When I was offered this book- Girling Up: How To Be Strong, Smart and Spectacular - to review I was hesitant. I wasn't sure it would align with my beliefs on the subject of puberty and sex. You see I come from a very conservative upbringing and we hold a lot of those standards in our home. I shared a post some time ago on resources I used to talk birds and bees with my sons but I didn't really have any recommendations for just girls. I guess that might have something to do with being a all-boy mom.
I approached this book slightly critical. I was looking for the things that might make parents cringe. What I found was something very different. Bialik comes across as a caring friend on the pages. She shares historical facts and current thoughts on hot topics. I found this refreshing. She focused on building girls confidence.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
What does it mean to be a girl in today's world? Using her own experiences as an actress, scientist, and writer, TV star Mayim Bialik talks directly to teens about everything from first kisses and first periods to rocky friendships, family responsibilities, and figuring out your true passion.
Growing up as a girl in today's world is no easy task. There are pressures of family, friends, romantic interests, and school, not to mention changing bodies, evolving social circles, and shifting views on the world.
Using stories, interviews, personal anecdotes, and facts, Mayim Bialik, the star of The Big Bang Theory, talks directly to teens about what it means to grow from a girl to a woman biologically, psychologically, and sociologically. Mayim takes the tone of a cool, smart aunt and uses her own experiences to illustrate her points.
In five sections (How Our Bodies Work; How We Love; How We Spend Our Time; How We Cope; and How We Matter), she takes a look at what it means for girls to come of age today, how can they take control of their paths, and what can they do to help shape the types of futures they want for themselves.
Using stories, interviews, personal anecdotes, and facts, Mayim Bialik, the star of The Big Bang Theory, talks directly to teens about what it means to grow from a girl to a woman biologically, psychologically, and sociologically. Mayim takes the tone of a cool, smart aunt and uses her own experiences to illustrate her points.
In five sections (How Our Bodies Work; How We Love; How We Spend Our Time; How We Cope; and How We Matter), she takes a look at what it means for girls to come of age today, how can they take control of their paths, and what can they do to help shape the types of futures they want for themselves.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:Mayim Bialik is best known as Amy Farrah Fowler on America’s #1 comedy, The Big Bang Theory, a role for which she has received four Emmy nominations and a Critics’ Choice Award. She also starred in the early-1990s sitcom Blossom. Mayim earned a BS from UCLA in Neuroscience and Hebrew and Jewish studies, and went on to earn a PhD from UCLA in Neuroscience. She is the author of Beyond the Sling and Mayim’s Vegan Table.
Mayim founded GrokNation.com in 2015 as a platform for sharing her writing on everything from religious observance to women’s issues to politics to maintaining modesty in Hollywood. She seeks to present herself as a normal, imperfect mom trying to make everything run smoothly in a world that often feels out of her control. Mayim lives in Los Angeles with her strong, smart, spectacular sons.
You can visit Mayim Bialik at groknation.com and follow her on Twitter and Instagram @MissMayim. Watch her videos at youtube.com/mayimbialik.
Mayim founded GrokNation.com in 2015 as a platform for sharing her writing on everything from religious observance to women’s issues to politics to maintaining modesty in Hollywood. She seeks to present herself as a normal, imperfect mom trying to make everything run smoothly in a world that often feels out of her control. Mayim lives in Los Angeles with her strong, smart, spectacular sons.
You can visit Mayim Bialik at groknation.com and follow her on Twitter and Instagram @MissMayim. Watch her videos at youtube.com/mayimbialik.
My Thoughts:
This book covers puberty and all that entails. It gives the biology of both male and female. It also covers what sex is. Not gory details but the basic facts including sexual transmitted diseases and consent. It doesn't shame any choices but gives clear thoughts on caring about yourself to choose well. It frankly states that sex can lead to pregnancy and that the only way to 100% prevent pregnancy is to abstain. This is a much needed sentiment in today's world. It didn't say you couldn't have sex but it did make sure to cover the maturity needed to engage. I felt like it was done well. This would be the perfect chapter for parent's who want to teach their children their religious ideas to talk to their child and share thoughts.
This book wasn't just about puberty and sex. It also talked about being healthy and making healthy choices with diet and exercise. It explained mental health and talked about education. I really liked that this was all included because there is so much more to growing up than just learning about your body's biology and sex.
Conservative parents - you might want to read this one to your child or read it first. I would definitely encourage discussion with your child reading this book (or any like this.) There was a brief paragraph about transgenderism but even that was handled well - mostly explaining what it is. I felt it was relevant to the chapter and current with our society. (Feel free to email me if you have any questions - I'll do my best to answer them.)
Overall, I think this book is pretty valuable to teens. It has such a positive focus. Making sure that the reader knows they are valued and worthy. Giving inspiration and encouragement. I loved watching Mayim Bailik, Phd on Blossom all those years ago. She helped me in my teen years and with this book she is continuing helping to educate and inspire teenage girls.
WIN WIN WIN
One lucky reader will win a copy of Girling Up!
ARupLife.com received product, press or compensation to facilitate this review. This post may contain affiliate links, which means that by clicking on an affiliate link I may receive a small amount of money. We only give our honest opinions of products. This post is in accordance with the FTC 10 CFR, Part 255 concerning the use, endorsements or testimonials in advertising.
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