Nancy Holyoke

Even though this is targeted toward adolescents, it is by far so much better than The Girl Code by Diane Farr or most books on friendships and dating written for older singles. Maybe I prefer it because it focuses on teaching self-esteem, dealing with peer pressure, and boundaries. This book addresses those issues and how to respond in a tactful way to those that do not respect boundaries---even older singles need help with that sometimes (especially if they are really shy).

Includes quizzes show more test your instincts. show less

Audience: Middle School Girls
Middle school is a time when boys and girls start to look at each other differently. The all-girl and all-boy groups give way to mixed groups, and romantic feelings start to replace the notion that the opposite sex has cooties. These are confusing times, and many times children have no one to turn. A Smart Girl’s Guide to Boys: Surviving Crushes, Staying True to Yourself, and Other Love Stuff is a lighthearted, fun, and very informational resource for girls show more who need guidance when dealing with boys. Organized into five chapters covering from the first hint of interest in the opposite sex to starting a relationship, the book is easy to read, with fun and colorful illustrations. The language is accessible, and the advice is sound.
A Smart Girl’s Guide to Boys: Surviving Crushes, Staying True to Yourself, and Other Love Stuff aims to please its audience. Fun fonts and colorful illustrations make the book visually pleasing, and the book establishes an open line with the readers with a question-and-answer structure and many quizzes. Girls will find sound advice that favors reflection over impulse, and parents are brought up often as a source of support and guidance. Parents will also profit from reading this book because of its faithful portrayal of middle school girls. show less

Too old, and I def. question some of the advice.

If a classmate is cheating, it's none of your business. If you do feel compelled to do something, see if you can figure out why she's doing so... maybe her parents won't accept bad grades or maybe she's very insecure.

Learn that spiders are good & helpful. Don't even think about killing them. If you must, take them outside.

If your coach says someone 'throws like a girl' and mocks you as a feminist for objecting, it's a big deal. Recruit parents show more and friends to strongly object, and don't give up until he realizes what he's doing is wrong, or until he's fired.

I do like the few pages in here about how to budget, clean & organize your room, and relieve summer boredom.

Much, but far from all, is aimed at kids from relatively healthy families. Some kids need to ask for help from teachers, counselors, librarians, but that's not sufficiently addressed.

LFL find. show less

Good little resource for a pre-teen dealing with divorce. Parents will find some good tips too.