Prayers on My Pillow: Inspiration for Girls on the Threshold of Change [Hardcover]

Celia Straus (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 9 and up

Inspiration for Girls on the Threshold of Change

"Before I go to sleep each night
Before I turn off every light
Let me put away my fears
Let me brush away the tears"

The heartfelt prayers in this luminous volume were originally written for the comfort and inspiration of a twelve-year-old girl named Julia. The author of these prayers is Julia's mother, who wrote them because she was troubled that she and her daughter no longer talked as much as they used to. So each night, she left a verse on Julia's pillow. Julia shared them with her younger sister and with her friends, and the prayers moved outward in ever-widening circles.

Now everyone can enjoy and meditate upon these simple supplications, whose words, feelings, and perspective are those of a girl growing into womanhood. Nearly one hundred and fifty prayers encourage girls to look inward for the strength to heal hurts, calm fears, and reconcile with family and friends. They present the values of self-reliance and confidence, celebrating the gift of life and the unique pleasure and challenges of being a girl. Each prayer is a loving act of faith, and together they provide a safe and private space in which a girl can simply be and grow.

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

Inspiration for Girls on the Threshold of Change

"Before I go to sleep each night
Before I turn off every light
Let me put away my fears
Let me brush away the tears"

The heartfelt prayers in this luminous volume were originally written for the comfort and inspiration of a twelve-year-old girl named Julia. The author of these prayers is Julia's mother, who wrote them because she was troubled that she and her daughter no longer talked as much as they used to. So each night, she left a verse on Julia's pillow. Julia shared them with her younger sister and with her friends, and the prayers moved outward in ever-widening circles.

Now everyone can enjoy and meditate upon these simple supplications, whose words, feelings, and perspective are those of a girl growing into womanhood. Nearly one hundred and fifty prayers encourage girls to look inward for the strength to heal hurts, calm fears, and reconcile with family and friends. They present the values of self-reliance and confidence, celebrating the gift of life and the unique pleasure and challenges of being a girl. Each prayer is a loving act of faith, and together they provide a safe and private space in which a girl can simply be and grow.

About the Author

Celia Straus is an award-winning writer for print, film and video.  Her awards include eight Cine Golden Eagles, six Tellys, three Ohio State Awards for Excellence in Children's Television and numerous other awards.  She is a graduate of Mary Washington College of the University of Virginia, and earned an M.A. in English literature from Georgetown University.  She has taught English and drama to high school and college students.  She lives in Washington, D.C., with her husband and two daughters.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Hardcover: 240 pages
• Publisher: Ballantine Books; 1st edition (November 17, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0345426738
• ISBN-13: 978-0345426734
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 5.7 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (55 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #551,898 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

32 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A book brimming over with love and support for girls, December 12, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Prayers on My Pillow: Inspiration for Girls on the Threshold of Change (Hardcover)

I bought this book for my daughter who is 15 for Christmas. I started reading it and decided to give it to her immediately. Then I went out and bought five more copies for every teenage girl I knew. I can't describe what happens when you read this book of prayers. The prayers are like poems. They are all about having self confidence and courage and faith in yourself and in God. But the best part about these prayers is how they make you feel after you read one. It's as if the author words enter your heart and fill it with love. My daughter thanked me for this book three times. Buy this book for every woman and girl you know. Their lives and you will be the better for it.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Real Source of Comfort and Encouragement for Girls, May 16, 2001

By 

Carole Gowan (SC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Prayers on My Pillow: Inspiration for Girls on the Threshold of Change (Hardcover)

I purchased this book for 12 and 10 year old daughters. I thought that perhaps we could read a prayer each night as a devotion and that it would give us an opportunity to talk about issues in their lives. It has done that and more. My oldest daughter now refers to it frequently, whenever she needs a lift or a little extra encouragement. I also purchased the sequel and I rate it equally well. I have given this book as gifts to my daughter's friends for their 13th birthday, and they have all loved it.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspirational and compassionate poems for girls and mothers, February 13, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Prayers on My Pillow: Inspiration for Girls on the Threshold of Change (Hardcover)

This book puts into words the feelings and problems of teenage girls in poetry that they can make their own. I bought my daughter who is 12 this book for Christmas. she loves it. The prayers are about all the every day things girls worry about like friends, grades, body shape and getting along with your family. This is her favorite gift from the holidays. I think mothers who are not sure how to talk to their daughters should buy this book and let it do the talking for them.