Write It Down! : A Girl's Guide to Keeping a Journal

VOYA

Using a fun format, the Girl's Guides series offers basic advice on topics that would interest most girls. Each short guide provides common sense on a specific subject in an encouraging tone to bolster a girl's selfesteem. In Write It Down!, Smith discusses the reasons why a girl might keep a journal, giving stepbystep directions for making one, ideas for getting started, and tips on what to write about. Advice on protecting privacy is offered, but girls are counseled to talk to a trusted adult when journal entries reveal troubling situations, such as abuse or depression. The guides do not give indepth information but present the basics in a format that girls will enjoy reading. The same introduction prefaces each book, mentioning the physical and emotional changes that occur during middle school years. Web sites, books, and organizations where girls can get more information are listed. Public, elementary, and middle school libraries will find this series worthwhile as introductions to topics that many young girls want to know about. Glossary. Index. Illus. Further Reading. Appendix. VOYA CODES: 3Q 3P M J (Readable without serious defects; Will appeal with pushing; Middle School, defined as grades 6 to 8; Junior High, defined as grades 7 to 9). 1999, Rosen, Ages 12 to 15, 48p. PLB $17.95. Reviewer: Deborah L. Dubois

School Library Journal

Gr 6-8-These books point out strategies to help girls not just to cope but also to thrive during the middle-school years. While at times the vernacular is overused, this is meant to be "straight talk" about eating well, body changes, and self-discovery through journal writing. The advice throughout is simple and direct, and complex concepts are clearly explained. Fuel Up! discusses the food pyramid, snacking, weight, and the relationship between diet and disease. Though many facts are presented here, there are no footnotes to authenticate the information. For example, who says that "As many as 86 percent of teenage girls are not getting the calcium their bodies need every day?" The message that balance is needed in life is made clear without overemphasis. Body Talk begins with frank questions about physical changes. The book promises to deal with "everything ya ever wanted ta know" about puberty-a bit too ambitious-though it does cover often overlooked information such as how to buy a bra that fits and tips for first-time tampon users. The diagram on menstruation is unclear and needs textual clarification. Write It Down! has very practical advice about creating and keeping a journal, what to write about, and how to handle snooping. It also explains the therapeutic value of writing about one's experiences. All three entries contain frequent, cropped, color photos and computer graphics. Accessible and informative approaches to what can be difficult topics.-Edith Ching, St. Albans School, Mt. St. Alban, Washington, DC Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.|