The Care and Keeping of You 1

The Care and Keeping of You 1

book

2024, Children's Books, Growing Up & Facts of Life

WISE
86%

WISE Score

4.8

Amazon

The gold standard puberty guide that's helped millions of girls understand their changing bodies without the awkwardness.

Amazon4.8
Common Sense Media

Where to Read

Amazon
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Barnes & Noble
Libby
Libby

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Screenwise Verdict

This is the book you buy before you think you need it, so it's there when your daughter suddenly has questions at 9 PM on a Tuesday.

It's not going to win literary awards—it's a straightforward health guide. But it's the health guide, the one that's been helping girls navigate puberty since 1998, now updated for kids growing up in 2024. Medical accuracy, zero shame, practical tips, and a tone that treats girls like capable humans who deserve real information.

The Imaginative score is low because it's not trying to be imaginative—it's trying to explain why you suddenly need deodorant. And it does that job exceptionally well. This is essential reading that belongs on the shelf of every family with daughters approaching the tween years.

Age Fit

Best for girls 8-12 who are approaching or starting puberty. Some 8-year-olds might not be ready yet, while some 10-year-olds are desperate for this info. Follow your kid's lead—when the questions start, this book has the answers.

WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
92

Presents puberty and body changes in a matter-of-fact, reassuring tone without shame or embarrassment. Medical consultant (pediatrician Cara Natterson) ensures accuracy. Addresses real concerns girls have—periods, bras, body odor, skin changes—with kindness and normalcy. The 25th anniversary update keeps content current and relevant.

Imaginative
45

This is an informational health guide, not a creative work. It doesn't invite imagination or storytelling. What it does offer is empowerment through knowledge—helping girls understand their changing bodies. The updated illustrations add visual interest, but the format is straightforward educational content rather than exploratory or creative.

Safe
95

Medically accurate, age-appropriate information with no sensationalism or inappropriate content. Designed specifically for the 8-12 age range with careful attention to developmental readiness. No concerning content—just straightforward health education. The medical consultant oversight adds credibility. Books like this are exactly what parents want when kids start asking questions.

Enriching
88

Genuinely valuable health literacy for pre-teen girls. Covers hygiene, nutrition, emotional changes, and physical development in practical, actionable ways. Builds body confidence and self-care skills. The 'how-tos' and tips provide concrete guidance girls can use immediately. This is the book that's been passed around for 25 years because it actually helps kids understand what's happening to them.

Parent Info
✓

Why It Might Be Great

  • Medically accurate information from a pediatrician, presented in friendly, non-clinical language that actually makes sense to 8-12 year olds
  • Covers everything from the basics (hair care, healthy eating) to the scary stuff (periods, bras, body changes) with zero shame or weirdness
  • 25 years of trust—this is the book your friends' moms probably gave them, now updated with fresh illustrations and current info
  • Builds real confidence and self-care skills instead of leaving kids to figure it out from TikTok or the school bathroom
  • The 4.8 Amazon rating from thousands of parents speaks volumes—this book does exactly what it promises
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What to Watch For

  • Some kids might not be ready at 8—gauge your daughter's curiosity and questions first, though having it on the shelf for when she's ready is smart
  • This is specifically for girls; if you have a son going through puberty, you'll need a different resource
  • It's informational, not a fun read—don't expect her to curl up with it like a novel, but she'll reference it when she has questions

Conversation Starters

  • ""What surprised you most about what you read? Anything you want to talk about?""
  • ""Was there anything confusing in there? I remember being confused about [insert your own puberty confusion here].""
  • ""Do any of your friends talk about this stuff, or is everyone just pretending it's not happening?""
  • ""I'm always here if you have questions—even the embarrassing ones. Actually, especially the embarrassing ones.""

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