Beacon Street Girls

My eldest niece is 11 ... going on 15. During a recent trip to the bookstore, she immediately went to the teen section in search of a book she wanted. To my dismay, on the cover of the book was a picture of teenagers kissing, raising the concern that this book, and others like it, might be a bit mature for her.

I know, I'm trying to hold onto my nieces' youth and innocence as long as I can! But I figure it can't hurt to encourage her to read books that don't involve make-out scenes.

The Beacon Street Girls is a series of books for tween girls. The books relate to issues preteen girls can relate to without delving into more mature teen topics. Here's a note from the author, Annie Bryant:

"The Beacon Street Girls books are inspired by all the preteen girls I've ever known. I wanted to create a world where girls can go to have fun and learn about who they are, while modeling real-life experiences. The first book, Worst Enemies/Best Friends, explores creating and testing friendships, skewed first impressions, and being the new kid at school. In the end, true friendship conquers all. Welcome to the world of the BSG!"

The Beacon Street Girls also have a website tweens will enjoy. beaconstreetgirls.com  has games, a journal, and talk, based on the girls from the books. Regarding body image, the site stresses staying healthy, and playing sports. A parent's e-mail address is required for sign-up and parents can cancel at any time.

This is one I will share with my nieces to see if they will enjoy!

Girls Rule!

There’s no denying girls are growing up faster these days, and they’re being inundated by the media and their peers with negative messages about the way they should look and the way they should act. How can we combat those messages and remind the girls we love to stay true to themselves?

I’ve been searching for ways to reinforce that message for my young nieces, through books and movies with positive female protagonists and inspirational quotes.

I came across a book called “Girls Rule” by Ashley Rice.

The one you see here is the updated edition and it’s a slim book full of positive writings, poems and fun drawings just for girls. There are several other books in the series, narrated by Penelope J. Miller, with themes of following your dream and believing in yourself. Other titles include: "You Go Girl... Keep Dreaming" and "You Are an Amazing Girl: A Very Special Book About Being You and Making Your Dreams Come True."

I gave this book to my niece “Hannah” for her eleventh birthday and she LOVES it. I bought myself a copy so we can talk about it and share our favorite parts. I hope that perhaps it will be a springboard for some fun and insightful conversations.

“Girls Rule” covers uniqueness, courage, friendship and handling change. This is just the thing I was looking for. I will be checking out other books by Ashley Rice as future gift possibilities! You can check out her website here: http://www.ashleyrice.com/