Girl to Girl

October 28, 2013
Burningham builds on her previous titles, Boyology and How to Raise Your Parents, in this guide for girls approaching puberty. In chapters devoted to the face and skin, bodily changes, breasts, menstruation, and physical and emotional health, cozy cartoons show girls cheerfully navigating new experiences that include shaving, flossing teeth while wearing braces, picking out glasses, and finding a bra that fits right. Burningham offers compassionate, clearheaded advice about handling the emotional ebbs and flows of puberty and includes actual letters from preteen girls asking questions about body development and other topics (“How can I convince my mom to let me shave?”). Candid reflections from girls on overcoming embarrassing scenarios, learning from first experiences, and developing confidence in their bodies make the content especially approachable. Ages 8–12.

November 1, 2013
For preteen girls, here is a lively, entertaining invitation to the wonders and perils of puberty. Adopting the stance of a big sister and assuring readers, "You are meant to be just the way you are," the author of two previous books for teens (Boyology, 2009, etc.) gently leads her younger sisters through both inside and outside changes. Stressing the variety in growth schedules, she covers the usual changes--breasts, body hair, pimples, menstruation, and emotional ups and downs---but steers clear of sexual feelings and sex talk. Conversational text and cheery illustrations provide explicit instructions for tooth-brushing, leg and underarm shaving, the use of deodorant and the insertion of a tampon. Occasional features called "Girl Talk" offer personal advice about problems from sweat stains, bed wetting and chlorine-greened hair to being an early bird or late bloomer. Along the way, Burningham provides recommendations from experts for fitting a bra, taking care of teeth with braces, eating healthily, using makeup and skincare. A chapter on healthy habits includes an explanation of eating disorders. The author encourages talking with parents and other adults and stresses wearing a smile. Cartoon-style illustrations in color add to the light tone. This relaxed guide, full of useful information and sound advice, would be good company throughout the journey. (acknowledgements, index) (Nonfiction. 8-12)

COPYRIGHT(2013) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

January 1, 2014

Gr 3-8-Adolescence can be an exciting time for girls-one of mental and physical changes. But those changes are not without challenge. Burningham's guide is a solid and sound coaching manual for preteen girls starting or approaching puberty. The author's voice combines a cool-big-sister style with pinches of a life coach vibe. In a time when girls may get misinformation not only from peers, but also the Internet, this book is a clearly written and accessible resource. Burningham covers the gamut of concerns from first bras to first menstrual periods. The information provided is complemented by Arnold's colorful illustrations, which depict a diverse group of girls with various body types. Particularly helpful are the use of "Myth Buster" sidebars and questions from real girls that Burningham thoughtfully answers. Parents and schools looking for an informational text on puberty for growing girls can feel confident in adding this one to their personal health collections.-Elaine Baran Black, Georgia Public Library Service, Atlanta

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 1, 2013
Grades 5-8 Burningham has three younger sisters, and it shows in her friendly and positive approach to explaining the ins and outs (and ups and downs) of puberty. She discusses a wide range of both physical and emotional concerns, drawing on information provided by expert physicians, stylists, and counselors while maintaining the tone of a conversation among trusted girlfriends. The expected explanations of first periods and leg shaving are included, but the book takes a holistic approach to discussing the changes of adolescence, including looking good and feeling emotionally healthy. Burningham emphasizes letting go of the quest for perfection and encourages readers to develop healthy habits and a positive relationship with food. The illustrations, though cartoon, aren't skittish about clearly and frankly depicting the text, including sections involving the naked body. Books on the topic of puberty are notorious for being awkwardly imagined, but this exhaustive resource is appealing in format, tone, and the broad scope of timely topics that it covers.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2013, American Library Association.)