Girl to Girl: Honest Talk About Growing Up and Your Changing Body

by Sarah O'Leary Burningham, Alli Arnold (Illustrator)

Being a girl isn't always easy, and growing up is far from a walk in the park. This time of transition is particularly confusing without a confidante to help. Meet Sarah O'Leary Burningham, a real-life big sister here to coach preteens through all of life's big moments, from first bras to first periods. Filled with letters and testimonials from real girls—as well as confidence-boosting advice and myth-busting sidebars—this fun, accessible, and highly visual book is a must-have for every girl navigating her way through the preteen years.

Genres: Nonfiction, Health, Childrens

136 pages, Paperback

First published November 26, 2013

About the author

Even though I’m not technically a teenager anymore, I still consider myself a teenager at heart. I love stealing my sisters’ clothes and a good door slam, and since I write young adult books, I keep up on things cool through all the teenagers I know and meet.

I got the idea for my first book, How to Raise Your Parents: A Teen Girl’s Survival Guide, when I was 16. After coming home late for curfew (again) and fighting with my parents about various forms of punishment, I realized they were as clueless as I was. (This was a major revelation for me!) The idea for the book was born. But I didn’t stop there.

While interviewing and surveying thousands of teenagers across the country, I realized dating (or lack thereof) is as big of a mystery as parents, and I got started on my second book, Boyology: A Teen Girl’s Crash Course in All Things Boy.

I also write dear sarah, an advice column on ABC Family’s website for their hit show The Secret Life of the American Teenager. I have the best job in the world!

When I’m not writing or working at my day job in book publishing, you can probably find me at the movies (I’m a total movie addict–Netflix and the big screen), riding my road bike, learning to sew, trying (not very well) to cook, and perfecting the art of napping. I’m addicted to Dole strawberry popsicles and have to limit myself to one box a week. It sounds easy but trust me, it is not. I love to read and get tons of great book recommendations from teens, so keep them coming! I also drive a cherry red Vespa, spend a ridiculous amount of time on Twitter, and am hard at work on my next book about teen friendships. I consider myself a pretty good friend, but as in all things, I’m still learning. Thank goodness I have such amazing friends to take care of me. I’m a lucky girl.

Reviews

[Elizabeth Edwards · Rating 4 out of 5]

i think everyone need resources ...a place to jump when questions arise. when i recall being a young lady it was tough ...do you listen to your girlfriends? their advice and all that to be cool? or listen to some1 else? having resources and outside help is important. leaning on the ones who have been through it before you is so smart.

[Adbeau · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for tween girls that gives information about their changing bodies in a friendly and accessible way. It's written somewhat like a big sister giving advice, and it also includes cute grooming and "spa beauty" tips that many girls will enjoy.

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really awesome resource for talking with your daughter about all aspects of puberty. I also read The Care And Keeping Of You, but felt this book was more thorough and positive. Highly recommend!

[Sydney · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's great for kids 8+,and it tells you all you need to know about you and your growing body!!!!!![and
all that stuff

[Dena McMurdie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is precisely the kind of book that I wish I'd had when I was a girl. The author covers pretty much everything—from braces to bras. She offers sound, upbeat advice and helps kids understand that they aren't alone. So often, puberty is an awkward, embarrassing phase that kids can't wait to finish with. So many things are changing and it can be very confusing or overwhelming. Girl to Girl helps take the mystery out of those things.

This is a book that parents should read with their kids. It discusses hygiene, hair and nail care, as well as how to properly insert a tampon and how breasts develop. There are illustrations, and while they are not photo-realistic (they are by the same artist that did the cover art), they accurately depict everything. The book does NOT discuss sex. Parents may want to go through the book with their daughters in case there are questions or concerns that come up.

The book is written in a reassuring, conversational tone and is accompanied by illustrations on every page. The advice is upbeat and optimistic. This book promotes a healthy body image and good self esteem while educating girls about the changes happening during puberty.

Content: See paragraph 2

Source: I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

My blog:

[Lexi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great info! Easy to read, pictures, letters, etc and so uplifting and encouraging to young girls.
If wants you to love you for you. The author has questions asked in letter form (i.e.: dear Abby, etc) and writes them back with honest answers and encouragement. My daughter is so absorbed in periods and bras, this is a way for her to visit and revisit those issues any time she wants. Great read for my preteen!!

[Marguarite Markley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent choice for girls hitting puberty. Everything is very matter of fact and explained in a careful and considerate way. Perfect for younger girls who are hitting puberty early because it doesn't go into the male side of puberty and doesn't cover sex. This would be appropriate for girls as early as 3rd grade.

[Taylor O'Brien · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for preparing girls for the changes coming as they approach puberty. Provides tips and addresses concerns involved in taking care of their bodies as they grow and change such as measuring bra size and how to use sanitary pads and tampons. Very accessible, relatable, and not too technical without any detriment to the quality of the material.

[Jacki · Rating 4 out of 5]

An honest, relaxed, thorough, chatty, and comforting guide to the obstacles of female puberty.

Read my interview with the author at http://infinitereads.com/2014/01/12/g...

[Kassie · Rating 3 out of 5]

good information but i'm hoping the next one I read is better! Just trying to find a book to help guide us in the future and I probably wouldn't recommend this one but I haven't read any others and it DOES have good information

[Stephanie Martinez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Awesome

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it was a really good book for teenagers


and at least some of the stuff was really good to learn about your body