33 Things Every Girl Should Know: Stories, Songs, Poems, and Smart Talk by 33 Extraordinary Women
Common Sense Note
The diversity of contributors will appeal to a wide range of interests, though some articles are more interesting than others. The art is bland and monochromatic. Some mature themes to discuss: Substance abuse, STDs, sexual abuse, dysfunctional family dynamics, alternate lifestyles.
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Tanya Smith
"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 have been there and done that, and these women sympathize and exhort, challenge and soothe, as they examine the joys and obstacles of growing up female. Contributions such as "Follow Your Passion," "It's Not a Crime to Love Science," and "Everyone's a Little Strange" reinforce a positive "I'm okay, you're okay" philosophy. This is a good rainy-day or take-to-the-beach book, one a girl can read as much of as she wants, in between daydreaming about her future.
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. For example, basketball star Rebecca Lobo's piece is titled "Ten Tenets," yet the table of contents lists it as "Get a Game Plan!" Disappointingly, some of the contributor's biographies are more interesting than their entries.
However, 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.
From The Book
I think now I would not have survived my childhood if not for those walks to the library. Books were the true miracle in my life, my salvation and my ticket out--a blessing I'm grateful for every single day. Nothing is as intimate, as healing, as private as a book.
Plot Summary:
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.
Related Books:
And Not Afraid to Dare, an anthology of profiles of important women, is another female-friendly work by the author. Girl Power: Young Women Speak Out features the voices of teenage girls. Cool Women, edited by Pamela Nelson, examines the lives of great women in history and fiction.
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Drug/Alcohol/TobaccoSubstance abuse mentioned. |
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