Tomboy

by Norma Klein

Somewhat apprehensive about growing up, 10-year-old Antonia tries to cope with changes in herself and her friends.

Genres: Middle Grade, Childrens

128 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1978

About the author

Norma Klein was born in New York City and graduated cum laude and was a member of Phi Beta Kappa from Barnard College with a degree in Russian. She later received her master's degree in Slavic languages from Columbia University.

Ms. Klein began publishing short stories while attending Barnard and since then she had written novels for readers of all ages. The author got her ideas from everyday life and advised would-be writers to do the same -- to write about their experiences or things they really care about.

Ms. Klein died in 1989.

Reviews

[Mary Pagones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m absolutely horrified that this book is given such a low rating because the protagonist gets her period at 10. I assure you it’s possible to get your period even younger.

[Kara · Rating 2 out of 5]

An unusually mediocre Norma Klein. An average 10 year old girl nicknamed Toe is pressured into being more of a "tomboy" by her best friend. Toe hates sports and likes her dolls although she legitimately has boys as friends and has not yet entered into that gendered weirdness where girls and boys drift into their exclusive tribes. She is portrayed so realistically as an average little girl, still having sleepovers with little boys and playing with dolls, that it is alarming and bizarre when she gets her period. At TEN. Then her best friend gets breasts. I just thought this was unrealistic and dumb. Make them 12 if you want but don't drag 10 year olds prematurely into this genre/arena.

[Reading with Cats · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dear lord, I would’ve been completely traumatized to get my period at 10. *shudders*

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't remember Confessions of an Only Child, and it's certainly not necessary to have read that one first to enjoy this book.

We have our classic Norma Klein setting of an apartment building in New York City. Antonia is ten with a baby brother and she walks her neighbors' dogs. She has a friend who's a boy and a best friend, Libby, who doesn't want to let her in her "tomboy club" because she's not boyish enough. Her dad is the one taking care of the baby while her mother works.

A major story line is that Toe starts her period very early, like her mother. It's not written in as much detail as a Judy Blume story line and is not the main focus. The girls do have those great, frank conversations about getting married and whether or not to have babies that seem both very 1970s, and also very ten (ex: they don't use the word sex.)

Another great addition to my Norma Klein collection.