A Girl's Guide to Growing Up: Making the Right Choices

Discusses the issues faced by middle-school girls as they grow up, including personal relationships, school responsibilities, personal style and self-image, temptations, risky behavior, and the many decisions they must make.

Gr 6-10-This short, nicely packaged book presents little in the way of new information but is written in an easy-to-read, nonjudgmental style. As if delivered by a favorite aunt or big sister, the material is easily digested and should be readily accepted. Common-sense advice is warmly offered on setting limits, avoiding risky behaviors such as drug use and getting pierced or tattooed, getting along with peers and parents, and developing relationships. Readers will relate to the black-and-white photos of young teens of diverse ethnic backgrounds. Brief, moving poems begin each chapter, and an excellent list of Web sites and helpful national organizations is appended. Lynda Madaras's What's Happening to My Body: A Growing up Guide for Parents and Daughters (Newmarket, 1988) is more comprehensive and is more accessible for older teens. Ellen Kahaner's Everything You Need to Know about Growing up Female (Rosen, 1997) addresses a similar audience but lacks current Web sites and organizational contact information. A welcome addition to most collections.-Susan Riley, Greenburgh Public Library, Elmsford, NY

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