‘Care & Keeping of You 2’ offers advice to girls, parents

Puberty can be an awkward time — for girls and their parents.

It doesn’t have to be. American Girl, a leader for 20 years in providing top advice books geared for girls age 8 and up, is here to help.

American Girl has introduced “The Care & Keeping of You 2: The Body Book for Older Girls,” the follow-up to its best-selling advice guide, “The Care & Keeping of You: The Body Book for Girls.” The new guide, written by board-certified pediatrician Dr. Cara Natterson and illustrated by Josee Masse, focuses on the physical and emotional changes that girls age 10 and older face during puberty.

With more than three million copies sold since it was first introduced in 1998, the original “Body Book” has become a trusted, go-to resource for parents and health-care professionals to help girls understand the changes their bodies are going through.

The “Older Girls” guide takes a more in-depth look at those changes. Dr. Natterson provides thoughtful, age-appropriate advice on how girls can take care of themselves and learn the tools to build confidence and adopt positive self-images.

Hygiene basics, mood and stress management, body-image issues and tips for starting conversations with parents and trusted adults are just a few of the topics covered in the new guide.

Dr. Natterson, a graduate of Harvard College and Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, has treated thousands of children and adolescents while guiding their parents. A mother of two, she has written several books on children’s health and safety.

American Girl is committed to empowering girls and boosting their self-confidence by answering a variety of questions and giving helpful hints in an easy-to-understand, conversational format. In addition to its health line, there are several “Smart Girl’s Guide” titles, covering topics such as handling friendships, starting middle school, dealing with divorce and learning about money.

“The Care & Keeping of You 2” is available through the company’s catalog, its website and American Girl retail stores. It will be released nationally in March.

To learn more about the companion titles in the “Care & Keeping of You” line and the other books in the American Girl collection, go to americangirl.com.