Girlstuff: A Survival Guide to Growing Up
Margaret Blackstone and Elissa Haden Guest

This is easily one of the best "growing up" books for girls I've ever read. The authors spoke clearly and factually, and were very comprehensive. Not only did they cover the physical changes girls will experience both inside and outside their bodies, but they also touched on some of the other issues girls face during puberty, including acne, peer pressure, emotional fluctuations and self defense. I read it cover to cover - I couldn't put it down. Every public library should carry this book, and parents should be encouraged to purchase it for their children.

That said, it must be pointed out to school librarians that this book, like many other quality books on this topic, does include nude illustrations. There are no photographs, and the illustrations are only to show what's being discussed and are mainly clinical, but different environments (and principals!) will tolerate different things. I plan to share this with our health teacher and then put it in the collection. Highly Recommended.