Smart Girl's Guide To Boys (Turtleback School & Library Binding Edition) (American Girl Library) [School & Library Binding]

Nancy Holyoke (Author), Bonnie Timmons (Illustrator)

Book Description

Series: American Girl Library | Publication Date: September 1, 2001

THIS EDITION IS INTENDED FOR USE IN SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES ONLY.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

A Smart Girl's Guide to Boys: Surviving Crushes, Staying True to Yourself, & Other Love Stuff! by Nancy Holyoke, illus. by Bonnie Timmons, gives advice in sections called "How to tell him you like him," "Competition & jealousy" and "How to break up." Teens can read letters from girls and advice from boys as well as trying the "pop" quizzes sprinkled throughout.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

From School Library Journal

Gr 5-8-This upbeat title travels familiar ground, dispensing good advice to girls who are experiencing the first twinges of romance. The book is organized into five main sections: "Brave New World," covering crushes; "Who Likes Who" or how to let a boy know you are interested; "Life in the Fishbowl" on balancing friends and boyfriends; and "Going Together," which offers some ideas for hanging out and advice on the first kiss. The final topic, "Taking Care of You," features a quiz aimed at evaluating how girls are handling themselves in the arena of life with boys. The lively text is interspersed with quick tests and letters from girls. The overall theme, that of developing self-confidence, comes through loud and clear. The comic-book graphics, friendly fonts, and use of color will be appreciated by teens. While none of the information presented here is new, the book does a good job of covering the basics, and readers who are searching for an answer to "Does he like me?" will find help in this text.

Elaine Baran Black, Gwinnett County Public Library, Lawrenceville, GA

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 13 and up
  
• School & Library Binding: 112 pages
• Publisher: Turtleback (September 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0613500644
• ISBN-13: 978-0613500647
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 5.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (32 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,208,058 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

69 of 71 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Loving this series....., August 29, 2006

By 

D. Gilbert (Oregon) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Smart Girl's Guide to Boys (American Girl) (American Girl Library) (Paperback)

I wasn't going to get this title for my nine year old. I thought she was too young. But she REALLY wanted it, telling me, "Mom, I've had tons of crushes already!" I bought it and read it first. While I still think she's a little young for some of the information (especially the "going together" section toward the end), a lot of it was very age appropriate. Rather than just give it to her, we are reading it together. (Thankfully I have a very open and trusting daughter who doesn't get embarrassed by "growing up" issues.) I explained to her that reading about these things does not give her permission to do them.

I strongly disagree with the review on July 13, 2006. I feel that this is an empowering book for girls. It (like most of the books in this series) aids in building self esteem. I found it full of great advice, reinforcing my values and beliefs.

And, for this age group, I appreciate that it doesn't go into sexual relationships. There is a time and place for those books. I am relieved to be able to give her a book about the feelings and situations with boys that come BEFORE intimate relationships.

39 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book, June 23, 2005

By 

üüü (Grosse Pointe, MI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Smart Girl's Guide to Boys (American Girl) (American Girl Library) (Paperback)

I'm 12 and i think this is a great book for ages 10 and up. (Some say 7 and up, but I don't think 7 year-old's crushes are that "intense" and they don't really have boyfriends.) But anyway, I'm just telling what age group this book should really be.

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Book has merit for girls heading to middle school, May 5, 2009

By 

P. Curry "Mom and SW fan" (Benton, AR) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Smart Girl's Guide to Boys (American Girl) (American Girl Library) (Paperback)

After reading the comments by Christian reviewers I felt compelled to share some thoughts. I am Christian but I don't find fault with this book. First, I read the book to see what is in it. It doesn't go beyond holding hands or kissing and points out that kissing is something personal and private. I think parents need to consider their own daughter and their own morals to decide if the book is appropriate. If it is, at what age is it appropriate?

I found that for my almost 12 year old who is headed to middle school next fall it's time to deal with these issues. Most of the book is completely acceptable and I intend to discuss behaviors and ideas that I think are too mature with my daughter. It's a good way to open discussion and to provide common ground for us to talk about things when it comes time for her first dance, etc.

The book isn't anti Christian it just doesn't deal with religion--Christian or Jewish or Muslim etc. The religious ideals can come from parents! Every little girl isn't Christian. I suspect that even within "Christian" groups there are differences between Methodist, Baptist, Catholic etc. and within those denominations I suspect there are differences between individual churches and individual families.

The book is well written (for the tween/teen audience), colorful and deals thoughtfully with the issues. I think it's got a place on my daughter's shelf.