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American Girl Library
The Care & Keeping of You: The Body Book for Girls
This "head-to-toe" guide answers all your questions, from hair care to healthy eating, bad breath to bras, periods to pimples, and everything in between. With tips, how-to's, letters from girls, and facts from the experts, here's straightforward advice you can really use.
104 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1998
227 people are currently reading
4872 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 371 reviews
June 8, 2008
When we were little, American Girl publications were a pretty big deal in our house. I had a subscription to the magazine and my sister and I had dolls and books that corresponded with those dolls. Of course, as I started to grow up the American Girl phenomenon was no longer something I was interested in, but this book was still really really helpful. My mom bought it for me and left it on my bed when I was at school. She understood that some of the issues of being a pre-teen (or just hitting the teenage years) was something I would be uncomfortable talking to her about.
Learning about some of this stuff through a book that I trusted was a lot easier than asking my mom about the pros and cons of tampon-usage and what type of product I should use when my armpits smell.
I love that this book doesn't give really heavy advice that could misinform girls about eating disorders and emotional turbulence. I like how they always provide the advice of talking to a parent, teacher or other trusted adult when needed.
I'm glad that American Girl was there for me and I hope it will still be around for girls for years to come.
Learning about some of this stuff through a book that I trusted was a lot easier than asking my mom about the pros and cons of tampon-usage and what type of product I should use when my armpits smell.
I love that this book doesn't give really heavy advice that could misinform girls about eating disorders and emotional turbulence. I like how they always provide the advice of talking to a parent, teacher or other trusted adult when needed.
I'm glad that American Girl was there for me and I hope it will still be around for girls for years to come.
May 19, 2009
This book is part of the American Girl franchise and it shows.
Some positives and negatives:
The information seems well-balanced for the most part. There's talk about diversity (but ethnic, not gender-based, size-based, or anything-else-based), the urge to compare oneself to images of women/girls in the media, deets on boobies (shapes, sizes, care, how long they take to grow, bras, etc.), eating disorders, periods, etc. But it also does some all-over grooming advice that I found tedious and overly girly.
I'd say the period info is inadequate in terms of its discussion of menstrual products, which is limited to pads, tampons, and panty liners. Also, it shows only a calendar for keeping track of your menstrual cycle, and there are lots of better online resources for that that go into details beyond when you start bleeding.
Probably due to the age range of the audience, there is nothing about STIs and that sort of thing, although anyone can get a YI or UTI. I would have liked to have seen something about UTIs and YIs in there.
There is nothing about gender dysphoria, and that is a shame.
The tone and voice of this little book are spot on, as far as I can tell. Its general philosophy is summed up on page 10: "You may feel like you don't have any control over your growing body. Not true! You are the boss when it comes to taking care of these basics."
It also seems to be pretty empowering in other ways. On page 9, we see: "Remember that your body is a work in progress. Try not to focus on what it looks like. Instead, think about all the great things your body can do." And on p. 11: "Your body is yours and yours alone. You have the right to protect it and keep it private from anyone."
It seems to use proper terms for things, and explains very simply when words might be only vaguely familiar (ex., Hormones are "chemicals your body produces to change you from a young girl to a woman"--simplistic).
The format seems great overall; lots of large print and images to break up the text. Information appears in bite-sized portions, for the most part. All the image are cartoon drawings, but they do show actual nipples and vulvae and even a uterus. There is a mixed range of ethnicities represented, but the body types are all pretty much identical in their athletic, non-fat appearance. Everyone also looks super girly.
It just seemed to portray a very standardized feminine-but-athletic body type that I found somewhat troublesome. How realistic and helpful is it to portray bodies that all look the same when young girls are concerned about normal variation?
There was nothing in there about what to do if you don't feel like a girl. I think it tries to be empowering and non-judgmental, but within a very unenlightened frame of reference.
To quote a friend: The stuff AG puts out is "wholesome and positive, but largely empty [...:] As a corporation, they're trying to be empowering and wholesome without being particularly challenging, I think, and that's why there's no real messages about trans issues or etc. etc. They don't want to push too many buttons."
In short: It's probably all right by most people's standards, but this is not the book I would give to my pre-pubescent daughter. Wish I could have given it 2.5 stars, but alas.
Some positives and negatives:
The information seems well-balanced for the most part. There's talk about diversity (but ethnic, not gender-based, size-based, or anything-else-based), the urge to compare oneself to images of women/girls in the media, deets on boobies (shapes, sizes, care, how long they take to grow, bras, etc.), eating disorders, periods, etc. But it also does some all-over grooming advice that I found tedious and overly girly.
I'd say the period info is inadequate in terms of its discussion of menstrual products, which is limited to pads, tampons, and panty liners. Also, it shows only a calendar for keeping track of your menstrual cycle, and there are lots of better online resources for that that go into details beyond when you start bleeding.
Probably due to the age range of the audience, there is nothing about STIs and that sort of thing, although anyone can get a YI or UTI. I would have liked to have seen something about UTIs and YIs in there.
There is nothing about gender dysphoria, and that is a shame.
The tone and voice of this little book are spot on, as far as I can tell. Its general philosophy is summed up on page 10: "You may feel like you don't have any control over your growing body. Not true! You are the boss when it comes to taking care of these basics."
It also seems to be pretty empowering in other ways. On page 9, we see: "Remember that your body is a work in progress. Try not to focus on what it looks like. Instead, think about all the great things your body can do." And on p. 11: "Your body is yours and yours alone. You have the right to protect it and keep it private from anyone."
It seems to use proper terms for things, and explains very simply when words might be only vaguely familiar (ex., Hormones are "chemicals your body produces to change you from a young girl to a woman"--simplistic).
The format seems great overall; lots of large print and images to break up the text. Information appears in bite-sized portions, for the most part. All the image are cartoon drawings, but they do show actual nipples and vulvae and even a uterus. There is a mixed range of ethnicities represented, but the body types are all pretty much identical in their athletic, non-fat appearance. Everyone also looks super girly.
It just seemed to portray a very standardized feminine-but-athletic body type that I found somewhat troublesome. How realistic and helpful is it to portray bodies that all look the same when young girls are concerned about normal variation?
There was nothing in there about what to do if you don't feel like a girl. I think it tries to be empowering and non-judgmental, but within a very unenlightened frame of reference.
To quote a friend: The stuff AG puts out is "wholesome and positive, but largely empty [...:] As a corporation, they're trying to be empowering and wholesome without being particularly challenging, I think, and that's why there's no real messages about trans issues or etc. etc. They don't want to push too many buttons."
In short: It's probably all right by most people's standards, but this is not the book I would give to my pre-pubescent daughter. Wish I could have given it 2.5 stars, but alas.
April 1, 2008
I bought this book for my almost 9 year old daughter. It was a great book for going over all the changes that would be happening in the near future. I love that it covers everything (with the exception of sex) but it lended itself so I could lead into that topic from the book. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has a daughter that is pre-puberty and you are looking for a way to have a talk about it. I also recommend doing what we did and having a girls night shopping, dinner and then staying in a hotel. It gives total privacy and the opportunity to talk with out inturruptions by other family members.
May 23, 2025
This book is ok for tween girls, but for those parents who don't go beyond this book, it gives a false sense of security in having given "the talk"... It's completely inadequate for teaching teens about anatomy, medical conditions, and sexuality. Additionally, it doesn't cover even some things younger girls may experience, like debilitating cramps. No book is a good substitution for having an open and supportive dialogue with your daughter - if you do not feel comfortable in having those discussions, take the time to educate and equip yourself with the right language and tools. This book can help at first, but it's written for a VERY limited time frame and set of experiences.
April 1, 2010
I would recommend most of this book (90% of it) for 9 year olds and up. Why? Because it talks about a ton of things you're dealing with right now. Things like exercise, hair care, washing yourself, teeth brushing, eating right, vitamins, ear car, eye care, stinky breath care, etc. But there was one section (the other 10%) that I think would be better for 10 or 11 year olds and up. I wouldn't recommend page 76 and 77 for 8 and 9 year olds. The illustrations are too much! My mom suggested just paperclip those 2 pages together and read them when you are older, or not at all. The rest of this section teaches you what's going to happen to you so you won't be so panicked when it happens and that was okay to read. I liked how the author would let people write letters to her and then she would answer the questions. These were in the body talk sections and they had questions that I would have asked too. These were my favorite sections of the book. The illustrations were really good and I liked reading about how to take care of my body from head to toe!!!!
October 4, 2022
one of the best books i’ve ever read. so informative. couldn’t put it down.
January 22, 2012
If you're a mom with a 9 year old daughter, this is a MUST READ!! Then have your daughter read it because it's meant for her. :) This book opened conversations that I had attempted and failed miserably, and now we're able to talk openly about the things she's already beginning to notice, and things girls at school are already talking about. There are sections of the book that I'll also be going over with my 7 year old. Yep, his book is an extremely valuable resource!!
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May 12, 2020it was very helpful in many ways I liked how it fully explained everything in great detail I loved how everything just kind of connected and nothing was toobvious that everybody would know that about puberty.
February 23, 2024
she said AWOOP JUMPSCARE
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August 11, 2025Has there ever been a more foundational text? Dare I say: nay. There has not.
February 28, 2021
This is such a great, informative, body-positive book for any young girl and mama of a young girl. It covers information "head-to-toe" about their personal bodies and facilitates conversations as their bodies begin to change.
This book is not one for the "birds and the bees" talk, but it talks about everything from how to take care of your hair to prevent heat damage, skincare, healthy exercise and eating habits, puberty changes, negative effects of comparison, and having open lines of communication with your parents. It's an excellent resource to start talking with your daughter and educating her on big changes in a positive and beneficial way.
This book is not one for the "birds and the bees" talk, but it talks about everything from how to take care of your hair to prevent heat damage, skincare, healthy exercise and eating habits, puberty changes, negative effects of comparison, and having open lines of communication with your parents. It's an excellent resource to start talking with your daughter and educating her on big changes in a positive and beneficial way.
August 25, 2021
I picked this up at a library sale and decided to see whether it’s worth saving for my daughter. It’s aimed at preteen girls and gives a nice, brief little introduction to the physical changes that come with puberty, while also providing girls with practical tips on caring for their skin, staying healthy, dealing with a first period, etc. It does not address sex, dating, or conception, which is appropriate, considering the age of the target audience.
My biggest caveat is that it assumes girls are going to feel insecure about their looks/weight/braces/glasses/chest size, etc, and will probably be teased about them as well. The book repeatedly brings up these assumed insecurities in order to offer breezy reassurance, but for some young readers the repetition might actually suggest that they should be worried about these topics since apparently everyone else is.
The book also gives a brief explanation of eating disorders (including an explanation of what people with bulimia do). Could this trigger experimentation in girls who are already vulnerable to the idea? Maybe. As a parent I think I’d rather have the flexibility to talk about the topic more generally, when and if it seems helpful, rather than specifically warning my daughters against eating disorders.
My overall assessment is that parts of this book are silly, parts are bland, a few are outdated (like the USDA dietary recommendations), and parts are quite helpful and empowering. I’m not sure yet whether or not to keep it.
I should note that my copy is an older addition from the ‘90s. I have not read the updated version.
My biggest caveat is that it assumes girls are going to feel insecure about their looks/weight/braces/glasses/chest size, etc, and will probably be teased about them as well. The book repeatedly brings up these assumed insecurities in order to offer breezy reassurance, but for some young readers the repetition might actually suggest that they should be worried about these topics since apparently everyone else is.
The book also gives a brief explanation of eating disorders (including an explanation of what people with bulimia do). Could this trigger experimentation in girls who are already vulnerable to the idea? Maybe. As a parent I think I’d rather have the flexibility to talk about the topic more generally, when and if it seems helpful, rather than specifically warning my daughters against eating disorders.
My overall assessment is that parts of this book are silly, parts are bland, a few are outdated (like the USDA dietary recommendations), and parts are quite helpful and empowering. I’m not sure yet whether or not to keep it.
I should note that my copy is an older addition from the ‘90s. I have not read the updated version.
December 18, 2011
This book has a lot of good information for the 8 to 13 crowd. It gives "head to toe advice" on all the issues girls that age worry about: braces, shaving, periods, teasing, breasts, eating disorders, and zits (and even more).
I like the way the book says that removal of underarm hair is a personal decision, that some girls aren't bothered by having underarm hair. I also like that this book says there "no real reason to remove leg hair."
I really appreciate that the book emphasizes that who a girl is on the inside is way more important than how she looks. It encourages girls to be self confident and positive.
I also like that it tells girls not to compare themselves to models and actresses or even other girls they know. It stresses that all women are different and beautiful. It encourages girls to be kind to themselves and others and to love their bodies no matter what their shape
Especially helpful is the illustration sequence showing how to insert a tampon. The drawings are of a complete girl sitting on the toilet, not the weird line drawing of one-third of a female body that comes with the little pamphlet in the tampon box. I wish I had seen these pictures when I was a kid trying to figure out (in theory at least) how a tampon worked.
I recommend this one to girls (and their parents/guardians!) starting before puberty rears its confusing head.
I like the way the book says that removal of underarm hair is a personal decision, that some girls aren't bothered by having underarm hair. I also like that this book says there "no real reason to remove leg hair."
I really appreciate that the book emphasizes that who a girl is on the inside is way more important than how she looks. It encourages girls to be self confident and positive.
I also like that it tells girls not to compare themselves to models and actresses or even other girls they know. It stresses that all women are different and beautiful. It encourages girls to be kind to themselves and others and to love their bodies no matter what their shape
Especially helpful is the illustration sequence showing how to insert a tampon. The drawings are of a complete girl sitting on the toilet, not the weird line drawing of one-third of a female body that comes with the little pamphlet in the tampon box. I wish I had seen these pictures when I was a kid trying to figure out (in theory at least) how a tampon worked.
I recommend this one to girls (and their parents/guardians!) starting before puberty rears its confusing head.
April 22, 2008
Read this with my 8-year-old. Provided excellent framework for good conversations about all the changes that will come with puberty. Covers personal hygiene, nutrition, exercise, bras, menstruation (including diagrams showing how tampons work and details on the various things that pads or tampons are better for), and throughout, acknowledgement of all the weird ways that these things might make girls feel and how normal this is.
The book does not cover sex, so if you are looking for that you'll have to go elsewhere, but this is excellent to allow conversations about what to expect about one's own body and feelings, and gives a basic rundown of how to take care of yourself from head to toe.
The book does not cover sex, so if you are looking for that you'll have to go elsewhere, but this is excellent to allow conversations about what to expect about one's own body and feelings, and gives a basic rundown of how to take care of yourself from head to toe.
March 31, 2018
I'm really glad to have this to give to my 9-year-old daughter, to follow up on a talk we had on puberty. The book discusses body changes and self-care; it doesn't address reproduction in any specificity. (I understand newer versions of the book address sex more specifically.) It's mostly age appropriate, positive and upbeat. My daughter has pored over it. My only quibble is that it addresses anorexia nervosa and how it can lead to death, etc. More than she needs to know right now. And of ~course~ she read that section out loud to her 6-year-old sister, after which the 6yo exclaimed, in all sincerity, "Wow! Good thing *we're* fat!"
March 10, 2022
i forced my mom to buy me this so i could learn about my changing body when i really wanted it because of the boob drawings
October 13, 2021
omg memories
i got the translated version of this book when i was like 10 & it helped me a lot in my early teenage years. i used to bring it to school and make my friends read it too😂
i got the translated version of this book when i was like 10 & it helped me a lot in my early teenage years. i used to bring it to school and make my friends read it too😂
March 6, 2025
life changing
December 13, 2023
receiving this book was a canon event
March 12, 2017
I remember loving this book when I was a young teen. The illustrations and page layouts are inviting, casual, and matter-of-fact, and I read it over and over, just thrilled to have such clear answers for things adults all seemed to know but never mentioned to me (at least not without it being super awkward). Not just about sexual development, but about health and hygiene in general. On re-reading, the advice and tone are still super good. A few things are a little out of date, like the food pyramid.
As an adult, I'm more aware that there's no discussion of gender dysphoria or anything like that, but honestly did you expect there to be? There IS a really nice statement in discussing periods saying that getting one doesn't "make you a woman" and there's more to being an adult than that. There's also a lot about celebrating your body for what it can do, not what it looks like, and of how everyone develops at different rates, how you don't have to present super girly unless you want to, and how you have the right to say what you're comfortable with where your body is concerned. However, it could've stood to be more disability-inclusive, since it's a book about health. And there's kind of an assumption that your parents are your allies, not to mention that as an 11-year-old you can "ask your doctor" about any number of things. Neither of those is necessarily the case. (I get that these books are designed for a specific demographic of middle-class people whose parents are sensitive enough to buy a book like this, but someone might also find it in a library, etc...)
As an adult, I'm more aware that there's no discussion of gender dysphoria or anything like that, but honestly did you expect there to be? There IS a really nice statement in discussing periods saying that getting one doesn't "make you a woman" and there's more to being an adult than that. There's also a lot about celebrating your body for what it can do, not what it looks like, and of how everyone develops at different rates, how you don't have to present super girly unless you want to, and how you have the right to say what you're comfortable with where your body is concerned. However, it could've stood to be more disability-inclusive, since it's a book about health. And there's kind of an assumption that your parents are your allies, not to mention that as an 11-year-old you can "ask your doctor" about any number of things. Neither of those is necessarily the case. (I get that these books are designed for a specific demographic of middle-class people whose parents are sensitive enough to buy a book like this, but someone might also find it in a library, etc...)
November 30, 2011
This is a great book for girls to read that answers questions they might have about puberty in a reassuring, factual and straight-forward way. I appreciated how the book emphasizes the differences in each girl's experience, and each girl's body. Alternatives are offered (pad v. tampon, shave or not to shave?) with no bias and with enough information to help a girl feel confident in figuring out which option works for her.
The writing is simple, but the tone is not condescending. Information is presented in short blasts, and it almost reads like a magazine. Different fonts and colors help to perk up the information and keep the layouts engaging.
The illustrations are excellent and continue the theme that all girls are different, but share a feeling of anxiety, confusion, excitement about the changes all of them will experience. I have absolutely no problem with the illustrations of a girl inserting a tampon. That's a heck of a concept without pictures so the illustrations are there strictly for information. Also, the illustrations bolster the basic idea of this book which is that it's your body, something to care for and know about; it's not something to be afraid or ashamed of.
The short letters asking for advice are a great way to include a personal touch in the book while addressing issues that the readers may encounter. I definitely recommend this one as a starting point for girls to get to know their bodies.
The writing is simple, but the tone is not condescending. Information is presented in short blasts, and it almost reads like a magazine. Different fonts and colors help to perk up the information and keep the layouts engaging.
The illustrations are excellent and continue the theme that all girls are different, but share a feeling of anxiety, confusion, excitement about the changes all of them will experience. I have absolutely no problem with the illustrations of a girl inserting a tampon. That's a heck of a concept without pictures so the illustrations are there strictly for information. Also, the illustrations bolster the basic idea of this book which is that it's your body, something to care for and know about; it's not something to be afraid or ashamed of.
The short letters asking for advice are a great way to include a personal touch in the book while addressing issues that the readers may encounter. I definitely recommend this one as a starting point for girls to get to know their bodies.
March 3, 2009
This is a great mother/daughter book! I read this book with my 10 year old daughter to teach her about all the changes that happen as you mature from a girl to a young woman. We had a lot of fun reading, laughing and enjoying this book together. She looked forward to it every evening, and so did I!
I don't want my girls to be embarassed or feel uncomfortable talking to me about the changes they are/will experience. This book has helped me get off to a healthy start with my daughter and was a great resource in teaching her.
I read the book before we read it together and I would browse through it each evening to remind me of what the chapter covered...so that I could reflect on any additional insight, personal experiences, or gospel teachings/perspectives that I wanted to share with her as well.
NOTE: I paper clipped pages 75 & 76 together (pictures of how to insert a tampon....I felt it was inappropriate for her age group) and will go over that with her when the time comes.
I don't want my girls to be embarassed or feel uncomfortable talking to me about the changes they are/will experience. This book has helped me get off to a healthy start with my daughter and was a great resource in teaching her.
I read the book before we read it together and I would browse through it each evening to remind me of what the chapter covered...so that I could reflect on any additional insight, personal experiences, or gospel teachings/perspectives that I wanted to share with her as well.
NOTE: I paper clipped pages 75 & 76 together (pictures of how to insert a tampon....I felt it was inappropriate for her age group) and will go over that with her when the time comes.
December 6, 2007
Standard book for every girl! A book which should precede Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. Like an owner's manual for girls ages 9-12. Includes very cute, simple explanations and cartoons about why our bodies change. I bought this for my friend's 5th grade daughter whose friends are starting their periods and can't understand what it is or why she hasn't gotten hers. She has a lot of questions her mother isn't prepared to answer, so this book should help fill in the blanks.
January 3, 2014
A good introduction to body changes for girls. Covers changes from head to toe. I have an 8 year old I plan to read it with. Is it really time for those discussions already?!
January 24, 2023
life changing
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 5, 2017
This book had some nice tips, but there were some tips that I didn't agree with. At one point in the book, I thought they were being hypocritical because they said one thing on a page, then said the complete opposite pages later. In other words, I have outgrown this book.
June 29, 2017
I don't usually add my small childhood books, but this book was such a huge part of my life that I had to. Forever love. <3
September 2, 2020
Simple and clear explanations for young girls to cover the basics and facilitate discussions. Very helpful.
January 25, 2021
this book ruined my life thanks "valorie"
July 9, 2023
5 stars this taught me everything i know
Displaying 1 - 30 of 371 reviews