Stars: ****
Author House (2008)
Teen Nonfiction
125 Pages
Summary: Straight Talk for Teenage Girls is information to help teen girls make better choices about life situations so they will grow to adulthood successfully. Topics include: self-esteem, dealing with emotions, making decisions, friendships with girls/boys, getting out of bad situations, handling mistakes and reaching goals. Because of the self-tests, case studies at each chapter and the 50 questions from real girls, adults who work with teens use the book for discussions. The information comes from classes taught in school for over 20 years. The book is up-beat, positive and easy to understand. The mission is to help all girls make choices that will lead to a happier life.
When I was a teen I read every book I could get my hands on about puberty, being a teen, teen relationships etc... I think it is because of this that I wasn't in for any major shockers when I was a teen and I was prepared for everything fairly well. I'm always on the lookout for nonfiction for teens so that when my girls or even my nieces get to those years, I will know what to recommend.
Straight Talk for Teenage Girls is a good book for teen girls to read, to answer some of their pressing questions about all kinds of subjects: the teen years, self-esteem, common teen problems, emotions, friendships, boys vs girls, getting out of bad situations, understanding sex, mistakes, goals/dreams and more.
It's written in a way that I think makes it both easy to understand, but not as if the author is talking down to the reader. There is no judging or hidden underlying messages. I personally dislike books for teens that are slipping in "be abstinent" or other lessons into each chapter. I prefer books that give teens all the facts and let them decide.
I especially thought the section on Getting Out of Bad Situations was very well written and full of usable ideas. It includes how to leave a party you aren't comfortable at without looking uncool, how to get out of a situation that may lead to sex if you aren't ready as well as info on dating older boys and hanging around with friends who probably aren't the best friends for you. I just wish it was a bit longer.
There is a great quiz to find out if your boyfriend is right for you (good boyfriend material) which you can also find online - Is Your Boyfriend Right For You? (PDF file)
Links of Interest: Straight Talk for Teenage Girls, PUMP Interview with Annette Fuson,
Other Reviews: NONE YET
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