A popular seller for American Girl, and most helpful for moms and girls everywhere, was the book The Care & Keeping of YOU. This book gave girls tips on basic care and hygiene while helping to build their self esteem and create conversations between them and their mom/caregiver/guardian on topics like pimples, hair care, and eating healthy. This book is extremely helpful and one I look forward to sharing with my own daughters, but what about when girls get older and they have even more questions?

Girls have all kinds of questions about what's happening, why they feel and look different, and how to handle things when their period starts. This is quite an uncomfortable conversation for some parents to have with their daughters but it's necessary. American Girl has heard requests for this type of book and recently released The Care & Keeping of YOU 2: The Body Book for Older Girls.

I recently read through this book and I was SO very impressed. The book is written very thoroughly, yet easy enough for a young girl to understand. Topics like using deodorant, mood swings, periods, tampons {yes, even tampons}, and more are covered as well as encouraging words about loving the body you're in. 

I was talking with my own mom about this book just the other day and telling her that I'm SO GLAD there is a book like this available to help get me through those awkward conversations in the future with my girls. Laughing, I said, "I'll bet you wish this book was out when I was young!". My moms eyes went wide as she answered, "Yes. I do.". {lol}

Here's my idea for using this book. It would be too easy to buy this book and hand it to the young lady in your life. I would rather read through the book with my daughter, answering questions or sharing experiences as they come up. After having shared about each topic together, THEN I would hand her the book for safe keeping...and privacy. I remember wanting my privacy and wanting to handle things on my own, but I also wanted to make sure I knew exactly what was going on first. 

Thanks to this book, I don't dread having this sort of conversation with my daughters. In fact, I'm reminded about how I felt with everything that was going on...and giggle about it now. These memories are key, though. They will help me be sensitive to my daughter, showing her sympathy and empathy {and remembering to share my chocolate stash with her when needed}.

BUY IT: You can purchase this book on the American Girl website for $12.99 on or after February 14th! {coming to bookstores in March}

**Thanks to American Girl, for supplying the complimentary book to facilitate this review. I wasn't compensated in any other way. In this post I share my thoughts and opinions of the item being reviewed. Others may have a different experience or opinion.**

New From American Girl: The Care & Keeping Of YOU 2 {review}

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photo credit: American Girl

In our home, literacy is a pretty big deal. It's something we want our children to love as it is a gateway for their personalities to flourish as well as their comprehension and communication skills. With a solid base in reading, I believe little ones will go very far.

This summer, American Girl has launched a Read-a-palooza, aimed at girls ages 8-12, in an effort to encourage literacy and support the cause of Save The Children's U.S. Literacy program. By visiting AmericanGirl.com/reading, you will find bookmarks to create, ideas on how to begin a book club, a schedule of free reading events at your local American Girl store to fill up your summer, and more! American Girl also offers a large selection of books to choose from in topics like fiction stories to craft ideas and beyond.

Also, when purchasing books on American Girl's website, keep in mind that $1 from every book sold will go to Save The Children's U.S. literacy program {from now until Sept. 3}. So by stocking up for the read-a-palooza in your home, you're also helping to make a difference in the lives of little ones who live in impoverished communities and are in need of learning materials. I love this idea and see it as a "win, win" for all who want to get involved.

THE GIVEAWAY!!

American Girl wants to help get one of you off to a great start for a Read-a-palooza in your own home! The winner will receive the books pictured below {a $60 value!}.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

**Thanks to American Girl who supplied the items to facilitate this review and giveaway. I wasn't compensated in any way for this post. In this post I share my thoughts and opinions of the items/event mentioned. Others may have a different experience or opinion.**  

Join In The American Girl Read-A-Palooza! {giveaway}

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Summer is always a time of fun for the kiddos. They don't have to go to bed early for school the following day. There are vacations, pool parties, and fun activities galore. {I remember my childhood summers with fondness.}

While all the fun times are great, there is a lot of down time too. Sometimes the weather doesn't cooperate with plans. Sometimes those nasty summer colds hit. Sometimes the days are just lazy. These are the perfect moments to bring in some fun with reading and keep those little minds sharp.

American Girl has some new books that would work perfectly for your little lady. Among these are titles like
A Smart Girl's Guide to Liking Herself-Even on the Bad Days, The Cameo Necklace: A Cecile Mystery, and The New Girl. Also, you should consider a subscription to American Girl Magazine as a great source of stories, ideas, and inspiration for girls all year long.

Here's a brief synopsis on each title. {Taken from the press release}

"As Cecile exits a crowded showboat after enjoying a lavish Floating Circus, she stumbles-and when she gets up, she realizes that the cameo necklace she borrowed from her aunt is no longer on her neck. Knowing that the necklace was the last gift Tante Tay's husband gave her before he died, Cecile is desperate to find it. As she tracks down the people in the crowd who were near her when she fell, her search takes her into many corners of New Orleans, from a society tea party to the crowded French Market, even the dangerous cypress swamps...and deep in to secrets she never imagined! An illustrated "Looking Back" nonfiction essay provides facts about the 1850's."

"Each Reader can imagine herself as the main character of this interactive story set in the world of Innerstar University. She thinks Zoe', the new girl, is brave for coming all the way from her home in France. She wants to get to know Zoe', but she also feels a bit jealous about all the attention the new arrival is getting. When a couple of girls start to tease Zoe', she feels torn-can she find the courage to speak up for what she knows is right? With more than 20 different endings, girls will enjoy reading this story again and again to see how their decisions change the story. Plus, this book comes with a secret access code to unlock additional endings online."

"Written by licensed child psychologist Dr. Laurie Zelinger, the interactive guide offers girls ages 10 and up smart advice about self-esteem-what it is, where it comes from, and how it can change with each new experience. Girls will learn the difference between high and low self-esteem, how their moods can affect how they feel about themselves, the role family and friends play in shaping self-esteem, and tips for boosting their confidence and being their best every day."

"Created as an age-appropriate alternative to teen magazines, American Girl is the largest bi-monthly publication dedicated exclusively to girls ages 8 and up. The magazine has won numerous awards for its content and design, including 15 from Parents' Choice Foundation."

I remember reading my books about Kirsten when I was a little girl and looking forward to reading other books as they came out. I also remember when the American Girl magazine was first introduced. What sets this brand apart is their ability to communicate to girls right at their level and encourage strong self-esteem, individuality, creativity, friendship, and other values like these.

The mentioned titles are just a few of the new books available. Be sure to visit American Girl online and check your local book store for even more reading choices!

I look forward to sharing books just like these with my daughter as she grows with American Girl.

**I received the mentioned books for this review from American Girl. Beyond the review items, I received no compensation for this post. This is my opinion and other opinions/experiences may vary.

Summer Reading Ideas from American Girl

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