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Express Yourself: A Teen Girl’s Guide to Speaking Up and Being Who You Are
Winner of a Foreword Reviews' 2015 INDIEFAB Book of the Year Award for Young Adult Nonfiction
Being a teen girl isn’t easy—so learning skills to feel confident is key! In Express Yourself, psychotherapist Emily Roberts will teach you how to communicate effectively and feel assertive in any situation. Whether it’s online or at school, with friends, parents, bullies, cliques or crushes—any tricky situation life throws yours way.
Many teen girls feel pressured to be nice, rather than assert their opinions. They may fear being called bossy or pushy when speaking their mind or offering a different point of view. If you have ever stopped yourself from expressing your opinion, you know how bad it can feel afterward. Don’t let yourself fall into that same trap over and over. Your thoughts and feelings matter just as much as everyone else’s—you just need to find your voice.
Express Yourself offers skills based in dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help you create positive interactions with others and deal with difficult emotions that can arise from bullying or dealing with mean girls. The book also provides easy-to-use strategies that will boost your self-esteem and confidence, and you’ll discover tons of assertive communication skills you can use every day, including how to speak up when you are upset, asking for what you want in a clear assertive manner, and coping when intense emotions threaten to take over and sabotage your relationships.
In our modern world of social media and texting, strong communication skills are needed more than ever. This book will not only give you the tools needed to speak up in everyday or difficult situations, but it will also provide powerful advice for effectively communicating in the digital world.
Being a teen girl isn’t easy—so learning skills to feel confident is key! In Express Yourself, psychotherapist Emily Roberts will teach you how to communicate effectively and feel assertive in any situation. Whether it’s online or at school, with friends, parents, bullies, cliques or crushes—any tricky situation life throws yours way.
Many teen girls feel pressured to be nice, rather than assert their opinions. They may fear being called bossy or pushy when speaking their mind or offering a different point of view. If you have ever stopped yourself from expressing your opinion, you know how bad it can feel afterward. Don’t let yourself fall into that same trap over and over. Your thoughts and feelings matter just as much as everyone else’s—you just need to find your voice.
Express Yourself offers skills based in dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help you create positive interactions with others and deal with difficult emotions that can arise from bullying or dealing with mean girls. The book also provides easy-to-use strategies that will boost your self-esteem and confidence, and you’ll discover tons of assertive communication skills you can use every day, including how to speak up when you are upset, asking for what you want in a clear assertive manner, and coping when intense emotions threaten to take over and sabotage your relationships.
In our modern world of social media and texting, strong communication skills are needed more than ever. This book will not only give you the tools needed to speak up in everyday or difficult situations, but it will also provide powerful advice for effectively communicating in the digital world.
232 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2015
5 people are currently reading
482 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
July 17, 2016
Gave this one a pre-read before passing it on to the 12 year old, who may or may not be interested. Definitely a good one to have on the shelf. The book is structured really well with practical, followable advice and guidance for self reflection using real-world, likely scenarios. I especially liked that it's not an all or nothing approach, but offers a variety of techniques and opportunities for practice so that girls can grow into and along with the skills. Some of the situations are more mature than I expect my 12 year old is dealing with right now, but the info is presented in a useful, not scary, way and is good to have before you need it, really.
June 11, 2015
I was able to get a copy of this book during the author's book signing the other day. I guess I'm no longer a teen (I'm 26) but this book caught my eye immediately. And boy am I glad it did. Inside, there were like real-world situations and ways to handle them that I wish someone had given me when I was a teenager. But the thing I loved the most reading this book is that I could still use these tricks even nowadays at in the office or with friends and family. I definitely recommend this book! I have a teenage sister, and I'm getting a copy for her for her birthday. So glad I found this book!
April 23, 2021
This book is very informational and brings up some good techniques and tips. I liked all the phrases you could learn to remember how to structure a conversation. The only thing I didn't love was how repetitive it was. It was always: What to do when... and your rights... and here is another situation you might encounter... it got a little hard to focus at times. Otherwise, I think it taught me a lot. Great book. (:
November 9, 2015
As a psychologist and the father of a young daughter, I love this book. Emily Roberts has put together a brilliant map for navigating the social challenges that arise during teenage years. Ms. Roberts offers dozens of real-life strategies, like how to know who your real friends are, how to handle moochers, what to do when you don’t know what to say in uncomfortable situations, how to approach friends who are struggling, and much more. There is even wise advice on how to skillfully handle parents and other adults. “Express Yourself” is written in a friendly, easy-to-read voice. Please read this book if you’re a young woman who wants to navigate almost any situation assertively and effectively.
July 22, 2015
This book is really helpful and encouraging!! At the end of the book it said to remember one of your rights and another encouraging sentence.
Mine is....
I have the right to follow my dream. I ROCK!
Mine is....
I have the right to follow my dream. I ROCK!
September 10, 2019
My mom bought me this book hoping that I could improve on myself over the summer. At first, I was only reading it for her, but after reading through it I realized I was enjoying myself. Good book!
June 24, 2019
I bought a few books to read with my daughter. Out of the three, she chose Express Yourself: A Teen Girl's Guide to Speaking Up and Being Who You Are. We read the introduction. When I asked my daughter to read chapter one with me she said, "Can we read a regular book? I want to read with you. I don't want to read a book that tells me what to say. I want to use my own words." Well, you can't argue with the decisiveness and clarity of those statements. She wows me!
Admittedly, the introduction was a tad lame, and I approach these types of books gingerly. I am concerned that these books will put ideas in my daughter's head that she doesn't need to be bothered with.
Somewhat begrudgingly, I set off to peruse this book on my own. I was pleasantly surprised to find the information offered in Express Yourself widely useful and applicable.
The focus is on self respect, as it should be for anyone, particularly with young girls. Using Chapter 1, Communicating with Confidence as a guide/outline, the following chapters focus on different scenarios and people (peers, parents, romantic interests, other adults) young girls interact with. Chapter one sets the stage through discussion of the importance of assertiveness, the art of agreeing, self-expression, checking in with how you are feeling, creating your own script, and appearing confident.
By adulthood, we have all fueled the fire of an argument, sending it spinning out of control. We have all, hopefully, also learned how to keep upset to a minimum while simultaneously respecting another person's needs and expressing our own. Why not use a book to guide you, make it clearer from the start? I'm going to ask my daughter to read chapter one of Express Yourself. It can't hurt. Wish me luck!
Admittedly, the introduction was a tad lame, and I approach these types of books gingerly. I am concerned that these books will put ideas in my daughter's head that she doesn't need to be bothered with.
Somewhat begrudgingly, I set off to peruse this book on my own. I was pleasantly surprised to find the information offered in Express Yourself widely useful and applicable.
The focus is on self respect, as it should be for anyone, particularly with young girls. Using Chapter 1, Communicating with Confidence as a guide/outline, the following chapters focus on different scenarios and people (peers, parents, romantic interests, other adults) young girls interact with. Chapter one sets the stage through discussion of the importance of assertiveness, the art of agreeing, self-expression, checking in with how you are feeling, creating your own script, and appearing confident.
By adulthood, we have all fueled the fire of an argument, sending it spinning out of control. We have all, hopefully, also learned how to keep upset to a minimum while simultaneously respecting another person's needs and expressing our own. Why not use a book to guide you, make it clearer from the start? I'm going to ask my daughter to read chapter one of Express Yourself. It can't hurt. Wish me luck!
March 18, 2023
Saw this book at the library and from the title, I knew I had to read it. So far, I love the book. The tone of the author is very calm and sound very helpful. And uses a lot of symbolism in order to allow the reader to think in situations. I love how the author was able to include exercises to allow the reader to write what our responses would be and understand what we could do that allows us to implement speaking up. For me personally, I have a hard time speaking up about certain things and whatever the situation is, I keep those responses to myself and let the emotions sink down, but that is not the wise decision to make, even as a junior in college. That is the reason why I decided to pick up this book and give it a try. My reaction to this book was at first, I hope that I can apply this into my life to be confident in areas of my life that are hard. Spiritually, I believe this book would help a lot as well in order to share your faith.
September 23, 2020
It's a really nice book
I love it
I love it
October 23, 2021
It reminds me of the care and keeping of you, as a good book for younger teenage girls
August 2, 2023
This is a handy book for girls in middle school and up. It reviews common dilemmas for that age group and offers sound advice and support.
June 17, 2024
this book was a great read
it definitely helped me to express myself in a whole new way, which ive struggled with that in the past and trying to overcome the part about expressing myself
- avery
it definitely helped me to express myself in a whole new way, which ive struggled with that in the past and trying to overcome the part about expressing myself
- avery
July 16, 2020
This book is made for any girl who is having trouble adjusting to her teenage years with the extra stress of family, friends, boyfriends, and school. Despite being targeted to teenage girls, this book is a great read for women in their twenties who need some advice on how to deal with certain situations. The advice is a huge plus for this book. Many scenarios are depicted for different categories and then it is up to the reader to decide what they would do, and then recommendations are detailed on how to respectively and maturely handle the situation. Another thing I absolutely loved were the "rights" that everyone has. Needless to say, I highlighted a lot of quotes from this book because the words held so much strength. It helped me understand that I'm not the only person in the world dealing with problems, and that there is a plethora of advice on how to handle a situation the next time a problem arises.
Besides a few formatting errors, the book was well-written and can appeal to audiences beyond the teenage years. Much of the advice is a huge reminder to stay true to yourself as you deal with problems throughout life and some advice serves as important reminders for the future. Some of my favorite quotes are listed below:
"-You have the right to nurturing and supportive friendships.
-You have the right to your own opinions and ideas.
-You have the right to say no in situations that make you uncomfortable.
-You have the right to feel safe and comfortable with your friends.
-You have the right to decide how you spend your time and which friendships you prioritize."
"-You have the right to say no.
-You have the right to be upset and angry.
-You have the right to not accept responsibility for others' behavior, feelings, or problems.
-You have the right to respectfully disagree.
-You have the right to put your own needs ahead of your peers'.
-You have the right to make decisions based on values or gut feelings, without having to give reasons.
-You have the right to be treated with respect by your peers.
-You have the right to remove yourself from situations you don't want to be in."
"-You have the right to ask questions; there are no stupid questions.
-You have the right to say no to requests that don't feel good.
-You have the right to be treated with respect.
-You have the right to follow your dreams."
I was provided an ARC by NetGalley in exchange for a review.
Besides a few formatting errors, the book was well-written and can appeal to audiences beyond the teenage years. Much of the advice is a huge reminder to stay true to yourself as you deal with problems throughout life and some advice serves as important reminders for the future. Some of my favorite quotes are listed below:
"-You have the right to nurturing and supportive friendships.
-You have the right to your own opinions and ideas.
-You have the right to say no in situations that make you uncomfortable.
-You have the right to feel safe and comfortable with your friends.
-You have the right to decide how you spend your time and which friendships you prioritize."
"-You have the right to say no.
-You have the right to be upset and angry.
-You have the right to not accept responsibility for others' behavior, feelings, or problems.
-You have the right to respectfully disagree.
-You have the right to put your own needs ahead of your peers'.
-You have the right to make decisions based on values or gut feelings, without having to give reasons.
-You have the right to be treated with respect by your peers.
-You have the right to remove yourself from situations you don't want to be in."
"-You have the right to ask questions; there are no stupid questions.
-You have the right to say no to requests that don't feel good.
-You have the right to be treated with respect.
-You have the right to follow your dreams."
I was provided an ARC by NetGalley in exchange for a review.
August 26, 2015
Express Yourself is a very candid, entertaining read, written in today's language (i.e. teen lingo). Emily Roberts really drives home the true power and struggles facing teen girls today: confidence, self-esteem, and how to deal with others whether it's friends, family members, boyfriend/girlfriend, social media or text messages. Although written for teens, this book is equally as relatable to women and young adults. Express Yourself is both enjoyable and easy to read. Emily writes in a friendly tone that is light-hearted, yet direct to the point.
Express Yourself is more than just a guide for teens. It provides action items and real-world situations. Emily gives candid advice, tips, exercises, thought-leading questions, scenarios and appropriate ways to react to each scenario. She provides the answers to common situations that most teens today are struggling with. A must-read for any teen or parent in today's crazy, ever-evolving world!
Express Yourself is more than just a guide for teens. It provides action items and real-world situations. Emily gives candid advice, tips, exercises, thought-leading questions, scenarios and appropriate ways to react to each scenario. She provides the answers to common situations that most teens today are struggling with. A must-read for any teen or parent in today's crazy, ever-evolving world!
May 6, 2016
If you haven’t figured out how to talk to your daughter in a way that she can hear about sexting, cyber-bullying, romantic relationships, and the like, Express Yourself may be the solution. Targeted at teen-aged girls, the book is about learning to be assertive, and how to do so in a range of situations relevant to adolescent life. Packed with realistic scenarios that girls face on a day to day basis, Emily Roberts supplies practical – and wise –advice on how to navigate the complicated terrain of school, friendship and love. Considering situations ranging from peer pressure to questions about the appropriateness of nude photo in a digital world, the book presents a practical road map for dealing with realistic situations. So, if there is a young woman in your life, this book might be exactly what she needs.
July 8, 2015
This book is a fantastic guide to navigating those uncomfortable social/interpersonal and even professional situations we all find ourselves in (long past adolescence!) Roberts delivers an empowering message while also providing real-life, practical tools to deal with difficult situations. She provides teenage girls with valuable negotiation skills that echo those I learned in law school. While tailored to teens and younger women, the skills she teaches will continue to benefit her readers long past high school and college. A wonderful foundation for girls who are learning how to assert themselves as individuals in the world!
August 19, 2015
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REVIEW BY: Arianna, age 12 years, 8 months
MAY CONTAIN SPOILER:
This book gives great advice that preteens/teenagers, like myself, respect and understand. If I follow this advice, nothing can stop me in the coming years.
My favorite thing about this book is the journal that you can keep. As you go along it has several things to do in your journal, such as: quizzes, questions, and plain old writing about your feelings.
I recommend this book for anyone struggling on the road to adulthood.
I give this book 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 11 and older.
REVIEW BY: Arianna, age 12 years, 8 months
MAY CONTAIN SPOILER:
This book gives great advice that preteens/teenagers, like myself, respect and understand. If I follow this advice, nothing can stop me in the coming years.
My favorite thing about this book is the journal that you can keep. As you go along it has several things to do in your journal, such as: quizzes, questions, and plain old writing about your feelings.
I recommend this book for anyone struggling on the road to adulthood.
I give this book 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 11 and older.
August 23, 2015
This was a great book. It addresses the issues facing teenage girls over a broad range of topics. The majority of the time, the author writes in a way that doesn’t talk down to teens, and shows a lot of wisdom. Topics include dealing with parents, professionals, teachers, and friends. It also includes advice for navigating the digital world, gaining confidence, and dealing with sticky situations. Recommended.
October 13, 2015
This is an essential guide for teen girls! Packed with practical tips for building assertiveness skills and self-confidence, this book helps teens work through complicated situations and big feelings. The genius of this book is that it's user friendly - this isn't just another book detailing the struggles teens face. It is solution focused. Highly recommended for teen girls and their parents.
Katie Hurley, LCSW
Author, The Happy Kid Handbook
Katie Hurley, LCSW
Author, The Happy Kid Handbook
October 6, 2016
Express Yourself: A Teen Girl's Guide to Sepeaking Up and Being Who You Are is an amazing tool to have in the arsenal of any young girl -- whether they have self-esteem/confidence issues or not. Many youths have trouble with these issues and this is one way to turn that around. This book is approachable, well-written and gives youths what they need to handle situations their parents might not even be aware of.
March 14, 2016
Reviewed for Foreword Reviews IndieFab Awards.
I'm always skeptical of self-help books, but this one actually managed to give some good advice (even to a male adult like me!) and only sometimes felt a bit hokey. Surprisingly not bad.
I'm always skeptical of self-help books, but this one actually managed to give some good advice (even to a male adult like me!) and only sometimes felt a bit hokey. Surprisingly not bad.
September 3, 2015
As a parent, I recommend this book not only for growing teens but for parents as well! Awesome book and a MUST read!
March 29, 2017
I liked this book because it showed good tips for a teenage girl to be herself, which i think is important in this day in age. This book is for teenage girls who are trying to find their way through teen-hood, and gives good pointers to prove that girls should be themselves and proud of it. I enjoyed this book because, as a teenager myself, it helped me learn some things that I never would've known if if weren't for this book. It gave tips specifically regarding well-known insecurities that many teen girls have.
April 24, 2017
There's a lot of good advice in this. Good to read.
May 1, 2017
Read By: Mary Valentine. I liked this book because it was very self improving. It wasn't really about anything in particular but it told scenarios that could actually happen and how to deal with them. And how being a girl you have to go through a lot more than people think you do.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews