My Feet Aren't Ugly: A Girl's Guide to Loving Herself from the Inside Out

"My Feet Aren't Ugly," guides the young reader to understand and gain self-esteem through affirmation and self-reflection. Debra's book allows space for the reader to get to know themselves better through journaling and self-reflection. The young reader will develop skills in areas such as creative thinking, positive thinking, understanding the importance of their health and goal setting. An excellent read that is also a great tool for all parents, teacher's and counselors. Michelle Rossi author of All About Me Contributing author in Chicken Soup for the Kid's Soul2 Contributing author in Chicken Soup for the American Idol Soul Contributing author in Chicken Soup for the Child's Soul.

This book/journal is designed to boost the self-confidence of teen girls and I think it does a very good job. Every girl teen suffers from other teen girls gossiping about them and this book helps you to just ignore those things. Also, it helps you learn to overcome your fears and worries; it tells you why you fear those things and gives you tips on how to overcome those fears. It gives you clear advice on how to avoid drugs and there is also a chapter about teen suicide; if you are on the edge of suicide, it gives you a telephone number and websites that will help you overcome your suicidal urges. This book makes you feel good about yourself and helps you stop focussing on all the negative things.

Author Debra Beck shares her experience in serving as a mentor to teenaged girls in My Feet Aren't Ugly: A Girl's Guide To Loving Herself From The Inside Out, a self-help and self-esteem guide written especially for young women. Chapters cover choosing friends that treat a girl right; looking after one's physical health by eating well, exercising, and getting enough sleep; the problems of drug abuse and teen suicide; the heavy price one pays for engaging in sex; and much more. "Is there a price to pay [for sex]?? YES!!! Pregnancy or getting a sexually transmitted disease (STD), having to tell the man you love and want to marry that you have had many sexual partners, that you have a sexually transmitted disease that he is going to get, and that you'll both have it for the rest of your lives! And then there's living with an STD. Absolutely there is a price to pay. Sexuality is big! It is such an important link to our self-esteem." A handful of black-and-white illustrations, as well as "think it over and journal" sections where girls can write down their thoughts on blank lines round out this helpful and encouraging guide.

Disclaimer: I know the illustrator, Maggie Anthony. Given that, when I was at her home, she shared this newly published book with me just so I could take a glance at it ... but I ended up perusing the entire book. The kind words, thoughtful manner, and adorable illustrations kept me captivated. Maggie is a great artist (I have a portrait of hers) and her honesty and candor come through in this book. A great feel-good read for any teen-age girl!

For 15 years Debra Beck has also mentored teen girls. She is the founder of Spirited Youth--an organization devoted to nurturing young women with guidance and support, and has led workshops with Girl Power. "It is important to surround ourselves with people who are trying to improve themselves," Beck says, "...they encourage us to grow and to become the best we can be." Now Beck has written a guide for pre- and early teen girls, drawing upon her personal coming-of-age experiences and also those of her daughters. The author provides a step-by-step process for building self-acceptance and developing self-esteem. Helpful chapters are devoted to such topics as how to choose friends, how to develop creativity, maintaining physical and spiritual health, overcoming fears, and lowering stress. Throughout the book the author provides pages for journaling and reflection, helping her readers stop and take the time to apply what they're learning to their own lives and their own pathways. Beck tackles the tough subjects--eating disorders, drugs, suicide, and sexual pressure--with no-nonsense advice drawn from experience and observation. She builds a strong case for helping young girls decline sexual activity, pointing out the possible risks: pregnancy, STDs, and a potential lowering of self-esteem. Beck argues that young girls should make wise choices and accept themselves. "Learning to like yourself is key: make sure you are doing things in your life that promote self-acceptance." Girls who are soon to enter their teen years, or who are early in their teens, will learn from and identify with many of the struggles and pressures the author raises. At times I felt the book was a bit thin on information--and would have benefited with a good editing, however, anything that helps teen girls have better self-images is a noble cause. I just felt the book could have done more. Armchair Interviews says: Readers will find the author to be a helpful friend and supportive mentor along the way.