Guy Stuff: The Body Book for Boys (American Girl) Kindle Edition

I was motivated to write this review after reading another review with 400+ helpful ratings, but with 2 stars. That review is a gross misrepresentation of this book. This book IS NOT a replacement for parents. I've attached a photo of the 1st section that tells the young reader to speak to the parents. And it reminds the reader of this throughout the book. The 2 star review also states that this book is a "do this, dont do that" style, and encourages the reader to be sneaky. Far from the truth. The book mentions that when you wake up with an erection, it's ok to hide the presence of it from others in the house. The morning erection is normal, and if it is embarrassing, it's ok to not show it to everyone. Having numerous morning wood encounters myself, I agree. I still conceal my erections with modesty, especially in front of other family members and in public. There are plenty of "Do" and "Do Not" snippets. These are bullet points for some topics that are merely getting to the point, opposed to beating around the bush or dragging out an unnecessary explanation. So here's my review of the actual book now, I hope it helps. I have 2 sons that are prepubescent. I am a very involved Dad and my wife does a great job in the areas she can when dealing with boy's puberty.The book is a great resource for curious boys. It explains a lot of things that seem like common sense to an adult, but are yet that way for a 10 yr old. The content is laid out so that it can become common sense for the young man. It does a great job of explaining that there are several different types of experiences, unique to each boy. This is constantly reinforced through the various topics. A great reminder that there is no right way or one way or better way, while the body is changing. It establishes that their individual changes are just fine and normal.There is a lot focused on hygiene and with good detail. From washing your face, hair, teeth, pits, ears, skin and more. It explains common differences for each area and how to address each based on the boys type. Ex, oily skin vs dry, or short, long, curly , or straight hair.The book spends a good deal about hygiene and the importance of taking care of the body, clothes, eating right, exercising and vitamins. One of my boys is growing quicker than the other, and it happens to be the younger one. This book does a good job of reinforcing to my older son that his natural changes are irrelevant to his brothers. And although his younger brother may be growing faster, he is gaining muscle and form quicker than his younger. As Dads (I'm guessing for moms too, in their own way), we have to be very cautious and aware of the differences in our boys development. Some things will apply identical to both of my boys (or their peers), while most will apply uniquely to each boy. This book carries that message throughout the pages. Like I touched on earlier, it also encourages the boys to reach out to their parents, family and doctors when they have questions, concerns or just want clarification or to discuss.My 10 year old is really enjoying the book. Sometimes we read it together, sometimes just him and mom, sometimes just the two brothers and sometimes by himself. It mostly sits on the back of the toilet tank, so he gets to read daily in private. I have always maintained an open and non-judgemental dialog with my boys. That is far more important than any book in existence. But having this book has encouraged my prepubescent son to continue exploring, discussing and researching about himself. Changing into a teen has many scary or uncertain aspects. This book is helping to alleviate some of that. I strongly recommend this book. When giving it, let them know that this is THEIRS and to be comfortable in reading it, and most importantly to discuss parts of it with them.Thanks for your time.

I accidentally came across this book via an American Girl FB post. I was so excited to see a boy's version of the girl's book that I know and love. This book didn't disappoint. It is literally the boy version of The Care and Keeping of You. It talks about taking care of your body, the changes you will see in your body, etc. For those who are wondering how in detail it gets with "boy" stuff, there is a two page spread on the different stages of growth and there are cartoon drawings to show each stage (penis/testicle/pubic hair.) There is a section that talks about circumcision and explains what it is. There is also a two page spread that talks about erections, how to hide them if it accidentally happens when you're with people, and there are a couple paragraphs about nocturnal emissions/wet dreams. This book does not go into sex or sexuality, which I love because I don't think that's appropriate for the age group the book is written for. The nocturnal emission part is tasteful and done from a scientific perspective only, i.e. it is a normal part of growing up and it is nothing to be embarrassed about, and don't worry, it's not pee. It doesn't go into anything further than that. Overall I am very happy with this book! Oh yeah- one more thing- there is no "American Girl" branding on the front of the book, but it does have it mentioned inside the front cover, probably where most boys wouldn't read anyway. :)

My 8 year old loves this book!! I told him it was coming and of course he wasn't excited about having to read a book about his body. But once I handed it over and he saw how cool the illustrations are he was hooked. There's so much information, a lot of which we have told our kids over and over in hopes that they will listen: Eat healthy, shower, brush your teeth ect. It's good to have a book that explains why these things are important as well as hit on topics some may not think to talk about with their son's: Body sizes, mood changes, emotions and that it's okay to cry. This book also makes sure to let your kids know it's GOOD to ask questions and encourages open communication. There is a paragraph that covers circumcision as well as illustrations on how the penis grows throughout puberty. I do wish they had done illustrations to show the difference between uncirumsized and circumsized penises so the reader could better understand the difference. But other than that this book goes above and beyond what I expected!!

Definitely disappointed, while I was excited to find a book that covers some "growing up" topics without getting into details about intercourse, I was saddened at the overall tone of the book - the overall tone is "there are all these things you need to do to: make sure you don't smell bad, wear underwear every day, change your underwear everyday so you don't smell, wash your gym clothes with special detergent because you don't want to smell bad to others, clean up nocturnal emissions so no one else will find out, make sure no one sees your erection in the morning by turning your back to others in the room." I see the value in helping our growing boys manage some of these situations, but the overall tone is one of "you must do this" and "you need to do this" - instead of "These things will happen. It is totally normal. If you're embarrassed and find yourself in one of these situations and want to be discreet, here are some options." The last thing I want to instill in my child's mind is that he has to sneak around to make sure no one knows these things are happening. We want to OPEN the lines of communication, not CLOSE them.

My nearly 12 years old son noticed a recent change when he was taking his shower, but felt very embarrassed to discuss it with me. When the book came in, he took it to his room and read it from front cover to back immediately. It describes puberty and body hygiene in a very matter-of-fact way, with simple and easy words, and funny illustrations. He felt much relieved after that, and it opened the discussion between us. He has been re-reading some parts of it, and even showed it to his best friend.As a result he has asked me to do a few changes in his hygiene routine, and I am very happy that he is decided to take good care of his own body.Very definitely recommend it.

Very age appropriate for my 9 year old son

Excellent book for boys to read with a parent / career and alone if preferred.Our 10 yr old likes to read it alone and keeps it in his room so it’s ‘handy for me when I have questions ‘ .Sympathetically written in language that makes factual points and covers myths they may of heard from their peers .

Present for 13 years old boy. Saved me explaining some details which made him feel uncomfortable.Recommend to all parents of shy boys.

Perfect. Just the right amount of information about growing & changing without getting into birds & bees.