4/3/12

27) The Girl’s Body Book: Everything You Need to Know for Growing up YOU

Bibliography: Dunham, R.N, Kelli; The Girl’s Body Book: Everything You Need to Know for Growing up YOU; Applesauce Press; Maine; 2008; 116 pages; ISBN 978-1-60433-004-5.

Plot: Dunham provides honest answers to girls' most pressing (and embarrassing) questions. The text reassures girls entering puberty that their changing bodies and feelings are perfectly normal. Breast development, body hair, and menstruation are explained along with practical information about bras and sanitary products. The later chapters discuss the emotional side of entering adolescence—one's changing relationships with friends and family and the effects of surging hormones. The author maintains the neutrality of a good healthcare provider and does not waver into a lecture. However, the "Notes from a Real Girl" passages don't always ring true. They sound like a real girl who was an adolescent in the 1980s. Overall, the book's tone and lively cartoon illustrations are friendly and nonthreatening. While this title does not stand out as groundbreaking or new, it's still a solid choice for basic information about puberty. (www.amazon.com)

Review:  This book is chocked full of information for girls starting to go through puberty.  The book includes information on everything from periods to bullying.  The book also offers advice for actual preteens that have gone through the same things.  Preteen girls will be able to use this book to have all of their questions answered.  They can also use this book as a supplement to find an adult that can help them find their answers.  Preteen girls will love all the information they gain by reading this book.

Genre: Nonfiction/Self Help

Interest Level: age 8 and up

Related Books: Friends: Making Them and Keeping Them by Patti Kelley Criswell; What Would You Do? by Patti Kelley Criswell.

For Further Information: The book lists several resources for further exploration.  I would suggest exploring Preteen Health Talk at www.pamf.org/preteen

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