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The Truth: Diary of a Gutsy Tween
"I hate Angela and I hope she moves away!"
"I worry so much about my parents when I hear them fighting."
"Doesn't my mother understand how much I love Paul? She thinks I am just being silly."
Growing up is tough. Adults don’t always understand you (even though they were once kids), and children today face increasing pressure to be, look, or act a certain way. Written in the voice of a girl on the cusp of becoming a teenager, The Truth provides young girls with an opportunity to see how a girl, who is in many ways like themselves, handles her toughest problems and most personal thoughts. Each new page brings forth a discussion to help girls handle everyday problems: How do you survive a bully? How do you handle a crush on a boy? What can you do about relentless teasing by your peers? What really matters as you grow older?
In a positive and supportive diary-entry format, Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein encourages tween girls to carry the most precious parts of themselves into adulthood. A great book for mothers and daughters to read together, The Truth is aimed to improve communication, understanding, and self-esteem for young girls as they enter the rocky road of teenager-dom.
"I worry so much about my parents when I hear them fighting."
"Doesn't my mother understand how much I love Paul? She thinks I am just being silly."
Growing up is tough. Adults don’t always understand you (even though they were once kids), and children today face increasing pressure to be, look, or act a certain way. Written in the voice of a girl on the cusp of becoming a teenager, The Truth provides young girls with an opportunity to see how a girl, who is in many ways like themselves, handles her toughest problems and most personal thoughts. Each new page brings forth a discussion to help girls handle everyday problems: How do you survive a bully? How do you handle a crush on a boy? What can you do about relentless teasing by your peers? What really matters as you grow older?
In a positive and supportive diary-entry format, Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein encourages tween girls to carry the most precious parts of themselves into adulthood. A great book for mothers and daughters to read together, The Truth is aimed to improve communication, understanding, and self-esteem for young girls as they enter the rocky road of teenager-dom.
176 pages, Hardcover
First published July 1, 2014
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606 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
July 15, 2014
Originally posted @ Bittersweet Enchantment
If you've been a reader of my blog for long you may have noticed I do NOT read or review a lot of middle grade fiction. I often find the writing style and stories to be too juvenile for my taste. A few months ago I was sent a unsolicited copy of The Truth: Diary of a Gusty Tween by Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein. Upon receiving it in the mail I decided to take a peek at the book, mainly because I loved the cover and title. I was very much intrigued also after seeing it was written by a Doctor. I read a couple pages, and a few more....and before I knew it I totally forgot about eating dinner, glancing up at the time to find I've been reading for over a hour. Guess what? I was 5 pages away from being finished. While yes the book itself is only a mere 176 pages it moved along quickly. I honestly only planned to read a few pages but ended up finishing the book in record time. IT WAS THAT GOOD!
The story consists of diary entries being written by an 11 year old girl. She talks about her family, school, her friends, and her first crush, among many other random events. Her entries touch base along many normal but often difficult subjects for young girls. For instance, losing friends, family hardships, heartbreak, and sometimes just feeling misunderstood.
I felt the author did a superb job at reaching out to young girls and touching upon many sensitive subjects that many tweens would be embarrassed to talk about. Growing up is never easy, for any age girl or boy. The Truth: Diary of a Gusty Tween reads as kind of a tool or helping hand if you will for all young girl growing up and who often feel clueless. I feel all Mothers should definitely read this book with or to their daughter(s).
I also really loved the small illustrations among the pages. It really helps the book read more like a tween wrote it rather than an adult. Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein writes so simplistically and child-like which for me really gives the book the sensation of actually being written from a tweens POV. Which of course is the point. ;)
Every young girl everywhere should pick up a copy of this book! Beg you're parents of you have too. hehe ;) Even as an adult I totally enjoyed reading it!
If you've been a reader of my blog for long you may have noticed I do NOT read or review a lot of middle grade fiction. I often find the writing style and stories to be too juvenile for my taste. A few months ago I was sent a unsolicited copy of The Truth: Diary of a Gusty Tween by Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein. Upon receiving it in the mail I decided to take a peek at the book, mainly because I loved the cover and title. I was very much intrigued also after seeing it was written by a Doctor. I read a couple pages, and a few more....and before I knew it I totally forgot about eating dinner, glancing up at the time to find I've been reading for over a hour. Guess what? I was 5 pages away from being finished. While yes the book itself is only a mere 176 pages it moved along quickly. I honestly only planned to read a few pages but ended up finishing the book in record time. IT WAS THAT GOOD!
The story consists of diary entries being written by an 11 year old girl. She talks about her family, school, her friends, and her first crush, among many other random events. Her entries touch base along many normal but often difficult subjects for young girls. For instance, losing friends, family hardships, heartbreak, and sometimes just feeling misunderstood.
I felt the author did a superb job at reaching out to young girls and touching upon many sensitive subjects that many tweens would be embarrassed to talk about. Growing up is never easy, for any age girl or boy. The Truth: Diary of a Gusty Tween reads as kind of a tool or helping hand if you will for all young girl growing up and who often feel clueless. I feel all Mothers should definitely read this book with or to their daughter(s).
I also really loved the small illustrations among the pages. It really helps the book read more like a tween wrote it rather than an adult. Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein writes so simplistically and child-like which for me really gives the book the sensation of actually being written from a tweens POV. Which of course is the point. ;)
Every young girl everywhere should pick up a copy of this book! Beg you're parents of you have too. hehe ;) Even as an adult I totally enjoyed reading it!
December 13, 2015
Great book--I will be giving this to my 11 and 13 year old nieces. I will update my review to include their thoughts!
I won this book from Goodreads in exchange for an honest review.
I won this book from Goodreads in exchange for an honest review.
January 24, 2016
I won a free copy of this book through a giveaway on GoodReeads.
I may be way above the target age range, but reading middle-school level diary books (Diary of a Wimpy Kid, The Popularity Papers, Amelia's Notebooks, etc.) is actually really fun for me. So I was very excited that I won this. Sadly, I was extremely dissappointed.
One of the things said by the author is that adults don't remember what being a kid is like, even though they were kids once. The author is clearly one of those people based on her writing.
The main character (who didn't have a name) did not seem like a realistic 11-year old to me. Just the way she talked and wrote, her interests, and the fact that she still calls adults grown-ups. Nancy Drew is a series more second graders read than sixth graders, and definitely not higher than a sixth-grade reading level. Also, why does her mom let her have a facebook but not let her wear a bra? That seems like really stranged parenting to me.
The school itself seemed more elementary than middle even. She had only one class, recess, and Valentine's Day parties, and even though the school was called a middle school, first graders attended it.
The main character's thoughts did not mature at all throughout the story. She was 13 by the end and acted no different from the way she did at the beginning.
The romance with Paul was unrealistic. He never notices her, and then asks her ou to the dance?
The only thing I really liked about this book was that the girl's reaction to puberty and growing up was very realistic. Excited, then nervous, her feelings on it were constantly changing. That is very accurate.
I also wish this book had more illustrations, which is one of my favorite things about diary books.
Overall, this was not as good as other similar books. The main character just did not feel like a real 11 year-old, unlike characters such as Greg Heffley and Amelia.
EDIT: Upon looking online for other reviews of this book, I discovered that it is the revised edition of a previous book the author wrote. In that book, the girl was ten and lived in the 1950's. When I think about what I read, that seems more realistic - the younger, elementary age behavior, the fact that she read Nancy Drew, older books. Her middle school was probably originally an elementary school and that's why it seemed that way. The references to Candy Crush and Facebook and Cellphones must have been added to make it seem more modern. I feel as though the original version would have been much,much better.
I may be way above the target age range, but reading middle-school level diary books (Diary of a Wimpy Kid, The Popularity Papers, Amelia's Notebooks, etc.) is actually really fun for me. So I was very excited that I won this. Sadly, I was extremely dissappointed.
One of the things said by the author is that adults don't remember what being a kid is like, even though they were kids once. The author is clearly one of those people based on her writing.
The main character (who didn't have a name) did not seem like a realistic 11-year old to me. Just the way she talked and wrote, her interests, and the fact that she still calls adults grown-ups. Nancy Drew is a series more second graders read than sixth graders, and definitely not higher than a sixth-grade reading level. Also, why does her mom let her have a facebook but not let her wear a bra? That seems like really stranged parenting to me.
The school itself seemed more elementary than middle even. She had only one class, recess, and Valentine's Day parties, and even though the school was called a middle school, first graders attended it.
The main character's thoughts did not mature at all throughout the story. She was 13 by the end and acted no different from the way she did at the beginning.
The romance with Paul was unrealistic. He never notices her, and then asks her ou to the dance?
The only thing I really liked about this book was that the girl's reaction to puberty and growing up was very realistic. Excited, then nervous, her feelings on it were constantly changing. That is very accurate.
I also wish this book had more illustrations, which is one of my favorite things about diary books.
Overall, this was not as good as other similar books. The main character just did not feel like a real 11 year-old, unlike characters such as Greg Heffley and Amelia.
EDIT: Upon looking online for other reviews of this book, I discovered that it is the revised edition of a previous book the author wrote. In that book, the girl was ten and lived in the 1950's. When I think about what I read, that seems more realistic - the younger, elementary age behavior, the fact that she read Nancy Drew, older books. Her middle school was probably originally an elementary school and that's why it seemed that way. The references to Candy Crush and Facebook and Cellphones must have been added to make it seem more modern. I feel as though the original version would have been much,much better.
September 28, 2014
I recently won a copy of this book through goodreads giveaways. When it arrived I was was really impressed by the great hardback cover, and how it really feels like a journal, even down to the handwriting font used inside.
I quickly read the book when I had moments of free time over two days. I found it enjoyable and it in a way it was a bit nostalgic, reminding me of my own life as a preteen, and the times where I felt misunderstood. It also made me think about my own 10-year-old daughter's life and how I could prevent some of those misunderstood feelings from happening to her.
When I was finished I passed the book on to my daughter and she devoured it in a couple days. She loved the diary type style in which it was written. I think she was able to relate to it, especially in regards to the main character and her friendships and crush. After she was done we took some time to talk about it and ask questions. It was a nice way of bonding.
Overall, we both liked the book and I would recommend it to moms of tween girls, and would even suggest that they make time to read it together.
I quickly read the book when I had moments of free time over two days. I found it enjoyable and it in a way it was a bit nostalgic, reminding me of my own life as a preteen, and the times where I felt misunderstood. It also made me think about my own 10-year-old daughter's life and how I could prevent some of those misunderstood feelings from happening to her.
When I was finished I passed the book on to my daughter and she devoured it in a couple days. She loved the diary type style in which it was written. I think she was able to relate to it, especially in regards to the main character and her friendships and crush. After she was done we took some time to talk about it and ask questions. It was a nice way of bonding.
Overall, we both liked the book and I would recommend it to moms of tween girls, and would even suggest that they make time to read it together.
December 7, 2014
In the introduction, the author writes that she had to tap her inner "girl" in order to write this book; she also writes that as psychologist of adolescents, she tries to teach girls to have more fun. Well, this book was a LOT of fun, and I enjoyed it very much!
As a teacher of tweens and as a mother of one, too, I can attest to the fact that she indeed tapped her inner girl. I laughed out loud as I read some of the diary entries-partly because I could imagine either my daughter or some of my students writing many of the "entries" found in The Truth. For adult readers, this short and clearly written "diary" will make many recall the joys of first crushes, familial relationships, the ups and downs of middle school, and friend "drama."
My daughter is itching to read this, but I also would recommend it to other middle school teachers and parents of girls. This book has such a positive message, and it simultaneously reminds us adults of what it's like to walk in the shoes of a tween-gutsy or not.
As a teacher of tweens and as a mother of one, too, I can attest to the fact that she indeed tapped her inner girl. I laughed out loud as I read some of the diary entries-partly because I could imagine either my daughter or some of my students writing many of the "entries" found in The Truth. For adult readers, this short and clearly written "diary" will make many recall the joys of first crushes, familial relationships, the ups and downs of middle school, and friend "drama."
My daughter is itching to read this, but I also would recommend it to other middle school teachers and parents of girls. This book has such a positive message, and it simultaneously reminds us adults of what it's like to walk in the shoes of a tween-gutsy or not.
April 2, 2015
I received a free copy through Goodreads First Reads for my honest opinion.
Being an adult, I tried reading the book from a pre-teen point of view, but my adult thoughts definitely kept breaking through. I think my pre-teen self might have given this 4 stars. It was a decent book that delved into many issues that an actual pre-teen deals with, though wouldn't necessarily EVER articulate--even in a diary. The main character crushes hard on a boy who doesn't notice her back, and that was pretty true to pre-teen life and a pre-teen diary, but I would never have been able to discuss some of the other topics broached in this book in MY pre-teen diary. It's good that the author created this book for pre-teens who are wondering but not getting answers from adults in their real lives.
Being an adult, I tried reading the book from a pre-teen point of view, but my adult thoughts definitely kept breaking through. I think my pre-teen self might have given this 4 stars. It was a decent book that delved into many issues that an actual pre-teen deals with, though wouldn't necessarily EVER articulate--even in a diary. The main character crushes hard on a boy who doesn't notice her back, and that was pretty true to pre-teen life and a pre-teen diary, but I would never have been able to discuss some of the other topics broached in this book in MY pre-teen diary. It's good that the author created this book for pre-teens who are wondering but not getting answers from adults in their real lives.
May 8, 2015
A young girl shares her secret diary, in which she reveals the "truth" about her life from ages 11 to 13. She tells us about her family, her best friend Angela, the new boy Paul who she has a crush on, her inability to communicate with her mother, her annoying six-year-old brother, getting picked last for the kickball team, and even a few "gross" personal secrets.
As you can see, this book covers a diverse range of topics. It will open up the lines of discussion for parents to talk to their tween girls about getting their first bra, having a crush on a boy, swearing, parents fighting, younger siblings, mean girls, independence, wearing makeup, self-esteem, fighting with their best friend, animal cruelty, the Holocaust, school grades, keeping healthy, menstruation, the fear of growing up, death, suicide, moving home, coping with homework, taking drugs, and body image.
I believe this is an updated version of the book originally published in 2007. While there are many modern references (e.g., computers, Facebook, cell phones, email), there is also reference to a phone with a dial (not buttons) and having to retype a three-page paper (not necessary if you're using a computer). The books the girl reads are also really old (e.g., Nancy Drew, Little House on the Prairie, Black Beauty) and, even though this is somewhat explained later in the book, it still feels like this is more what the author herself would have read as a child.
I encountered a few other problems: the diary entries are a bit too far apart to be real (e.g., the girl skips over Christmas two years in a row); the girl's friends should have come over on July 17 when she was going to teach them how to bake brownies, but this didn't happen until August 7); there are unanswered questions, such as how her fight with Angela is resolved; the girl only mentions her new friend Dawn a few weeks after they first meet; from the beginning of the diary to December 5, each entry ends with a "truth", then there is no mention of the "truth" until June 30 the next year.
As an adult I found the book to be a bit contrived and preachy, but it is probably well-suited to the 10 to 13 young adult target audience. It brings back memories of first love and the intense emotions of friendship and wanting to fit in. The story is followed by discussion questions for kids.
I received this book in return for an honest review.
Full blog post: http://booksdirectonline.blogspot.com...
As you can see, this book covers a diverse range of topics. It will open up the lines of discussion for parents to talk to their tween girls about getting their first bra, having a crush on a boy, swearing, parents fighting, younger siblings, mean girls, independence, wearing makeup, self-esteem, fighting with their best friend, animal cruelty, the Holocaust, school grades, keeping healthy, menstruation, the fear of growing up, death, suicide, moving home, coping with homework, taking drugs, and body image.
I believe this is an updated version of the book originally published in 2007. While there are many modern references (e.g., computers, Facebook, cell phones, email), there is also reference to a phone with a dial (not buttons) and having to retype a three-page paper (not necessary if you're using a computer). The books the girl reads are also really old (e.g., Nancy Drew, Little House on the Prairie, Black Beauty) and, even though this is somewhat explained later in the book, it still feels like this is more what the author herself would have read as a child.
I encountered a few other problems: the diary entries are a bit too far apart to be real (e.g., the girl skips over Christmas two years in a row); the girl's friends should have come over on July 17 when she was going to teach them how to bake brownies, but this didn't happen until August 7); there are unanswered questions, such as how her fight with Angela is resolved; the girl only mentions her new friend Dawn a few weeks after they first meet; from the beginning of the diary to December 5, each entry ends with a "truth", then there is no mention of the "truth" until June 30 the next year.
As an adult I found the book to be a bit contrived and preachy, but it is probably well-suited to the 10 to 13 young adult target audience. It brings back memories of first love and the intense emotions of friendship and wanting to fit in. The story is followed by discussion questions for kids.
I received this book in return for an honest review.
Full blog post: http://booksdirectonline.blogspot.com...
March 18, 2015
Barbara Holstein wrote a wonderful book here! Every tween girl should read! The topics it's talks about are really good. I believe that this author will help many tweens and well parents as well. It's not easy raising girls in today's society. The way the author writes this book is in story format. Very captivating! Absolutely loved it!
*Received for an honest review*
*Received for an honest review*
January 11, 2015
Seeing as I am a tween girl myself, I find this book something that girls can confide in. It is helpful to know that other girls go through the same emotions and feelings. This book is great and that's the truth!
March 23, 2016
Review Rating
5 stars!
Reviewed By Sarah Stuart for Readers’ Favorite
Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein is a practising Positive Psychologist. In her book The Truth: Diary of a Gutsy Tween, she sets out to help young girls growing up to understand why they feel the way they do, reassure them that they are not alone, and that it is normal. She suggests coping mechanisms for a wide selection of problems and traumas, such as bodily changes, suffering bullying, parents edging towards divorce, suicide, and the death of a loved relative. It is presented as an illustrated “diary,” designed to appeal to YA readers and also serve as a vehicle for parents to open up lines of communication with their developing youngsters. It closes with a list of questions for YA readers to think about and an invitation to contact Dr Holstein.
The presentation of The Truth: Diary of a Gutsy Tween by Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein is superb. The lilac cover is simple, but the fastener implies secrets hidden within; the entries are “handwritten” on lined paper with frequent sketches expressing the girl’s mood or interest that day. Through what she confides to “Dear Diary,” the reader learns a lot about her, from her favourite colour, pink, to how her tummy feels when her parents argue. “She” lives, and everything she experiences rings a bell as Dr Holstein takes adult readers back to their own childhood. She demonstrates in a fun, readable way that communication is the key. Mothers, buy this book for your daughters, whom I promise will treasure it, but to get the best out of it, read it yourself too. Dr Holstein lets “the girl” take over and her diary is as helpful as it is fascinating, “and that’s the truth.”
5 stars!
Reviewed By Sarah Stuart for Readers’ Favorite
Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein is a practising Positive Psychologist. In her book The Truth: Diary of a Gutsy Tween, she sets out to help young girls growing up to understand why they feel the way they do, reassure them that they are not alone, and that it is normal. She suggests coping mechanisms for a wide selection of problems and traumas, such as bodily changes, suffering bullying, parents edging towards divorce, suicide, and the death of a loved relative. It is presented as an illustrated “diary,” designed to appeal to YA readers and also serve as a vehicle for parents to open up lines of communication with their developing youngsters. It closes with a list of questions for YA readers to think about and an invitation to contact Dr Holstein.
The presentation of The Truth: Diary of a Gutsy Tween by Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein is superb. The lilac cover is simple, but the fastener implies secrets hidden within; the entries are “handwritten” on lined paper with frequent sketches expressing the girl’s mood or interest that day. Through what she confides to “Dear Diary,” the reader learns a lot about her, from her favourite colour, pink, to how her tummy feels when her parents argue. “She” lives, and everything she experiences rings a bell as Dr Holstein takes adult readers back to their own childhood. She demonstrates in a fun, readable way that communication is the key. Mothers, buy this book for your daughters, whom I promise will treasure it, but to get the best out of it, read it yourself too. Dr Holstein lets “the girl” take over and her diary is as helpful as it is fascinating, “and that’s the truth.”
July 10, 2015
This is my first book by author Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein and I jumped at the chance to review it due to its subject matter and target audience. I'm always on the lookout for great, positive books for middle school aged kids that we can add to our school library and this is one I would definitely recommend! It’s actually one I wish had been written about five years ago when I could have given it to my own daughter to read, she would have loved it!
The Truth: Diary of a Gutsy Tween is written as a series of diary entries which follow the life of a young girl over the course of several years as she experiences all the highs and lows of adolescence. She confides in her diary as she deals with family issues, falls for her first crush, tries to fit in and make friends at school, and the struggles she faces with her every changing body. Holstein does a remarkable job giving a voice to some sensitive and often times embarrassing subjects for young girls, letting them know that they are not alone and reminding them of their own power, inner strength and beauty.
Paced perfectly at 176 pages this story will keep the attention of its tween audience. It’s a great book for both Mothers and their daughters to read either together or even separately as a way to spark conversation and to discuss the issues brought up in the book. I would highly recommend this book for tween girls between the ages of 10-14 and this would be a perfect addition for middle school libraries and classrooms.
Thank you to author, Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein and to Goddess Fish Promotions for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!
The Truth: Diary of a Gutsy Tween is written as a series of diary entries which follow the life of a young girl over the course of several years as she experiences all the highs and lows of adolescence. She confides in her diary as she deals with family issues, falls for her first crush, tries to fit in and make friends at school, and the struggles she faces with her every changing body. Holstein does a remarkable job giving a voice to some sensitive and often times embarrassing subjects for young girls, letting them know that they are not alone and reminding them of their own power, inner strength and beauty.
Paced perfectly at 176 pages this story will keep the attention of its tween audience. It’s a great book for both Mothers and their daughters to read either together or even separately as a way to spark conversation and to discuss the issues brought up in the book. I would highly recommend this book for tween girls between the ages of 10-14 and this would be a perfect addition for middle school libraries and classrooms.
Thank you to author, Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein and to Goddess Fish Promotions for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!
May 18, 2016
Reviewed by Sarah Stuart for Readers' Favorite
Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein is a practising Positive Psychologist. In her book The Truth: Diary of a Gutsy Tween she sets out to help young girls growing up to understand why they feel the way they do, reassure them that they are not alone, and that it is normal. She suggests coping mechanisms for a wide selection of problems and traumas, such as bodily changes, suffering bullying, parents edging towards divorce, suicide, and the death of a loved relative. It is presented as an illustrated “diary” designed to appeal to YA readers that will also serve as a vehicle to open lines of communication with their developing youngsters for parents. It closes with a list of questions for YA readers to think about and an invitation to contact Dr Holstein.
The presentation of The Truth: Diary of a Gutsy Tween by Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein is superb. The lilac cover is simple, but the fastener implies secrets hidden within; the entries are “handwritten” on lined paper with frequent sketches expressing the girl’s mood or interest that day. Through what she confides to “Dear Diary” the reader learns a lot about her, from her favourite colour, pink, to how her tummy feels when her parents argue. “She” lives, and everything she experiences rings a bell as Dr Holstein takes adult readers back to their own childhood. She demonstrates, in a fun, readable, way, that communication is the key. Mothers, buy this book for your daughters, whom I promise will treasure it, but to get the best out of it, read it yourself too. Dr Holstein lets “the girl” take over and her diary is as helpful as it is fascinating “and that’s the truth”.
Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein is a practising Positive Psychologist. In her book The Truth: Diary of a Gutsy Tween she sets out to help young girls growing up to understand why they feel the way they do, reassure them that they are not alone, and that it is normal. She suggests coping mechanisms for a wide selection of problems and traumas, such as bodily changes, suffering bullying, parents edging towards divorce, suicide, and the death of a loved relative. It is presented as an illustrated “diary” designed to appeal to YA readers that will also serve as a vehicle to open lines of communication with their developing youngsters for parents. It closes with a list of questions for YA readers to think about and an invitation to contact Dr Holstein.
The presentation of The Truth: Diary of a Gutsy Tween by Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein is superb. The lilac cover is simple, but the fastener implies secrets hidden within; the entries are “handwritten” on lined paper with frequent sketches expressing the girl’s mood or interest that day. Through what she confides to “Dear Diary” the reader learns a lot about her, from her favourite colour, pink, to how her tummy feels when her parents argue. “She” lives, and everything she experiences rings a bell as Dr Holstein takes adult readers back to their own childhood. She demonstrates, in a fun, readable, way, that communication is the key. Mothers, buy this book for your daughters, whom I promise will treasure it, but to get the best out of it, read it yourself too. Dr Holstein lets “the girl” take over and her diary is as helpful as it is fascinating “and that’s the truth”.
December 29, 2014
In this updated version of THE TRUTH, My Secret Diary, I’m Ten, I’m Smart and I Know Everything positive psychologist Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein provides a glimpse into two years in the life of a girl starting at ten years old. Told as a series of diary entries, the reader follows the girl as she falls in love for the first time, deals with troubles at home, attempts to fit in with her peers, and watches her body begin to change. As young girls move along through this young journalist’s life, they will be reminded of their inner strength, their talents, and their future potential.
The TRUTH: Diary of a Gusty Tween contains references to modern technology that all tweens and teens use on a regular basis. This is the second update of this book for teens and tweens. I like how Holstein works to stay in touch with her readers and keeps abreast of what is important to them. However, the messages of this book remain the same: you aren’t alone and you are special. Because these messages are so important when reaching out to this age group, I am happy Holstein continues to focus her work here. Bringing up girls to have a healthy image of themselves is vital to future happiness.
Definitely a great book for those ten and up to read alone or with a parent for discussion.
The TRUTH: Diary of a Gusty Tween contains references to modern technology that all tweens and teens use on a regular basis. This is the second update of this book for teens and tweens. I like how Holstein works to stay in touch with her readers and keeps abreast of what is important to them. However, the messages of this book remain the same: you aren’t alone and you are special. Because these messages are so important when reaching out to this age group, I am happy Holstein continues to focus her work here. Bringing up girls to have a healthy image of themselves is vital to future happiness.
Definitely a great book for those ten and up to read alone or with a parent for discussion.
April 9, 2015
This book took me to my early teen years, I felt so related with the nameless girl (I think that's how we must felt, that girl could be you, your daughter, your sister, etc)
The first couples of chapters I was like "Mmm, I already read this.." and now I understand why, that girl it WAS me!!
I went looking in old boxes and found my old Diary!! It was written in a time lapse of 5 years (12 yrs - 17 yrs)
After 20 yrs I read it today, I'm still crying/laughing, boy oh boy! I was so silly, pampered, selfish, brave, and each year I had a new love interest...So, how can I not love this book??
I wish I could meet the Author, I would give her a big hug and thank her, is evident that she knows what she's talking about.
If you want to understand a little more your tween or bring back old memories, I highly recommend you this book.
*I received a Free copy in exchange of an Honest Review*
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The first couples of chapters I was like "Mmm, I already read this.." and now I understand why, that girl it WAS me!!
I went looking in old boxes and found my old Diary!! It was written in a time lapse of 5 years (12 yrs - 17 yrs)
After 20 yrs I read it today, I'm still crying/laughing, boy oh boy! I was so silly, pampered, selfish, brave, and each year I had a new love interest...So, how can I not love this book??
I wish I could meet the Author, I would give her a big hug and thank her, is evident that she knows what she's talking about.
If you want to understand a little more your tween or bring back old memories, I highly recommend you this book.
*I received a Free copy in exchange of an Honest Review*
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May 25, 2015
Although I am not a tween or a teen, I really enjoyed this book. Parts of it were like a walk down memory lane. I really stopped and thought back to my teenage years.
I wished I had of had this book when my girls were growing up. Having this book may have made some of the situations with my daughter easier. For both them and me.
This book is written in a diary format, by a nameless 11 year old. It is like a one sided story. All about the situations, thought, and feelings this girl was having, how she felt she should deal with them and how she did deal with them, and the outcomes.
I think this would be a great book if you have a teen or tween daughter. I would have to suggest that you the parent read it first, then give it to your child to read, then discuss it afterwards. It may or may not help you with discussing your childs feeling about real things in her life. Itmay also help you relate better to your childs feelings.
I think this was a great book and give it 5 stars.
I wished I had of had this book when my girls were growing up. Having this book may have made some of the situations with my daughter easier. For both them and me.
This book is written in a diary format, by a nameless 11 year old. It is like a one sided story. All about the situations, thought, and feelings this girl was having, how she felt she should deal with them and how she did deal with them, and the outcomes.
I think this would be a great book if you have a teen or tween daughter. I would have to suggest that you the parent read it first, then give it to your child to read, then discuss it afterwards. It may or may not help you with discussing your childs feeling about real things in her life. Itmay also help you relate better to your childs feelings.
I think this was a great book and give it 5 stars.
May 3, 2014
Review to come.
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