Keeping It Real

I don't have teenaged girls (or any girls, for that matter), but I have worked with them--junior high and high school. I wish I had this book when I worked with them. Heather writes with a clear and teenaged style. In this book, she addresses "gabbing, goals, and goodies." The topics may seem random, but they are the topics on every girl's mind. Boys, of course, what am I doing with my life, and what's everyone else doing with their day. She's honest but not scary. Using real-life examples, stories, and good theology in a language for girls 12-15 or 16, Heather puts it all on the table. She doesn't beat around the bush, which means that they can get into the heart of each matter quickly. It's not just "don't do this," it's "here's why you shouldn't do this." She demonstrates how doing the wrong thing can hurt you and your friends. And manages to do so without becoming preachy. As far as the "goodies" section, she reveals how guys think. My parents tried to tell me those things, but I didn't believe them. I happened to luck out in my innocence. Not every girl is so lucky. She presents their way of thinking that makes a girl go, "Oh. Really?" and then watch out for it. At least, that's how I would've reacted if I were a teenager. And let's be honest, in my mind, I'm still eighteen. I've said enough. So let's recap: this book is valuable. If you have a girl approaching twelve or if you work with teenagers, go ahead and click on that little link I provided for you. Oh, and this book is flexible. Besides being able to touch its toes, it can be used individually or as a group. Heather provides extensive study questions in the back to get the girls thinking.