The Big Book of Girl Stuff

Reviewed by Me for TeensReadToo.com

Any young man who can manage to grow up (alive) and retain (most) of their sanity surrounded by five sisters automatically gains my respect. When that young man grows up to be Bart King, author of THE BIG BOOK OF GIRL STUFF, who uses the wisdom, never-ending frustration, and survival instincts honed while growing up with said five sisters, my respect turns to genuine admiration.

Like its predecessor, THE BIG BOOK OF BOY STUFF, this book is filled to the brim with helpful tips, life-saving information every girl needs to know (i.e. how to put on eyeliner correctly), the best reversible pink cover in the history of books, and much, much more. Don't believe me? Categories in this must-have book show more include:

Babysitting; Girl Power; Boys; Friends, Cliques, Secrets, and Gossip; Fun Stuff to Do; Holidays; Sports and Games; Dance and Cheerleading; Lies, Mean Girls, and Jerks; Ick; Nicknames, Handwriting, Words, and Doodles; Slang; Dolls and Stuffed Animals; Etiquette and Manners; Family; Beauty; Makeup; Sleepovers and Slumber Parties; Hair; Humor; Fashion; How Important are Looks?; Food and Dieting; The Mind, Emotions, and Dreams; Practical Jokes; Girl Secrets: No Boys Allowed!; Girl Emergencies; Pets and Animals; Shopping and Advertising; Wise Words from Wise Women.

Here's a strategy tip straight from Mr. King himself: If your brother or sister ever tells you to "shut up," try using this magical spell from ancient times: I don't shut up, I grow up, and when I look at you, I throw up. Problem solved!

And for those of us (read old) who have gotten behind on the cool (is cool even still cool?) phrases of the day, here's a few hints: chichi (pronounced shee-shee) means expensive in a tasteless way, harsh the mellow means to upset people, and a nooj is a harmless troublemaker.

I'm telling you, you need a copy of THE BIG BOOK OF GIRL STUFF! Otherwise, you'll never know what you need to know, while everyone else knows it, which makes you look perflippity (which means silly, by the way). show less

Summary: This book is kind of like a guide book to being a girl. It highlights all the exciting moments of being a girl. For instance, sleep overs, boys, shopping, and other things young girls are interested in. It also mentions some things that girls may face, such as periods and other changes they may face as well. It also has activities to keep the reader interested.

Personal reaction: I liked this book, and as a young girl I probably would have loved it even more. It brings up a lot of things that young girls deal with, and it makes it really fun to learn about. Though, I enjoyed the book, I can see where it can cause problems for being stereotypical.

Classroom extension: There is also a boy’s version of this book.
1. There are many show more activities that would be fun for the whole class to do, or you could split them down the middle and do a girls activity, and then a boy’s activity. It would also be fun to have the kids come to school in their PJs and have a mock sleep over with some of the games and activities from the book.
2. I think these books would also be great for showing that just because you’re a boy or girl doesn’t mean you have to follow that stereotypical form that’s pushed on them; I think these books could help teach a valuable lesson. show less