Both my 13 year-old daughter, Aoife, and I liked the look of Teentalk for Girls – Body changes which is attractively presented to appeal to young teens.
However, starting to read the book, I was disappointed by the use of “cool” language, for example “Don’t worry, ‘cos every little thing is gonna be alright”.
I thought this might be me showing my middle age, but luckily my daughter also found it grating.
The content was no more encouraging. It’s hard to imagine what age range this book is aimed at.
The early chapters cover body changes which start for many girls from around age ten, or even younger, but then includes a section on dealing with unwanted body-hair, which I don’t think any of us want our ten year-old daughters considering!
It also bizarrely states that periods begin from around age 12 to 14, which does not reflect the experience of girls today.
My daughter found Body Changes reassuring in its discussion of how everyone is different, but I dissuaded her from reading the entire book, as some of it is distinctly odd.
In the event of a “lost” tampon it suggests (admittedly among other advice) asking a best friend to help retrieve it. This seems to be asking the friend to go beyond the call of duty!
The “Together Forever” chapter also features a section on breast augmentation, the tone of which was that this might be a good idea for some people: I think my 13 year-old can do without that suggestion!
In summary, Body Changes is a strange book, appearing to be aimed at girls who have yet to start puberty, but are interested in hair removal and breast augmentation!
TeenTalk for Girls Body Changes is published by Bonnier Books at £3.99.