The Care and Keeping of You 2: The Body Book for Older Girls

The Care and Keeping of You 2 is a puberty and health guide for girls ages 10 and up, published by American Girl. This sequel builds on the information from the first book, addressing more mature topics and the later stages of adolescence. The book covers physical changes, emotional health, hygiene, nutrition, and exercise through straightforward explanations and illustrations. Medical facts and practical advice are presented alongside real questions from young readers. Topics include menstruation, body image, relationships with family and friends, and basic healthcare management. The content progresses from basic concepts to more complex subjects that older girls encounter. The work stands out for its balanced approach to adolescent development, acknowledging both physical and emotional changes while maintaining an educational, age-appropriate tone throughout. The text aims to empower young readers with knowledge and understanding of their changing bodies.

Parents and young readers report this book provides clear, factual information about puberty and body changes for girls ages 10+. The tone strikes a balance between medical accuracy and approachability. Readers appreciated: - Medical illustrations rather than photographs - Matter-of-fact discussion of sensitive topics - Section on mental health and emotional changes - Focus on hygiene and self-care basics Common criticisms: - Some felt certain topics like sex and dating were too limited - A few readers wanted more diversity in the illustrations - Some parents wished for more discussion of LGBTQ+ topics Ratings across platforms: Amazon: 4.8/5 (11,800+ reviews) Goodreads: 4.5/5 (2,400+ ratings) One parent noted: "This book opened up natural conversations with my daughter about body changes." Another reviewer mentioned: "The information is thorough without being overwhelming." Many readers recommend pairing this with volume 1 for younger girls.

It's Perfectly Normal by Robie Harris This guide presents facts about puberty, sexuality, and relationships through text and illustrations for young people aged 10 and up.

Guy Stuff: The Body Book for Boys by Cara Natterson This companion book to The Care and Keeping of You series covers puberty, physical changes, and health topics specifically for boys.

The Period Book: Everything You Don't Want to Ask by Karen Gravelle This reference book explains menstruation and body changes with practical information and answers to common questions.

Growing Up Great by Scott Todnem This health guide covers puberty, hygiene, emotions, and relationships for preteen boys entering adolescence.

Wait, What?: A Comic Book Guide to Relationships, Bodies, and Growing Up by Heather Corinna This illustrated guide presents information about puberty and sexuality through comics and straightforward explanations.

🌟 This guide was published as a follow-up to the original "The Care and Keeping of You" after overwhelming feedback from parents that older girls needed more detailed information about puberty and body changes. 💜 The book addresses emotional health alongside physical changes, recognizing that mental well-being is equally important during adolescence. 📚 Author Valorie Lee Schaefer collaborated with pediatrician Dr. Cara Natterson to ensure all medical information was accurate and age-appropriate for girls 10 and up. 🎨 The illustrations by Josée Masse were specifically designed to be realistic yet comfortable for young readers, showing diverse body types and ethnicities. ✨ The American Library Association named this book one of the "Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers," noting its accessible format and straightforward approach to sensitive topics.