What do you think?
Rate this book
Body Book
The Care and Keeping of You 1: The Body Book for Younger Girls
Our best-selling body book for girls just got even better! With all-new illustrations and updated content for girls ages 8 and up, it features tips, how-tos, and facts from the experts. You'll find answers to questions about your changing body, from hair care to healthy eating, bad breath to bras, periods to pimples, and everything in between. Once you feel comfortable with what's happening, you'll be ready to move on to the The Care & Keeping of You 2!
104 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 1997
345 people are currently reading
2708 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 200 reviews
October 16, 2017
Again I say, this book was sorely needed back when I was growing up...when people talked about much less openly, yet certain grandmothers would yell “You’re a woman!” when you got “your friend” and tell everyone in the family. This book is body positive and covers everything from hygiene to breast development, braces to nutrition, bra shopping to fitness and sleep. Excellent information and a good conversation starter. I liked the second book a bit better though both are very good. 4 stars
June 7, 2015
This book is fantastic. It's not just about the breasts and bras and period part of puberty. There are sections on braces, acne, and underarms, as well as nutrition, sleep, fitness, and hair care. There are even sections on dental hygiene and using sun screen. By presenting the "things that will change about you" topics alongside the "things that you probably already know about your body" topics, the former topics come across as perfectly normal and nothing to be ashamed or scared about.
I think it helps, too, that this is an "American Girl" book. Whether or not you're an American Girl fan, the branding helps to give the book a familiar, non-threatening feel.
Both my 9-year-old daughter and I read this book - separately - in basically one sitting. It's a quick and easy read, consisting of short paragraphs and plenty of colorful text and illustrations. Maybe some potential readers would find it important to know that the illustrations do include drawings of what breasts might look like at various stages of development, as well drawings that depict "How to Use a Pad". Is that TMI? Some people might balk or be shocked at those illustrations, however, I found them to be in good taste, and their matter-of-fact existence helps take away any sense of mystery around those topics.
I liked that the book presented options without judgement. For example, on page 42, it says this about underarm hair: "Some girls don't like it. Others aren't bothered by it one little bit. Whether you want to remove it or leave it there is a very personal decision."
Also, the book is good about promoting healthy attitudes towards all body shapes and sizes. On page 54, it says, "No one body type is better or worse than another. All can be fit, healthy, and beautiful."
Finally, both my daughter and I liked that each chapter ended with a Q & A formatted like an advice column. There are questions addressing specific concerns, and most answers involve some amount of, "What you're feeling is perfectly normal. Be sure to talk about your concerns with a parent or other trusted adult."
I would definitely recommend this book for anyone who is not sure how to start talking about puberty with their young daughter!
I think it helps, too, that this is an "American Girl" book. Whether or not you're an American Girl fan, the branding helps to give the book a familiar, non-threatening feel.
Both my 9-year-old daughter and I read this book - separately - in basically one sitting. It's a quick and easy read, consisting of short paragraphs and plenty of colorful text and illustrations. Maybe some potential readers would find it important to know that the illustrations do include drawings of what breasts might look like at various stages of development, as well drawings that depict "How to Use a Pad". Is that TMI? Some people might balk or be shocked at those illustrations, however, I found them to be in good taste, and their matter-of-fact existence helps take away any sense of mystery around those topics.
I liked that the book presented options without judgement. For example, on page 42, it says this about underarm hair: "Some girls don't like it. Others aren't bothered by it one little bit. Whether you want to remove it or leave it there is a very personal decision."
Also, the book is good about promoting healthy attitudes towards all body shapes and sizes. On page 54, it says, "No one body type is better or worse than another. All can be fit, healthy, and beautiful."
Finally, both my daughter and I liked that each chapter ended with a Q & A formatted like an advice column. There are questions addressing specific concerns, and most answers involve some amount of, "What you're feeling is perfectly normal. Be sure to talk about your concerns with a parent or other trusted adult."
I would definitely recommend this book for anyone who is not sure how to start talking about puberty with their young daughter!
December 22, 2024
I read this with both of my girls. This book is a great resource.
We read this book together and were able to have lots of good conversations about growing up.
We read this book together and were able to have lots of good conversations about growing up.
May 30, 2022
While this book is an informative resource and has value in that sense, it was not the right book for our family. Within a few pages, my daughter and I decided we'd read it through once and then donate it. To be more specific, we felt as though the book had a bit of a negative vibe to it that could potentially set a kid up for negative self-talk and poor self esteem / body image. Instead of this book, I highly recommend "Celebrate Your Body" by Sonya Renee Taylor.
May 14, 2015
I bought this for my daughter, intending to give it to her for her eighth birthday; I’ve just finished reading it through ahead of time so that I know what I’m giving her.
I really like it–as a starting point. There’s some stuff that will need further discussion between her and myself, but it’s a good solid foundation to build on. Which is what I was looking for, so that’s good.
As far as content: Menstruation and puberty, but not sex yet, which is just fine by me at this age. Lots of body-positive messages, although the illustrator doesn’t seem to have gotten that memo. (Some of the girls pictured are shorter or taller, but they all seem to have the same basic silhouette, which isn’t really… diversity.) The non-period-specific hygiene and health portions are things that my daughter probably mostly has already heard, but she’s always eager to learn more and I think she’ll still get plenty out of those parts. My main criticism there is that there’s a fair amount of ableist/classist privilege; there’s plenty of “all bodies are good bodies and however you are is OK” but that’s not followed up with the recognition of how a body (or a mind, or a life situation) can be different in ways that make, say, running a mile every day or eating lots of leafy greens difficult. The assumption is that if the kid wants to follow these guidelines, they can do so, which… not so much. I understand that there’s not space to get into every challenge a person could face in that department, but it would be nice to at least make an effort to acknowledge that just because you don’t (or can’t) do things exactly like the book says doesn’t mean that you’re not taking care of yourself.
But then that’s why I say this is a starting point. I don’t plan to just hand her the book and leave it at that; I’m going to have some conversation with her beforehand and encourage her to talk to me about the things she reads.
When I have the chance and available funds, I’m planning on checking out the related emotional self care book. When she gets old enough, I’ll probably get her volume 2 of this as well. I’m pretty pleased with it overall.
I really like it–as a starting point. There’s some stuff that will need further discussion between her and myself, but it’s a good solid foundation to build on. Which is what I was looking for, so that’s good.
As far as content: Menstruation and puberty, but not sex yet, which is just fine by me at this age. Lots of body-positive messages, although the illustrator doesn’t seem to have gotten that memo. (Some of the girls pictured are shorter or taller, but they all seem to have the same basic silhouette, which isn’t really… diversity.) The non-period-specific hygiene and health portions are things that my daughter probably mostly has already heard, but she’s always eager to learn more and I think she’ll still get plenty out of those parts. My main criticism there is that there’s a fair amount of ableist/classist privilege; there’s plenty of “all bodies are good bodies and however you are is OK” but that’s not followed up with the recognition of how a body (or a mind, or a life situation) can be different in ways that make, say, running a mile every day or eating lots of leafy greens difficult. The assumption is that if the kid wants to follow these guidelines, they can do so, which… not so much. I understand that there’s not space to get into every challenge a person could face in that department, but it would be nice to at least make an effort to acknowledge that just because you don’t (or can’t) do things exactly like the book says doesn’t mean that you’re not taking care of yourself.
But then that’s why I say this is a starting point. I don’t plan to just hand her the book and leave it at that; I’m going to have some conversation with her beforehand and encourage her to talk to me about the things she reads.
When I have the chance and available funds, I’m planning on checking out the related emotional self care book. When she gets old enough, I’ll probably get her volume 2 of this as well. I’m pretty pleased with it overall.
March 18, 2014
LOVE this book. My daughter and I read through this book together once already jumping from section to section. She loves reading about her body and what to expect through puberty. She picks it off the shelf every once and a while and asks me to read different sections with her that particularly peak her interest. It has been a great forum for discussion and lays everything out in such a way that we are able to have open and frank discussions in an age appropriate way. I would recommend this book to anyone with a daughter entering puberty.
April 8, 2019
I L-O-V-E-D it!!!!!!!!!! I learned about the BODY of girls and it was coooooooooooooooooool!
May 18, 2021
با اسم:
چگونه از بدنم مراقبت و نگهداری کنم؟ ترجمه شده و خب با یه سانسور عجیب و غریب توی تصاویرش، اما واقعا مفید و کاربردیه برای دخترهای ۱۰-۱۲ ساله، درباره تکتک اعضای بدن که درگیر بلوغن حرف زده و حتی درباره انواع سوتین و نواربهداشتی مناسب و موهای زائد و ...
چگونه از بدنم مراقبت و نگهداری کنم؟ ترجمه شده و خب با یه سانسور عجیب و غریب توی تصاویرش، اما واقعا مفید و کاربردیه برای دخترهای ۱۰-۱۲ ساله، درباره تکتک اعضای بدن که درگیر بلوغن حرف زده و حتی درباره انواع سوتین و نواربهداشتی مناسب و موهای زائد و ...
March 12, 2024
Consulted often
July 13, 2023
I read this when I was younger and it was extremely helpful when I first started getting periods and going through puberty. I think that every young girl needs to read this
June 12, 2024
This is a great book for young girls!! It explained things that were confusing and it helped a lot!
June 26, 2015
I loved this book so much. I was wondering how to start "the talk" and when I should start it. This was the perfect intro into the puberty talk. It goes from head to toe and described every symptom of puberty. I kept thinking, we read all the symptoms of pregnancy but I didn't know any of these before they happened to me.
Scarlet and I read this together chapter by chapter. She giggled a little about the breast section but she never seemed embarrassed and asked lots of questions. It was such a positive experience for both of us. Eight was a great age for her because a lot of the changes they mention happen between the ages of 8-12. And, knowing Scarlet's genes, she will be an early bloomer in that department.
I haven't read the second book yet but that is where I'm planning to turn when we jump the next phase of information. I would highly recommend this book. My only complaint is they have a few "nevers" that I think are a little silly. Overall awesome. There is a version for boys too that I haven't checked out yet but I am really excited it exists!
Scarlet and I read this together chapter by chapter. She giggled a little about the breast section but she never seemed embarrassed and asked lots of questions. It was such a positive experience for both of us. Eight was a great age for her because a lot of the changes they mention happen between the ages of 8-12. And, knowing Scarlet's genes, she will be an early bloomer in that department.
I haven't read the second book yet but that is where I'm planning to turn when we jump the next phase of information. I would highly recommend this book. My only complaint is they have a few "nevers" that I think are a little silly. Overall awesome. There is a version for boys too that I haven't checked out yet but I am really excited it exists!
July 14, 2015
I had been pondering how to approach the body changing conversation with my only daughter for some time now. Recently, my adult niece posted this book on Facebook noting how great it was and how much it helped her (and she was right, it's a good book).
This is a great book to read with or give to your prepubescent daughter. Of course, I read the book prior to giving it to my nine year old daughter to make sure she it was appropriate for her to read alone. She's a true introvert and a very private child, so she wanted to read it by herself. When she finished we had a Q&A session.
I love the way this book reinforces good personal hygiene and the thoughtful illustrations provided for each subject matter. My daughter is excited about what's to come next.
This is a great book to read with or give to your prepubescent daughter. Of course, I read the book prior to giving it to my nine year old daughter to make sure she it was appropriate for her to read alone. She's a true introvert and a very private child, so she wanted to read it by herself. When she finished we had a Q&A session.
I love the way this book reinforces good personal hygiene and the thoughtful illustrations provided for each subject matter. My daughter is excited about what's to come next.
April 18, 2018
I read this when I was like 10, and it explained everything I needed to know at that age. It kept thing to my basic knowledge, and I was able to learn stuff like this, and then be able to talk to my parents about it without being awkward for me. This helped me with my first period, which I got very young, help with bra sizing, and acne problems. I honestly think I would have had a mental breakdown over these things if I hadn’t read this.
March 2, 2014
Our pediatrician recommended this for my 8 year old daughter. It covers so many important topics that she will be having questions about soon. Throughout the book, it encourages girls to love their body and view the changes in a positive way. I'd have loved to have this when I was growing up.
June 7, 2018
My mother gave me this book when I was a preteen and I think its a great book for preteens.
December 29, 2018
This book helped me learn about my body more and understand what is a good idea and a bad idea to do with your body.
July 18, 2019
When I finished reading this book I didn't feel that uncomfortable about growing up. The book has helped me learn about myself when I grow up.
December 21, 2021
"I really enjoyed this book and I want to read the next one." -Cadee, age 9
November 5, 2018
This book has excellent information presented in an engaging and accessible way for pre-pubescent reader. It was perfect for my 10 year old.
The book makes a point of speaking to girls of all kinds. However, the one big criticism I have is that it really falls down when talking about hair care. The advice here doesn’t work for kinky hair at all. This leaves out a significant portion of girls.
The book makes a point of speaking to girls of all kinds. However, the one big criticism I have is that it really falls down when talking about hair care. The advice here doesn’t work for kinky hair at all. This leaves out a significant portion of girls.
November 11, 2021
I cannot recommend this book enough. It is so kind, and presents such a healthy, empowering, affirming way for girls to view their experiences. It also does such a good job of talking about how to just take good care of your body and your health while encouraging girls to make the choices that are right for them at the right time. I especially love how it emphasizes that there is no such thing as “normal,” that your body knows exactly what it’s doing, and that your body is for doing things, NOT just something for people to look at. Hells yes.
February 21, 2018
Great book! Read through this with my ten-year-old and it was just perfect.
July 18, 2019
This book is about helping girls body's. My favorite part of this book is eating healthy foods.
June 1, 2020
This is a great book for younger girls, age 8-11. We'll move on to volume 2 once Fiona gets there.
April 22, 2018
A great book for young girls to read with questions about their body and growing changes. It’s easy to read and Mom and kid friendly.
March 16, 2022
This is a pretty good guide to puberty for girls. The upbeat and matter-of-fact tone is just right, the illustrations are fun, and I liked the way that it continually encourages girls to discuss things with their parents and other adults. I also liked its emphasis on enjoying the body you have and not comparing yourself with friends or ads. The information on breasts and periods is in there with information on hygiene, nutrition, sleep, acne, etc, and is treated in the same way, so it seems less weird. Parents might want to know that there is an illustration depicting the different stages of breast development; as long as it’s just girls reading the book, it seemed fine and in good taste to me. There is nothing in here about sex, just the symptoms of puberty.
My daughter picked this book up at a library book sale, and I was not worried about its content because I knew American Girl and figured it was fine. (I’m not so trusting of newer books from American Girl, but this one’s been around for a while.) But after a while of reading it on her own, she asked me to read it and “make sure it’s ok.” I think in reality, she also wants to have conversations about what’s covered in the book. And that right there is what makes the book useful: conversations about puberty aren’t a big deal, but both kids and parents can feel awkward trying to get one started. This book can help a lot in that regard. I give it a thumbs up.
My daughter picked this book up at a library book sale, and I was not worried about its content because I knew American Girl and figured it was fine. (I’m not so trusting of newer books from American Girl, but this one’s been around for a while.) But after a while of reading it on her own, she asked me to read it and “make sure it’s ok.” I think in reality, she also wants to have conversations about what’s covered in the book. And that right there is what makes the book useful: conversations about puberty aren’t a big deal, but both kids and parents can feel awkward trying to get one started. This book can help a lot in that regard. I give it a thumbs up.
January 22, 2022
This book is an overview starter of the process of puberty best for a younger audience (maybe around age 7/8 and in up). It takes a head to toe approach starting with how to take care of hair and face. The sections are broad, covering a few details on lots of different topics (eg, for chapter 1: headphone for ear safety, lice, flossing, acne, sun protection are maybe just 15% of all the topics in that section). It gives lots of small pieces of advice and eases into talking about tougher/more sensitive/private body areas.
Pretty good section on breast development and bra shopping. The whole book does a pretty good job of focusing on body acceptance. The nutrition section is general and a focus on balance (including plate method), water as the best beverage, and what vegetarianism means. It does mention foods that are “not good” for one’s body and “seldom snacks.” This section would not be a suitable book for someone in failure to thrive, high risk of eating disorder, or other medical conditions where weight gain is a goal. This nutrition section, for everyone, might be best discussed with a parent.
Great introduction on period and menstrual management. This is an ideal section for a younger girl prior to first period.
Pretty good section on breast development and bra shopping. The whole book does a pretty good job of focusing on body acceptance. The nutrition section is general and a focus on balance (including plate method), water as the best beverage, and what vegetarianism means. It does mention foods that are “not good” for one’s body and “seldom snacks.” This section would not be a suitable book for someone in failure to thrive, high risk of eating disorder, or other medical conditions where weight gain is a goal. This nutrition section, for everyone, might be best discussed with a parent.
Great introduction on period and menstrual management. This is an ideal section for a younger girl prior to first period.
July 13, 2017
There's solid information in this book, but I'm very upset that there are no fathers pictured in this book, and the few instances where boys are shown, they're always in a negative light. Yes, I get this a book FOR GIRLS. But as a tomboy, I can almost guarantee that I was more comfortable with boys during puberty than I was with catty girls. I also want to glue the "nutrition" pages together before handing this off to my daughter because the USDA guidelines are utter bullshit.
Can't give this one a great rating because of the above, and I make no apologies for my vulgarity when reviewing a children's book. The part about men/boys is most troublesome to me, and is evidence to me the utter disregard feminists hold for men. What about girls who are being raised by a single-father? The message sent to those girls is that they can't go to their father.
Very disappointed, American Girl, but I really shouldn't be surprised.
Can't give this one a great rating because of the above, and I make no apologies for my vulgarity when reviewing a children's book. The part about men/boys is most troublesome to me, and is evidence to me the utter disregard feminists hold for men. What about girls who are being raised by a single-father? The message sent to those girls is that they can't go to their father.
Very disappointed, American Girl, but I really shouldn't be surprised.
June 26, 2016
Pre-read this book for my girls. It's an excellent book on the changes that happen during puberty as well as taking care of yourself from head to toe. There's a lot of encouragement for girls to accept themselves, know that changes happen differently for each person, and advice on handling issues that can crop up. I love that it focuses on the whole person, not just on the mechanics of puberty. I also appreciate the focus on being kind and a good friend and expressing yourself in addition to the advice about hygiene and nutrition. I've handed the book of to my girls for their perusal. Hopefully I'll remember to update my review once they've had a chance to read it and we have a chance to talk about it.
June 20, 2015
Read with my 10 year old - awesome book for pre-pubesent daughter. Great tool for parents to help explain the changes which will start to happen to her body soon. It is very age appropriate.
The book discusses puberty and menstruation at at a high level (no birds and bees yet) and focuses mainly on physical and emotional changes. Emphasis is on fitness and healthy diet.
Will likely invest in Book 2: for older girls, in a couple of years.
The book discusses puberty and menstruation at at a high level (no birds and bees yet) and focuses mainly on physical and emotional changes. Emphasis is on fitness and healthy diet.
Will likely invest in Book 2: for older girls, in a couple of years.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 200 reviews