The Truth (book review)
What's important to girls at age 10? Validation and being understood.These are two strong points I took from reading the book The Truth (I'm a girl, I'm smart and I know everything) by Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein, psychologist.Having a 10 year old daughter myself, I knew I'd be able to relate to this story about a young girl explaining life in her own words, via a diary-style story.
Just as it's confusing for adults, girls ages 8-12 are also confused and are trying to find a method of understanding their family, friends, and feelings.
'The Girl' that authors the diary entries of the book talks about her parents often. They fight aloud and frequently and it stumps her in trying to understand their motives. "Why would a grown-up put down someone he's supposed to love?" the girl asks herself. It inevitably ruins the day, and nothing is solved. Sometimes her immature points hit a nerve with reality.
The book is written for both parents and young girls. Mothers can have a peek into their child's hearts, while children can validate their own similar feelings.
'The Girl' includes snippets on boys, friendships, teachers, moving, body awareness, and self-confidence. It definately had me thinking, "is this what my daughter is thinking?" and made me stop and think, how am I affecting my own children with my words and actions.
Overall, I found myself nodding my head in agreement. Either because I remember myself at that age and the feelings I had, but was afraid to share with anyone. Or more due to having my own daughter who must have the same questions and feelings. Included at the end of the book is a questionnaire to ask and discuss with your child.
My daughter will be reading this book as well. I'm anxious to discuss the questions with her at the end and promoting open-lines of communication about the things that are happening in her life.
Buy your own copy of The Truth, I promise it's worth every penny!
November 21, 2008 at 5:47 AM
wow I haven't heard of this book and I am sooo intrigued. we often forget sometimes how our kids are affected about what they see in their own lives especially at home and not to mention when they go to school. I can't wait to read it!
November 21, 2008 at 6:00 AM
I am definetly going to check this book out.
November 21, 2008 at 6:11 AM
do you know if they have a book like that about "boys"? since i have 3 boys, i need all the help i can get. if you do know a book about "boys" let me know, i would love to read it:)
November 21, 2008 at 6:29 AM
Thanks- that sounds great for my 11 year old (and me!)
Tweet Ellen!!!!!!!!! (oh yeah and Vegas)
November 21, 2008 at 6:55 AM
Thanks for the review - two posts today I have read have been about books for tweens.. wonder if God is trying to tell me something??? Haven't been reading for a wee bit - hope you are doing well!!
November 21, 2008 at 7:40 AM
I loved both the women's and girl's version of this book. I've also read other titles by Dr. Barbara and always felt better about myself as a result. I'm glad I've had a tiny part in helping her promote her work.
Thanks for the great review!
Cheryl
November 21, 2008 at 7:54 AM
I haven't heard of this either, sounds good! thanks for sharing.
November 21, 2008 at 8:02 AM
sounds really interesting...I might have to check it out!
November 21, 2008 at 11:53 AM
Sounds interesting...thanks for sharing!
Love your cartoony self!
November 21, 2008 at 11:57 AM
You should start a book club - your review is great. I'm going to get the book even though I have a few years to wait until Small Fry will need it.
Merci!
November 21, 2008 at 5:44 PM
Sounds like a good book-my Mom did the same, we'd read books like this together...it really helped keep our relationship open and real through the hard years. You're a smart mama for trying to stay ahead of the game here :)
November 21, 2008 at 7:33 PM
This book sounds very interesting. My oldest is 6 and I came across the American Girl books which are very interesting so far. I will be looking into this book too. Thanks for the review.
November 21, 2008 at 10:26 PM
Another good book for anyone with a daughter is Queen Bees and WannaBees (about the social scene for girls). Takes you right back to middle school.
November 22, 2008 at 9:49 AM
You've been tagged with a meme! Check it out. It's a long one though, so only if you've got some time!