Dr. Brody writes with the knowledge and experience of a psychologist; the support, guidance and comfort of an older sister; and the understanding and insight of someone who has stayed current with teen culture. Dr. Brody does not bury her head in the sand when it comes to talking to girls -- she offers facts and reassurances, a realistic perspective on today's social climate and its impact on girls' self-esteem, and tips for remaining healthy and in charge. For example, Dr. Brody is aware that girls are confronted with issues related to sex at much earlier ages than ever before. She encourages girls to wait until they are ready for sexual intimacy, but also arms them with information to make wise decisions to protect themselves. I believe that information is power, especially when it's balanced with Dr. Brody's sensitivity.

Dr. Brody talks to girls about the challenges they face in growing up with the at times conflicting messages they receive from girl and boy peers, their parents and the media. She helps girls feel good about their bodies and their minds, strengthening girls to hold their own in a challenging world.

7 of 8 found the following review helpful:


This book has TMI (Too Much Information) For Younger Girls!  Jun 23, 2004
While this book has its positive points, Dr. Brody goes into much detail about a young girl's sexuality, some inappropriate for younger ages. Consequently, those who hope to protect their children from this subject need to be forewarned.

While it has many good topics of interest, it also covers such topics as: masturbation, male arousal, intercourse, anal intercourse, birth control, pregnancy, abortion, date rape, and oral sex.

When my 9 yo daughter, enticed by the snazzy cover, brought this home from the library, I had NO IDEA this information was inside. It's entirely too much information for a young child this age.

Please be very careful when your daughters bring home books that look innocently like high-level introductions to a girl's sexuality. Please preview them. Otherwise, they may be introduced to subjects they don't need to know about at their young age.

2 of 2 found the following review helpful:


Fabulous!!  Dec 21, 2000
I wish I had this book when I was a pre-teen!! The writing is clear and informative and speaks to you like a friend would. The sections about health and the body are wonderfully balanced with the sections about health and the mind. A great tour to how girls can best lay claim to their body and spirit in a culture that can pressure them to leave that behind. I have given it to many friends, pre-teen and adult alike and they have all raved about it. It is indispensible to todays growing girls!!

3 of 4 found the following review helpful:


This is a wonderful read that changed my life.  Aug 26, 2000
I was amazed that so much information that was so helpful could be in such a tiny inexpensive book! I mean I learned more from this book than from anywhere. Reading this book made me actually think that loving me for whom I was really was cool and I decided to give it a try. Now I feel better I eat better I exersize better and I even made my friends feel better about themselves too! This is a wonderful read that changed my life.

2 of 3 found the following review helpful:


Finally!  Sep 20, 2000 By Jeremy Witt
Finally a book that speaks honestly about what truly faces young women today. I have three nieces and plan to give them each a copy.

I'm particularly happy that Ms. Brody relates from her own experiences, because the intimacy established provides space in the already over-crowed lives that teens are living these days.

The quiet reflection, positive alternatives, and sections on getting further help make the book even more helpful. She speaks wisely about self-image, peer pressure, alcohol, drugs, health and fitness, and yes, sexuality.

I'm hoping that more parents and teachers throughout the country, and world for that matter, will also read this book as a start-up for a dialogue between them and their children and students.

I highly recommend to teens and adults alike.

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