From School Library Journal
Grade 4–8—This funny follow-up to
The Big Book of Boy Stuff (Gibbs Smith, 2004) is chock-full of hints and guidance. From the silly ("Why boys smell so bad") to the slightly serious ("Lies, Mean Girls, and Jerks"), it will have readers thumbing through the volume again and again. The author keeps the mood light and the sections short and sweet. Though the organization appears a bit random with an opening chapter about babysitting and the glossary of "cool" tween speak stuck in the middle, the text does have a good flow. As the extensive bibliography demonstrates, King has done his research. Growing up is a challenge, and his hip handbook is a resource not only for girls, but parents as well. The volume has amusing illustrations and a reversible cover for sneaky in-school reading. While the information presented can be found in other books, the author's sense of humor and lighthearted approach make this one accessible to a wide range of readers.—
Elaine Baran Black, Gwinnett County Public Library, Lawrenceville, GA Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Review
"Girls will linger over these pink pages brimming with cartoons and step-by-step instructions." --
Publishers WeeklyA must-have for preteen girls: It's funny and informative on everything from friendship to food and dieting. --
Parenting magazineBart King is my new hero. On the surface, his books might look like they're getting by on being similar to the ubiquitous Dangerous Book for Boys. King's pocket guides-with illustrations of paper airplanes, Chuck Taylors, and a slingshot on their covers-do cash in on that kind of scrappy retro charm. But these books are something entirely different. These books are hilarious. And informative-if you want to know how to get the best of your nemesis or play toilet tag. What makes these special is not only that they're well-written, well-designed, and funny, but also that they present information that is actually new and actually useful (again, useful to the sorts of people who like to play toilet tag). A few tantalizing sample tastes: From The Pocket Guide to Mischief: "You'll need some cream cheese. First, roll the deodorant out maybe half an inch . . ." From The Pocket Guide to Games: "Fill several balloons with water, and hang one from a tree . . ." From The Pocket Guide to Boy Stuff: "Here are two hand-grenade designs that you can use that won't start a fire . . ." If these don't seem gender-neutral enough, and you have a daughter who is into this kind of thing, rest assured that Bart King also has girl versions: The Big Book of Girl Stuff gracefully and barely touches on puberty, but includes plenty of pranks, code names, and hijinx for kids who like bright pink more than baseballs on the covers of their books. Should someone you know be interested, visit the author's web site: www.bartking.net. It includes video clips illustrating some of the guides' proposed activities! (Katy Killilea
Kidoinfo )
Culturally fascinating. --
The Seattle Times, September 26, 2006King uses cartoons, graphics, and a delightfully wacky tone to hook his young readers. --
The Oregonian, September 24, 2006Original, refreshing, and absolutely perfect for girls.... filled with advice that is positively relevant for middle and young adult readers --
Children's LiteratureThe Big Book of Girl Stuff can help girls solve their problems. --
Chicago Tribune, March 6, 2007The Big Book of Girl Stuff is full of everything from first-crush advice to a chapter on Mean Girls -- and the question: Have you ever been one? It's the kind of pop reference girlfriends will want to share after school and on sleepovers. --
Detroit Free Press, September 1, 2006This funny [book] will have readers thumbing through the volume again and again. --
School Library Journal, December 2006 This funny [book] will have readers thumbing through the volume again and again. The author's sense of humor and lighthearted approach make this one accessible to a wide range of readers. --
School Library Journal