Product ReviewsThe Care and Keeping of You (American Girl) (American Girl Library) - GOOD

Great book!

I bought it for my 10 year old daughter for her birthday. So far so good! Its very graphic with great Illustrated pictures but some pages I just ask her to disregard until she's older (like the applying tampons section). Great starter to open the conversation about changes.Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: thrift.books

Good book for 9-10 years old

I heard a lot of recommendations for this book, and I checked it out of the library as well to look over it myself. It is listed as for ages 8-12. I feel most of the book is geared towards the younger end, 9 or 10 years old. It talks a lot about hygiene, proper nutrition and exercise. Here is where it might seem young for an 11 or 12 year old. It talks about upcoming changes in a girl's body as she matures. It does not go into too much detail here, just enough for a younger girl to digest. However there are a couple pictures that are kind of surprising, and I had to think about whether my (almost) 10 year old would be "weirded out" by it, name a two-page set of drawings showing how a girl will use a tampon. I decided to not worry about it, and when she came to it in the book she seemed okay with it but asked me some questions. I can see a sensitive child being shocked or "grossed out" though. Other than that, I was very happy with the book and felt my daughter would get a lot of positive information out of it. I think I'd still recommend a parent looking through it first and seeing how they feel about the information in the book, if it will be beneficial to his/her daughter.Read full review...

Wonderful!

My 9-year-old daughter and I have enjoyed reading this book together. Presents a lot of information I have already discussed with her. Of course, she likes that it is from American Girl, so it is a little more "credible" in her eyes than just mom. The information is very conservative. Focuses a lot on positive self-image. Addresses all that happens in their changing body and how to talk about it. Illustrations are great, very modest, but true to life. There is only one page I won't let her see yet. I just don't think it is necessary. It is the illustrated page on how to insert a tampon. I discussed it briefly with her as pads vs. tampons. I was excited to share this information with my daughter on special date nights. Just her and I. I am hoping to convey that our bodies are special and she can talk with me about anything. My mother never talked to me about anything. I learned a warped worldly view of my body and sex. I do not want that for my children. I am grateful to the author & the American Girl Company for providing it.Read full review...

The Care & Keeping of You by Valorie Schaefer

Valorie needs to be praised for taking the time to write a book with what your daughter will go through with puberty. I purchased the book for my 9 year old and she has read it and said it was a great book, but that she wasn't going to use tampons that that was gross! LOL! My 7 year old daughter partially read it and asked several questions which Valorie had explained, I just needed to read them to her. It is so important in this day and time for a child to understand the importance of keeping herself clean and using deodorant and brushing her teeth and bathing. This book prepares them for what to expect when they arrive at puberty and is very thorough. I love it!!
Hope that one of you think of your daughter(s)(or any female family member) and purchase this...it's nothing to be ashamed of, it's life!!!! I just wish I would have had it when I was pre puberty. My mother didn't explain anything to me...I just knew from my sister and friends. I want my daughter(s) to be prepared. Thanks!Read full review...

Great Read for the adolescent!!

Great book with great information!! Don't let dr's at schools tell your children about puberty!! They give graphic brochures that are very inappropriate!! This book is wonderful!!

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: thrift.books

Excellent for fathers to understand little girls

Excellent complete content on important pre-teen and early teen topics in wholesome terms that do not embarrass the readers, whether they be young girls or adults. Excellent resource for men with daughters, particularly single men. Excellent help for mothers because making the book available helps girls learn and encourages asking questions. Does not push excessive details on the reader, permitting parents and the child to ask questions at only the depth desired, while enabling them to see ahead what else may come along of interest.
All in all, an excellent guide for parents and children.Read full review...

Tastefully & thoroughly explains touchy girl-stuff!

This book covers it all. If you as a parent just aren't comfortable explaining the sensitive topics related to your little girl growing up, then this may be just what you need. Even though this was published in 1998, the facts surrounding puberty don't change. Tastefully written with very detailed descriptions that will undoubtedly cover any question a young lady might ponder. However, I would recommend that any parent read it through first, especially taking into consideration the illustrations that the book contains - they simply may make this not desirable for some even though they are drawings and not real photographs. It is a quick, easy read that covers personal hygiene, body changes, menstruation, and emotions all while making your girl feel "normal" even when she feels so awkward.Read full review...

Tween Girls Need This

My daughter already owned this book before I repurchased it. I didn’t realize a neighbor friend of hers gave her this once they’d outgrown it. My ten yr old daughter said it’s a good book.

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: thrift.books

Great book for teaching daughters about their body!

I bought this book to help my daughter learn about the changes her body will make as she gets older. It is very informative and covers all areas of the adoloscent years for girls. It helped to open the door for her to ask questions and gave me a guideline to talk with her without feeling awkward. She will keep the book to look back through. It gives great tips on eating healthy, exercise, resting, etc. One of the most challenging parts of having a daughter is trying to help them understand that not everyone looks alike, feels alike or does the same things alike and I think this book made it very clear that every girl is special and normal just the way they are! I will recommend it to all my friends who have daughters.Read full review...

The Care and Keeping of You by Valorie Schaefer

This is an excellent "must have" resource for the growing young girl and her mother. a little instruction book that every little girl should have in her possession. It covers so many areas from bad breath to breasts! Things that might be awkward for a caring mother to explain are laid out in very interesting format. Does your child have any questions about the facts of life? This book is a great teaching tool. Bonding time? Announce Mother/ Daughter time and go through this book with her. Isn't it better YOU educate your child about life rather than her classmates or some stranger?Read full review...