One Sentence Summary
The Care and Keeping of You: The Body Book for Younger Girls, Revised Edition (American Girl® Wellbeing) is an authoritative, empowering and informative guide for early adolescents that encourages self-care and knowledge of one’s body.
Book Genre
This book falls under non-fiction and reference.
Main Topic of the Book
This book is a guide to healthy physical and emotional wellbeing for girls aged 10-13.
Key Ideas
- Provides an understanding of the physical, emotional, social and cognitive changes girls experience during their early adolescence
- Encourages open and honest communication between girls and their parents or guardians
- Dispels the fear of talking about body changes and encourages a healthy relationship with one’s body
- Discusses the importance of healthy habits such as exercise, healthy food choices, positive self-esteem and how to handle relationships with peers
- Gives advice on skin care, clothing, hygiene and more
Main Parts of the Book and a Short Summary
This book is divided into eight parts.
- Getting to Know Your Body Parts: Explains the different body parts and organs like the heart, lungs, digestive system and more.
- Changes Happening During Your Middle School Years: Explores physical, cognitive, emotional and social changes in girls in early adolescence.
- Hair and Skin: Discusses how to take care of your hair and skin, body odor, and beauty advice.
- Nutrition: Explains how to make healthy food choices and why is it important to eat a balanced diet.
- Exercise: Explains the importance of physical activity and encourages to choose activities that are enjoyable.
- Everyday Care: Provides advice on hygiene, vitamins, staying safe with medicines, and healthy sleep habits.
- Dealing With Feelings: Explains the importance of positive self-esteem and how to manage emotions.
- Relationships: Friends & Family: Discusses how to overcome peer pressure and build meaningful friendships.
Key Takeaways
- Understanding and accepting bodily changes during early adolescence
- Making healthy food choices
- Developing healthy habits such as getting enough physical activity and sleep
- Learning how to manage emotions
- Building good relationships with friends and family
Author’s Background and Qualifications
Valorie Schaefer is the author of this revised edition of the book The Care and Keeping of You: The Body Book for Preteens. She obtained an MS degree in Industrial Engineering at Stanford University and a Ph.D. in Health Education. She is a certified sexuality educator and public health researcher and she worked as primary consultant for several health textbooks for preteens.
Target Audience
This book is primarily intended for girls aged 10-13. It is also a helpful resource for parents and health professionals.
Publisher and First Publication Date
The Care and Keeping of You: The Body Book for Younger Girls, Revised Edition was published in April of 2017 by American Girl Wellbeing. It is the revised edition of the first book published in 1998.