Growing Up: It's a Girl Thing
Grade 4-8-A slimmed-down version of Jukes's It's a Girl Thing (Knopf, 1996) that explores puberty firsts such as bras and periods. The author imparts the essential information vital to a young woman's early development. Speaking with the sensitivity of an older, trusted sister, Jukes assures readers that the changes, or lack of, in their bodies are perfectly normal. She covers body hair and shaving, perspiration and deodorant, and how to buy your first bra. The second half of the book is devoted to what to expect and how to plan for your first period. Jukes details the pros and cons of pads and tampons and gives practical, safe advice for alleviating cramps. Sexual intercourse is defined as an activity for adults and used to describe the reproductive organs. Sexual activity in teenagers and birth control are not covered. The narration has an easy, comfortable voice and imparts accurate and important information while assuring readers that they can still be children even though they've entered puberty.Katie O'Dell Madison, Multnomah County Library, Portland, ORCopyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.