Guidance on Tapping Into That Girl Power

The girls’ empowerment movement is one of the most positive public health trends in the country these days, and the multitude of health books for girls is proof. It’s possible to find a good book for a girl on almost any aspect of physical or psychological health.

Some of the latest offerings include two new books from Pleasant Co., which has set the standard for girls’ health with its American Girl magazine and library of books. “Good Sports” is a delightful guide to the real world of sports participation. It offers girls instruction on how to avoid injury, get along with teammates and maintain a good attitude. Mini-profiles of pro athletes, like soccer star Julie Foudy, are interspersed throughout.

Pleasant Co.’s book on divorce for girls, “Help!,” continues the company’s tradition of not skirting around tough issues. It explains just what happens in a divorce, and addresses the typical problems girls experience, such as telling friends about the divorce, dealing with parents’ anger toward each other and coping with living arrangements when parents remarry. The book manages to deal with sad topics while maintaining a warm and reassuring tone.

Both books are meant for ages 8 to 12.

“Deal With It!” is a beautifully designed book about growing up that is best suited for older teens. The book, from the creators of Gurl.com (https://www.gurl.com), a Web site for teen girls, deals frankly with body issues, sex, substance abuse, relationships and violence. While the book offers solid information and thoughtful advice, parents will want to look it over thoroughly before deciding whether their girls are mature enough to handle the content.

Catherine Dee’s new book of quotations, “The Girls’ Book of Wisdom,” offers “pearls of wisdom” from accomplished women. The quotes may give girls ideas about how to handle feelings, overcome challenges and build relationships. It’s a book most preteens would enjoy.

“Before She Gets Her Period,” by Glendale Community College psychology professor Jessica B. Gillooly, centers on the concept that parents need to begin talking about major life changes, such as puberty and menstruation, well before they actually happen. Most girls are frightened by the physical changes that occur in puberty unless they are prepared. This book will give parents advice on how to make the topic of menstruation easy to discuss.