adult” phrase plopped in multiple places, but I think more value could have been had by simply addressing the fact that if you don’t have a “normal” relationship with your parents/family, that there are other ways to find support.
If “a trusted adult” gives this book to a kid, I think it would be a great supplement to opening up important conversations. The trusted adult should also make sure to have conversations that aren’t covered in the book, such as other forms of period products, gender identity and sexual orientation, and who else inside and outside of their circle can be trusted with similar conversations.
I give it 3 stars for a number of reasons. First, because even though it’s over a decade newer than the original book, it still doesn’t address the pain points I had with book one: reduces period products to only pads and tampons when many others exist, and not discussing gender identity and sexual orientation even though it is incredibly important when someone’s going through massive changes with their body and mind.
Although I appreciated how there was a big emphasis on the connection to family because of the support they can give, at times it felt a bit overly forced. For example pages 80-81 Family Dynamics, has significant time carved out daily just dedicated for family time with themed activities, which is a LOT when there’s work and housework for the parents, and school, extracurriculars, and homework for the kids. I think I get what the authors are going for here - that finding a little family bonding time is valuable for everyone, but the message came through quite muddled.
The other issue I have is with the whole “always go to your parents with everything” theme. A LOT of kids don’t have traditional families and traditional family dynamics. There are a number of scenarios where going to the parents is not the best choice or even an option. It seemed like the authors tried to acknowledge this a little with the “or a trusted adult” phrase plopped in multiple places, but I think more value could have been had by simply addressing the fact that if you don’t have a “normal” relationship with your parents/family, that there are other ways to find support.
If “a trusted adult” gives this book to a kid, I think it would be a great supplement to opening up important conversations. The trusted adult should also make sure to have conversations that aren’t covered in the book, such as other forms of period products, gender identity and sexual orientation, and who else inside and outside of their circle can be trusted with similar conversations.
January 24, 2018
The clitoris isn’t labeled, the vulva is called a vagina, and there are 2 1/2 pages devoted to breast self exams for 10-12year olds. So no pleasure, but plenty of fear of cancer.
There are many wonderful books out there, and even though this one has many things going for it, I can’t recommend this one.
There are many wonderful books out there, and even though this one has many things going for it, I can’t recommend this one.
April 7, 2013
Not a perfect book by any means, but good enough that I'm going to buy it and give it to my 8-year-old. If nothing else, it will give her the information she needs to ask questions.
April 6, 2014
How do u read on this thing
March 3, 2016
Good! We ended up purchasing this one to have around the house. :)
February 23, 2017
Excellent introduction into the changes coming the way of every girl.
January 4, 2018
This book is honestly disgusting and nobody wants to read about their body, but you kind of need to know how you're body works so you can take good care of it
January 16, 2023
traumatizing
June 12, 2024
This is also an amazing help!!
April 16, 2021
Very helpful covering all those awkward things that are helpful to know. Could be used by mom/parent as a guide to discussions or previewed and handed over to teen daughters, but preview first!! Graphic, but I think it was done as tastefully as it could be, while also covering what’s important. Every daughter is different, you know your children best, previewing is the best way to know if it’s right for them. It can be read in one sitting. Sex is not mentioned. Nothing about gender. Technology and careful use is touched on. I appreciate the encouraging tone and how it continually points girls to their parents over friends when it comes to important things about their body and emotions. Promotes the importance of family and sibling relationships. It also discusses friendships and drama and how to communicate in a healthy way.
May 17, 2018
I continue to be grateful for this series. It mirrors my own conversations with my daughters, but in wording that reassures them emotionally that they are normal and that this is an exciting, albeit nerve - wracking, time in their lives.
be aware: this book includes a very in- depth discussion of how to insert a tampon, as well as a discussion about breast self - checks. I'm waiting to use it with my daughter until she actually starts her periods.
be aware: this book includes a very in- depth discussion of how to insert a tampon, as well as a discussion about breast self - checks. I'm waiting to use it with my daughter until she actually starts her periods.
January 22, 2026
Read it with D!
January 30, 2019
I love this author is my favorite❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🥰🥰🥰🤩🤩🤩🤩🥰🥰
October 31, 2020
This is a great follow up to #1. Still preteen focused but more indepth with added details that weren't in the first book.
September 12, 2020
We used Care & Keeping of You 1 for health 2 years ago. The information was basic, but age appropriate for a girl starting to experience body changes. I felt it was informative but still presented in a friendly, easy to read manner.
Care & Keeping of You 2 is definitely for girls in the midst of puberty changes. This book gives basic health and body care, but relies on dated stereotypes and ideas. There is a heavy component of body image and weight, and focusing on healthy weight. The book also puts a lot of focus on modesty and paying attention to how a girl presents herself to others. Focusing on parental permission for body care also seems problematic.
My biggest complaint in this book is that it presents biological females as all being the same. There is no inclusion for any LGBTQ+ individuals, or even for cisgender females who may not be interested in “girlie” clothing, makeup, or expression.
Care & Keeping of You 2 is definitely for girls in the midst of puberty changes. This book gives basic health and body care, but relies on dated stereotypes and ideas. There is a heavy component of body image and weight, and focusing on healthy weight. The book also puts a lot of focus on modesty and paying attention to how a girl presents herself to others. Focusing on parental permission for body care also seems problematic.
My biggest complaint in this book is that it presents biological females as all being the same. There is no inclusion for any LGBTQ+ individuals, or even for cisgender females who may not be interested in “girlie” clothing, makeup, or expression.
January 1, 2014
This book is written in a great tone and short sections for the target audience and it deals with a lot of issues young girls may have questions on and is a great followup book to the first one. I use these books in that I read them first then have a talk with my girls and give them the book to read and ask them to come back to me with any other questions they have, dealt with or not dealt with in the book. I kinda didn't like the fact that the book deals with more (in my opinion) grown-up ways of hair removal than girls this age need to worry about (hair creams and so on), but that was minor. I also like that the book does tell the girls to always talk to their parents with questions, not their peers, and also even deals with peer pressure a bit. So far, I've been grateful to have these books to help my girls and I have the talks we need to about growing up.
March 30, 2013
The Care and Keeping of You: The Body book for Older Girls is a great companion to the first in the series. The book presents a lot of information for girls already in the middle of puberty. The book covers topics such as how to take care of body hair and dealing with moodyness, tampons, the sorts of things that girls read seventeen magazine for in a way that is less appearance focused.
There is nothing in this book that is inappropriate for younger girls (unless you're the type who thinks it's appropriate to have them unaware of what their body looks like and does) but the content is more applicable for ten and eleven year olds as opposed to those that are eight or nine.
There is nothing in this book that is inappropriate for younger girls (unless you're the type who thinks it's appropriate to have them unaware of what their body looks like and does) but the content is more applicable for ten and eleven year olds as opposed to those that are eight or nine.
March 5, 2014
A follow-up to The Care and Keeping of You - same review applies!
I got this book for my pre-teen daughter. I found it covered a lot of very important information in a frank and helpful way.
The book does not tackle sexuality, which is fine. However, there is an implication in the book that one can only get pregnant when older and "ready." I fear this might be misleading for kids, who might believe that they cannot get pregnant as a younger teen.
Overall, I think it is an excellent resource for kids - and parents who might be looking for ways to introduce important topics for discussion (or even for guidance on what to say!).
I got this book for my pre-teen daughter. I found it covered a lot of very important information in a frank and helpful way.
The book does not tackle sexuality, which is fine. However, there is an implication in the book that one can only get pregnant when older and "ready." I fear this might be misleading for kids, who might believe that they cannot get pregnant as a younger teen.
Overall, I think it is an excellent resource for kids - and parents who might be looking for ways to introduce important topics for discussion (or even for guidance on what to say!).
April 26, 2017
This small book is packed with a lot of information for preteen girls and teen girls alike. While some of the discusssions and issues may not apply right away to the younger girls, they will have exposure to all of it, and can refer back to various chapters as questions arise. There is a helpful glossary, and some embarrassing photos. But what better place to have those than in one's own copy of a helpful book.
I read the book at the suggestion of my granddaughter's father who had bought the book for her. She and I talked briefly about the book, as in 'I don't want to talk about it!'
I read the book at the suggestion of my granddaughter's father who had bought the book for her. She and I talked briefly about the book, as in 'I don't want to talk about it!'
August 10, 2013
Loved it!
I loved the first one and this continuation was great! My favorite sections were the information about mental health and eating disorders. I LOVED the way the book constantly referred to parents. Parents rules are what they are. Talk to your parents. Your friends may be good listeners, but they may not have all the info; your mom has been there before, talk to her. Great for the 10-12+ girl crowd.
I loved the first one and this continuation was great! My favorite sections were the information about mental health and eating disorders. I LOVED the way the book constantly referred to parents. Parents rules are what they are. Talk to your parents. Your friends may be good listeners, but they may not have all the info; your mom has been there before, talk to her. Great for the 10-12+ girl crowd.
May 11, 2018
I used this book with my daughter. The first book, THE CARE AND KEEPING OF YOU is great for the 8-11 year old age range. This book goes into more detail and discusses more intimate matters than just the biology of a girls body transitioning into a young woman's. THIS is the NEXT step in the conversation you MUST have with your daughter. Its a great springboard into conversation which is necessary even when it makes all involved uncomfortable.
September 20, 2017
I read this with my 11 year old daughter. I felt like we should've read the first one, because this one referred to it on some things... that was annoying. but, other than that I thought it was a very good book and was full of good information and started a dialogue with my daughter about things that we may not have thought to talk about... about her body, growing up, etc.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews