Adolescence is always such an awkward time, and for years, American Girl has been helping girls and their parents to navigate those choppy waters. Now, American Girl is reaching out to boys and their parents, offering advice in a new book, Guy Stuff: The Body Book for Boys. Written by Dr. Cara Natterson, board-certified pediatrician and author of American Girl’s famous The Care and Keeping of You: The Body Book for Girls series, this new book is geared toward boys ages 8+, and aims to help them prepare for body changes in the years ahead. This new book covers everything from hair care to healthy eating, bad breath to shaving, acne to voice cracking, pubic changes to moodiness, peer pressure to bullying, and more.
“Parents have written to me for years, asking for the boy version of The Care and Keeping of You,” says Natterson, New York Times bestselling author and mom of a 14-year-old girl and a 12-year-old boy. “And while we’ve done a good job of educating girls on puberty and their changing bodies, boys have been left behind on this topic—and that’s simply not fair. Boys go through puberty, too, and they deserve the same information that girls get about how to grow up in a safe and healthy way. It’s time we change the social norms and start including boys in discussions about puberty, health, and wellness, beyond what may or may not be taught in the classroom once or twice a year.”
Guy Stuff, priced at $12.99, is a head-to-toe guide, covering a wide range of physical and emotional topics, including:
- Body Basics: Breaks down basic facts about boys’ bodies and explains the common changes of puberty (“You Will: Grow taller, sprout hair, sweat more, develop muscles, see changes in skin and hair texture, get a deeper voice, see changes to private parts, and experience new emotions.”) and discusses the importance of establishing healthy habits and having a good attitude.
- Heads Up: This chapter covers everything boys need to know to keep their heads and face in tip-top shape, including hair care, acne, sun protection, and oral hygiene.
- Reach: Explains the essentials of nail care and maintaining healthy hands, underarm hair and controlling body odor, plus breaks down the changes boys’ chests will undergo.
- Belly Zone: Acknowledges that bodies come in different shapes and sizes, and shares detailed information on healthy hydration, food, nutrition, and essential vitamins and minerals.
- Big Changes: Tackles changing hormones, private parts (including erections), moods, and voice.
- Get Going: Covers legs, height and growing pains, feet, fitness and exercise, sport safety, the importance of good sleep, and even bed-wetting.
- Your Inner You: This section delves into new feelings and emotions boys may be experiencing during puberty, including topics on peer pressure and bullying, plus letting guys know that it’s not only okay, but healthy, to express their emotions.
Guy Stuff is able through the American Girl catalogue, at americangirl.com, at American Girl retail stores, and nationwide through retail and online booksellers such as Amazon.
