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Good Girls (by Laura Ruby)

common sense media says

Great discussion book on sex and repercussions.

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that there are a lot of discussions about sex, making out, virginity, and sexual promiscuity -- a girl describes losing her virginity. The main character has a naked cell phone picture taken of her in "the moment." The novel deals with sexuality in a very open way but overall it's not unduly graphic. Teens also smoke and drink alcohol at parties. Because teens in the book come to an understanding about sex and its repercussions, parents may find that this is a good discussion book.

Positive messages: Girls are harassed because of their sexual behavior while boys are congratulated, and even teachers get involved in passing judgments. A girl is harassed by the entire school and not much is done about it. On the plus side, several girls come to an understanding about the repercussions of sexual activity and relationships.
Violence: Not applicable.
Sex: Many sexual situations and discussions that are key to the story. A girl describes losing her virginity, including bleeding afterward. A teen's penis is described including look and feel. Discussions about orgasms, masturbation, sexual promiscuity, and descriptions of heavy-petting sessions are also prevalent. A naked cell phone picture of the main character circulates school.
Language: A few swear words, mostly in German. A few English swear words include "s--t."
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Teens smoke and drink alcohol at parties.
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More on Good Girls

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about the trend of teen girls taking naked photos of themselves with their cell phones. Do you know of someone who has done this? Have their photos ever been passed around? How could this be damaging to the girl's future? What would you do if you received a photo like this? Families can also discuss "friends with benefits." Who benefits from relationships like this? Are these "friendships" healthy relationships? Why or why not? What did some teens come to realize about sex and its repercussions in this book? Do you agree? How often do you see teen sex on TV and in movies without any consequences or complications for the characters?

What's the story?

What's the story?
One picture. One naked picture in "the moment" taken without her knowledge has plunged Audrey's life into chaos. Classmates are snickering behind her back, her too-casual relationship with Luke is over, and her relationship with her parents is strained. The help she needs to dig out of this mess comes from some rather unlikely sources.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
GOOD GIRLS begins like many contemporary teen novels with casual references to sexual romps and "hook-ups." Thankfully the story evolves into something much more. Ruby rips off the false sophistication and glamour of teen sex and exposes the raw and very real emotions behind adolescent relationships. What lifts this novel above others is how Ruby tackles the "friends with benefits" phenomenon and the fairly new "naked cell phone photo" trend. Her characters are open, awkward, troubled, and honest. They evolve as they come to understand more about relationships and themselves. Readers will gladly go on this emotional journey with Audrey and her friends.

Parents may have a strong reaction to the content of this novel, but they shouldn't be too quick to pull the plug. Where many teen books often disregard parents as either meddling or self-absorbed, Audrey's parents are real. They are horrified, achingly concerned for their daughter, and struggle to find the right words and the right steps to protect her. Teens are going to love this book and it's definitely a way to kick off discussion about sexuality, responsibility, and relationships.

Book themes & details

Book Details
Author: Laura Ruby
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publication date: September 19, 2006
Number of pages: 304
Hardcover price: $16.99
Paperback price: $8.99
This review was written by Terreece Clarke
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

rosebby
parent of 7 year old
17
 
best book ever, ages 15 and up(:
love it best book ive ever read kinda mind opening. many sexual parts but i liked it probably cuz im a teen.. but still i liked it... (:
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danny-d
teen, 15 years old
14
 
14 or older lol x
i think this book is a good book all about wat mite happen wen ur growing up yh ok its a bit sexal but its telling the truth and i also believe this book is one i would defo recomend to my m8z 100%
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pbgellitimex
parent
15
 
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cugar10lisious
teen, 16 years old
14
 
i think this book is apropriate for teens and above.
i love this book sooooooo much im 15 years old and this book thought me a whole lot about sex, drugs and boys . i really recomend this book to all teens who are being presured to heva sex or do drugs. this book teaches you self respect and to say no to drugs :) .... read it im sure you'll love it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
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