A Smart Girl's Guide to Sticky Situations

Publishers Weekly

Girl guidance-and all-out fun-abounds in an array of smart and sassy titles. The first, Yikes! A Smart Girl's Guide to Surviving Tricky, Sticky, Icky Situations from the editors of American Girl, illus. by Bonnie Timmons, provides commonsense solutions to 40 scenarios, including what to do "if you're having your period and get blood on your clothes." In addition to quick-fix ideas, the volume offers preventive measures to avoid the situation next time. The pocket-size paperback's straightforward section headings (e.g., "Quick Thinking" and "Using Logic") tie predicaments together; cartoon-like illustrations add a touch of humor.

Children's Literature

Love this book and every girl will, too! Written by the editors of American Girl Magazine, its short and sweet advice on everything from "what to do when you can't stop on online skates" to "what to do if your teacher hates you." The advice is grouped in chapters entitled quick thinking, solving the impossible, saving face, using logic, keeping cool, being strong and things they never taught you in school. It's generally common sense, but often, things that mom or dad don't seem to have time to tell you these days. Each item is numbered with 1-6 steps and usually includes a "disaster blaster," or what to do to keep it from happening again. There are simple cartoon drawings throughout which mimic the comic, but no nonsense approach in the text. I can't think of a girl who wouldn't benefit from this book. 2002, Pleasant Company,
— Meredith Kiger

School Library Journal

Gr 4-8-For the most part, the entries in this book hit the mark, with advice about such predicaments as not getting along with one's teacher or being caught doing something wrong. There's the lighthearted (what to do if you fall down stairs in front of people) and also the deadly serious (what to do "if you fall through ice"). Friends figure often, among them those who want to copy homework or who tell others the name of your crush. At times, however, the featured situations will have limited applicability, such as "how not to fall off a horse." And some readers may not be highly interested in how to remove various stains from carpet and clothing. That said, the last advice is a statement of empowerment: "You can stand on your own two feet. You've got a good brain. You've got common sense. Keep them handy. Trust yourself. You'll be able to handle just about anything." That advice alone makes the book worthy of purchase. Colorful cartoon drawings brighten the pages.-Laurie von Mehren, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Parma, OH Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.