The Big Book of Girl Stuff
Grade 4–8—This funny follow-up toThe 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, GACopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.