The Girls' Guide to Growing Up

Gr 4–6—Puberty is never an easy topic to write about, and this book proves the point. It seems written for a much younger audience than the subtitle implies. There is a repetitive emphasis on the private nature of puberty's changes that counsels girls to talk only to trusted adults. While the advice is sound, it creates a "hush, hush" atmosphere around something that should be seen as normal and natural. It also ignores the fact that girls do talk to one another, to siblings, and even look for information online. A mix of lackluster sketches and computer-generated illustrations featuring very young-looking girls adds to the age confusion. One multiple choice question shows three examples of blood-stained pads and asks readers to choose which one needs to be changed. This book tries too hard to be kid-friendly. Although it covers many puberty-related issues, broad generalizations and a few minor inaccuracies may leave readers with more questions than answers. A better choice for tweens is Anne Katz and Monika Melnychuk's Girl in the Know (Kids Can, 2010). For younger girls, purchase Sarah Wassner Flynn and Bill Thomas's Head-to-Toe Guide to You (Scholastic, 2010).—Cindy Wall, Southington Library & Museum, CT