GROWING UP

This informative and direct book for pre-pubescent girls discusses everything they’ll want to know about—periods, bras, tampons, breasts, cramps, etc.—in an age-appropriate manner. Jukes (It’s a Girl Thing, 1997, not reviewed) gives the full scoop to girls on what to expect when their bodies begin changing. Her engaging style tells girls that “just because something’s private doesn’t mean it’s secret. It’s reassuring to talk and think and read about things to do with growing up.” The information is candid and comforting, with an early description of her mother’s matter-of-fact approach to menstruation and sponge bathing setting the tone. Readers learn about puberty, shopping for a bra, how to send a father out to buy sanitary pads, and a host of topics to help them navigate the awkward pre-teen years. Jukes’s common sense extends to many aspects of girls’ health, reminding them to take good care of their bodies, eat well, and relax—there is plenty of time to think and learn about growing up. (b&w illustrations, index, not seen) (Nonfiction. 9-12)