 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
33 Things Every Girl Should Know
- By Tonya Bolden
- Genre: Advice
Common Sense Media says
Poems, stories, and comics about being a girl.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that the diversity of contributors will appeal to a wide range of interests. There are some mature themes, including substance abuse, STDs, sexual abuse, dysfunctional family dynamics, and alternative lifestyles.
What's the story?
Life as a girl can be complicated, but it's also rewarding--that's the message of this ambitious compilation of poems, short stories, comics, and essays. Endearing, biting, and at times in-your-face, the entries are aimed at girls who want to know they're not alone as they face challenges and doubts on the road to adulthood.
Is it any good?
"Move!" "Get a Game Plan!" and "Ride the Waves!" are a few of the entry titles that signal the essentially upbeat tone of this "collection of girl talk." Designed to help girls navigate the transition from kid to young adult, the book employs a mostly feel-good tone. The contributors sympathize and exhort, challenge and soothe, as they examine the joys and obstacles of growing up female. Most reinforce a positive "I'm okay, you're okay" philosophy.
Finding the entry you want can be difficult; in many cases, actual titles of contributions, according to the subjects' biographies, are different than those given in the table of contents. Disappointingly, some of the contributor's biographies are more interesting than their entries. But teenagers will appreciate the book's respectful tone and the fact that it doesn't talk down to them. This is a well-intentioned, reassuring book for girls growing up.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the mature issues touched on in the book. This could be a good entry point for talking about sexual activity and responsibility, relationships of all types, and dreams for the future.
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| Author: | Tonya Bolden |
| Book type: | Non-Fiction |
| Genre: | Advice |
| Publisher: | Crown Publishing Group |
| Publication date: | January 1, 1998 |
| Number of pages: | 159 |
| Paperback price: | $13.00 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 12 - 14 |
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