When I saw the front cover of Being a Girl, I was immediately attracted to it because it looked like a story based on a girl’s personal diary. I don’t really like fantasy stories – I much prefer books that are about real life, so I thought that his was the perfect book for me!
When I started reading, I was slightly disappointed because Being a Girl isn’t a story – it’s actually a book full of advice and helpful tips for girls. By the time I’d read to the end, however, I was really enjoying it and learnt lots of new things about being a teenager!
Being a Girl covers all sorts of teenage issues, such as bullying, friends, boyfriends, spots, periods… and even hairy armpits! The author guides you through each subject and gives you lots of excellent advice along the way. For example, she tells you that if you are ever bullied on the internet you should:
- not respond
- block the bully
- talk to a teacher or an adult you trust
Another good thing is that, throughout the book, you learn complicated words, like discombobulated (confused)! There are also tests to see what kind of girl you are (I’m not very “girly”, apparently!), as well as some useful website addresses for more information about the subjects covered in the book. And most important of all, the author makes a point of saying that there is no “right way” or “wrong way” to be a girl!
I would recommend Being a Girl to girls aged 14 years old or older because the subjects are not really suitable for younger teenagers. The advice is funny and practical – and not at all bossy – which is what I really loved about this book!
- Buy this book at the Guardian Bookshop.
