 |
Books
Books for Girls:
Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret, by Judy Blume, 1972
The 8th best selling children's book of all time and it is still a hot seller, for girls 9 - 12. It is a wonderful novel about an eleven-going-on-twelve year old girl, with the normal thoughts that every girl has but are never mentioned in books, such as, it is normal for girls to wonder when they will get their periods, what it will feel like, or if they will ever get it if they are older than other friends who have started their periods. Every woman who read this book as a girl remembers it vividly and feels it made a profound impression on her.Sweet Secrets, Stories about Menstruation, by Kathleen O'Grady and Paula Wansbrough.
For girls 9 - 12 - your cycle, your period, your friend, your monthly visitor, your sweet secret, your private advancement into adulthood, a rite of passage celebrated in many cultures. A combination technical manual about your period and short stories about girls having their first periods.
The Period Book, Everything you don't want to ask but need to know, by Karen Gravelle, Jennifer Gravelle and Debbie Palen.
Warm and positive, this user friendly book gives girls 9 - 12 the facts about menstruation and puberty. And it addresses many private worries that girls may have a hard time talking about and offers truly practical tips that most girls had to find out the hard way.
Now you've Got Your Period, by Ellen Voelchers Mahoney.
Highly recommended for girls 8 - 12 years old who are wondering what they are going through.
Girl Stuff: A Survival Guide to Growing Up, by Margaret Blackstone, Elissa Haden Guest, Barbara Pollak
For girls 9 - 12 years old. Menstruation, peer pressure, zits, emotional roller coasters, health and "what you never wanted anyone to know you want to know about sex." Sexual orientation is addressed openly and with a liberal attitude.Woman Spirit: A Menarche Myth Teaching and Celebrating Young Women Coming of Age, An Audio Cassette by Pamela Chubback.
For girls 9 - 12, it explains what is happening to their bodies, hearts and minds and includes traditions from Native American cultures. Joyfully fills the gap for all girls and women who need nourishment for their souls.
What's Happening to my Body? Book for Girls: A growing up Guide for Parents and Daughters, by Linda Madaris, Area Madaris, Simon Sullivan, Jackie Aner, Martin Anderson.
Straight talk on the menstrual cycle, reproductive organs, breasts, emotional changes, puberty in boys, body hair, pimples, masturbation and all the other fun, scary, and interesting things that go along with growing up. For girls 9 - 12.What You've Always Wanted to Know About Your "." (Let's talk about life), by Susie Shellenberger, editor, 1996.
For girls 9 - 12.
Rites of Passage, by Linda M. Laflamme, MS
A book that every mother or father, grandmother, aunt and mentor will want to give the special young woman 9 - 12 in their lives. It will help her look forward with respect and awe to her approaching womanhood. The book celebrates womanhood and the special event of menarche.
Growing Up, It's a Girl Thing: Straight talk about first bras, first periods, and your changing body, by Mavis Jukes and Debbie Tilley, 1998.
A book for girls 9 - 12 that reviewers on Amazon suggest reading to your daughter and discussing.
For Girls Only: Wise Words, Good Advice, by Carol Weston
Answers to hundreds of questions from girls about friends to periods to body image. Up-beat, down-to-earth, sympathetic and understanding answers. Great ideas and advice on friendship, life, and love. Helps girls develop confidence, be proud to be different and treat friends and family better. Quotes are awesome and inspiring.
The Girl's Guide to Life: How to Take Change of the Issues That Affect You. , by Catherine Dee, New York, NY, Little, Brown & Co. 1997
This is a great book for girls 8 to 16. In an interesting and friendly style, the author writes that typical feminine characteristics such as silence in the classroom, insecurity about appearance, and intimidation about sports or science are not the irrevocable fate of being female but simply the result of growing up in a society that maintains a deep-seated bias against girls and women. She uses teen-magazine-style chapters to illuminate these biases: what they are, how to recognize them, and how to change them. Each chapter explores the facts of a particular issue, such as sexism in the media, then personalizes that issue through boxed, multi-cultural, first-person narratives and poetry , comic strips, anecdotes, and quizzes. She provides extensive lists of related books, videos, pamphlets, and organizations that will help give girls their bearings. But one of the book's highlights is it's activist feature, "Things to Do," that shows how to respond with sample letters, organizations to join, and other ways to kick the passive stereotype good-bye. A bibliography of resources for parents and teachers, source notes, and an index are appended.The Girl's Book of Wisdom: Empowering, Inspirational Quotes from over 400 Fabulous Females , by Catherine Dee, 1999
For girls 11 - 18. Have you ever wondered what your favorite role model would do in your situation? Now you can find out from Maya Angelou, Eleanor Roosevelt or Miss Piggy. The book is loaded with motivational and witty quotes on just about everything.
Girls Speak Out, Finding Your True Self, by Andrea Johnston, New York, NY: Scholastic Press, 1997
Following the format of her national workshops, Andrea Johnston offers strategies for coping with adolescence. Through poetry and stories written by girls who have participated in the Girls Speak Out program, excerpts from the works of accomplished women writers, images of women throughout the ages and much more, girls are encouraged to explore and express themselves. This book can be enjoyed tremendously by girls, 8 to 15, and women and men who want to truly understand what it feels like to be a girl. It has a strong multi-cultural aspect with stories and experiences shared by girls of many ethnicities.Girltalk: All the Stuff Your Sister Never Told You , by Carol Weston, 1997
For girls 11 - 18 years old. Body, friendship, love, sex, family, money, education, smoking and lots of fun quizzes to help you get to know you.Private and Personal: Questions and Answers for Girls Only, by Carol Weston.
For girls 11 - 16. Dedicated to every girl who thought she was alone, the writer responds to 100's of girls who are struggling with questions they can't bear to ask anyone else about their families, their bodies, friendships and just the all around challenge of growing up today.
Tell Me This Isn't Happening, by Robynn Clairday
For girls 9 - 12 years old. Hilarious to painful, a collection of true stories from interviews with kids throughout America with advice about dealing with embarrassment and finding grace under pressure.The Girl's Book of Love: True Stories, Love Poems, Cool Quotes, Awesome Advice and More, by Catherine Dee, 2002.
Fun, lots of information for girls 11 - 18. Quotes facts and opinions that will help girls figure out how to stay true to themselves while loving someone else.
The Girl's Book of Friendship: Cool Quotes, True Stories, Secrets and More, by Catherine Dee, 2001.
Lots of famous women share what it takes to make and keep friends. Inspiring. From Oprah Winfrey to Madonna to Helen Keller to everyday teens. For girls 11 - 18.
The Girl's Life Guide to Growing Up (The Girl's Life Series) by Karen Bokram, Alexis Sinex and Debbie Palen
Hip, honest and streetsmart guide to growing up for girls 9 - 12. A collection of the best advice from the editers of Girl's Life Magazine.
GirlWise: How to be confident, capable, cool, and in control., by Julia Devillers.
The ultimate teen Girl Bible for girls 12 - 18. Tips on getting a job, improving self-esteem, embracing your creativity, making your own web site, and a contribution by me, co-creator of the First Moon kit, on how to go about getting a letter of recommendation.
Be True to Yourself: A Daily Guide for Teenage Girls, by Amanda Ford and Shannon Berning.
A guide to help girls 12 - 18 years old learn to listen to their inner voices and think for themsleve. The author is in her early twenties. Girls will find comfort, encouragement, and insight in these pages, along with suggestions for articulating and confiding their feelings, fears and frustrations.
Every Girl Tells a Story: A Celebration of Girls Speaking Their Own Minds, by Carolyn Jones, 2002.
For girls 9 - 12 years old. Over 80 girls tell their stories, with stunning black and white photos and the girls telling their own stories in their own words. They talk about volunteer work, family, illness, racism, sports, education, homelessness, divorce and their own remarkable accomplishments. A collaboration with the Girl Scouts.
The Right Moves: A Girl's Guide to Getting Fit and Feeling Good, by Tina Schwager, Michele Schwager, Elizabeth Verdick and Mike Gordon.
For girls 12 - 18, advice and information for the teen years. In an upbeat tone, authors address self-esteem, eating right, and exercise. Quizzes, quotes, facts, and suggestions. Keeps readers engaged.
Taking Charge of my Mind and Body: A Girl's Guide to Outsmarting Alcohol, Drugs, Smoking and Eating Problems, by Jeanne Engelman and Marie Olofsdotter.
For girls 12 - 18.
Books for Moms, Dads, and others who want to understand or help girls:
Herring, Lucinda, Celebration of the Maiden, Isabella, 2780 Via Orange Way, Suite B, Spring Valley, CA 91978
Celebrating Girls: Nurturing and Empowering Our Daughters, by Virginia Beane Rutter, Conari Press 1996
This is a wonderful guide for helping girls develop a sense of deep pride at being female. The book is filled with suggestions for making a girl feel special and ways to help her develop all aspects of herself from the time she is very small through her teen years. It's focus, however, is primarily on American caucasian girls. There is a great chapter on the bonding opportunities with hair brushing within which it would have been nice to include some stories about hair weaving in the African American culture.
Slayton, Tamara. Little Cycle Celebration Book, Reclaiming the Menstrual Matrix, Womankind Publications, P.O. Box 1775, Sebastapol, CA 95473
Slayton, Tamara. Reclaiming the Menstrual Matrix, Womankind Publications, P.O. Box 1775, Sebastapol, CA 95473
All of the women and girls impacted by Tamara Slayton's pioneering work in honoring and celebrating a girls first menstruation and her profound work with womens' entire fertility cycle are saddened by her death by cancer on June 30, 2003. She was a brilliant, compassionate, and courageous woman.
The Seven Sacred Rites of Menarche: The Spiritual Journey of the Adolescent Girl, by Kristi Meisenbach Boylan
Comprehensive, spiritually and psychologically positive guide for the process of a girls' journey through puberty.
Menarche: The Phusiological, Psychological, and Social Effects of the Onset of Menstruation, by Sharon Golub 1983
The Heritage Answers for Women, A Guide to Menstruation, by Elga Stoddard 1998
The author says that the information provided has been passed down through many generations. She is the mother of six and a grandmother and grateful to share with other women the secrets revealed in this book.
From Menarche to Menopause: Reproductive Lives of Peasant Women in Two Cultures, by Yewoubdar Beyene
Combining historic and contemporary data from the community of Pohnpei in Micronesia, Fitzgerald provides an ethnography of reproduction-related experiences. This study explores menarche, pregnancy, childbirth, the postpartum period, and menopause in one Pacific Island society experiencing significant culture change.
Slut! Growing Up Female with a Bad Reputation, by Leora Tanenbaum
50 women are interviewed from different ethnic bachgrounds, ages and economic status who were labeled as sluts in high school. The challenges they faced and the harm of societies double standard are chronicled.
Odd girl Out: The Hidden Culture of Aggression in Girls, by Rachel Simmons 2002
Lacking cultural permission to acknowledge conflict, girls develop a hidden culture of silent and indirect aggression. Simmons examines how such alternative aggression where girls use their relationship with the victim as a weapon flouishes and its harmful effects. She interviewed more than 300 girls in both urban and rural areas.
Queen Bees and Wannabes: Helping Your Daughter Survive Cliques, Gossip, Boyfriends, and Other Realities of Adolescence, by Rosalind Wiseman, 2002
A guide for parents to help undertand their daughters' friendships, the power of cliques and more. She also challenges parents to recognize their own biases and remember what it was like to be a teen. The author also forthrightly addresses the issue of homosexuality.
Fast Girls: Teenage Tribes and the Myth of the Slut, by Emily White
In depth look at the girls who were labeled high school sluts and the culture that perpetuates the myth. White reveals how the archetype of the slut relects our society's attitudes toward sex, women, and the outsider.
Embracing Persephone: How to be the Mother You Want for the Daughter You Cherish, by Virginia Beane Rutter
An insightful book for mothers who will find in these inspired pages a wealth of information and guidance to help their daughters develop a sense of deep pride at being female.
Girl in the Mirror: Mothers and Daughters in the Years of Adolescence, by Peg Streep Snyderman
Practical methods to help mothers nurture a pattern of appropriate openness, trust, and respect with their maturing daughters. The writer brings together real life stories with research.
The Secret Lives of Girls: What Good Girls Really Do - Sex Play, Aggression, and Their Guilt, by Sharon Lamb
She writes: "Let girl's be girls. I want to be able to free girls and women to take off the shimmering costume of a femininity that equals goodness to acknowledge all aspects of being human" Lamb interviewed 125 girls and women resulting in a groundbreaking guide for parents to assist girls in accepting theri sexual and aggressive feelings.
A Time To Celebrate, A Celebration of a Girl's First Menstrual Period, by Joan Morais.
105 Ways to Celebrate Menstruation, by Kami McBride
First Moon: Celebration and Support for a Girl's Growing-Up Journey, by Maureen Theresa Smith.
Books for Women:
Blessings of the Blood: A Book of Menstrual Lore and Rituals for Women, by Celu Amberston, Victoria, B.C.: Beach Holme, 1991
This was the first book we read in our search for a ceremony for our daughter. It was a warm and wonderful experience to read such a positive description of menstruation.Rites of Passage: The Pagan Wheel of Life, by Pauline Campanelli, St. Paul, Minnesota: Llewellyn Publications, 1994
A collection of celebratory rites from varying cultures as far apart in time and space as the ancient Egyptians are from the Bulgarians. The breadth of coverage makes this a suitable book for most any tradition, group, or solitary practitioner. The rites discussed commemorate important moments on the wheel of life from birth through death and include ceremonies for important events such as initiation into a coven, a girl's first period, or the handfasting of two people embarking on a life together.I am Woman by Rite, A Book of Women's Rituals, by Nancy Brady Cunningham, York Beach, Maine: Samuel Weiser, Inc., 1995
This book reads like a conversation with a dear friend/teacher whogives yu an understanding of ritual from a woman's perspective. Nancy's style is gentle yet strong...her knowledge of ritual is excellent. She teaches how ritual can be used for many things in our lives and how our own personalities dictate what the ritual can be...no right or wrong. She gives permission to do what we need, to ask for what we want, and to celebrate ourselves and the Goddess freely.The Wisdom of Menopause: Creating Physical and Emotional Health and Healing During the Change, by Christiane Northrup
Blood, Bread and Roses: How Menstruation Created the World, by Judy Grahn, Beacon Press, 1994
This book is a must read for every woman who has always wanted to know the real history of women and menstruation. So many (male) anthropologists write about menstrual seclusion and menarchal rites of passage as negative banishment rather than menstrual seclusion as a welcome rest from chores and a pleasant way to spend time with female companions to drink tea and talk. Detailed menarchal ceremonies were connected to weddings and training young women in sacred lore. She provides solid documentation to the idea that seclusion rites and menstrual practices were perhaps created by and for women.
Honoring Menstruation: A Time of Self-Renewal, by Lara Owen, The Crossing Press, Freedom, California, 1999 (originally published in 1993 by Harper San Francisco under the title: Her Blood is Gold)Lara's Owen's book, "Honoring Menstruation" is a revised, updated and expanded edition of her brilliant and masterful earlier book, "Her Blood is Gold." "Honoring Menstruation" offers the reader a profound perspective on the role of menstruation in the life of women and society. It is a well-researched, beautifully crafted and elegant book. It explores the physical, emotional, spiritual and practical dimensions of menstruation and provides a new and powerful view on this still taboo topic. Owen's book is a classic and a must read for every woman and every man who wishes to understand this powerful part of feminine life. Her book changes lives. You will never look at menstruation in the same way again. Owen's book shows women how to use their menstrual cycle to nourish, restore and balance themselves physically and spiritually by embracing the three phases of menstruation: releasing, emptying, and wisdom. She explores the role of PMS and menstrual cramps and offers new meanings and solutions to these experiences. Everyone should read this innovative, thoughtful and powerful book. A major contribution.
Casting the Circle, A Women's Book of Ritual, by Diane Stein, Freedom, California: The Crossing Press, 1996
A book on women's spirituality, with some very good rituals, including a menarche ritual, and explanations behind the holy days in Wiccan spirituality. This is an excellent book to learn about structuring and planning solitary and group rituals.Red Flower: Rethinking Menstruation, by Dena Taylor, Freedom, California: The Crossing Press, 1988
This is one of the very best books I have found about menarche, menstruation, and menstruation. It flows easily, with a mix of facts, profound thoughts, stories and poems. This book debunks the myths and prejudices surrounding the natural process of menstruation. It is an informative introduction to menstruation for young girls but also full of important information for women. It has many cross-cultural perspectives, with lovely stories of the celebrations of menarche practiced by other cultures.
Women's Rituals: A Sourcebook, by Barbara Walker, San Francisco, CA: Harper Collins, 1990 A beginner's practical guide to celebrating feminist spirituality, offering advice, procedures, and suggestions for group or individual rituals.From Menarche to Menopause: Reproductive Lives of Peasant Women in Two Cultures, by Yewoubdar Beyene
Landis, Shirley, Falling off the Roof: American Women Discuss Menarche, Menstruation & Menopause, Honeybrook, PA USA (Blue Sky Farms, 1020 N. Manor Rd. 19344)
Wolfe, Naomi, Promiscuities, New York, NY: Random House, 1997
Please e-mail me at brooke@celebrategirls.com if you would like to have a reciprocal link to my web site.
If you have an event that you would like to mention here, please email: brooke@celebrategirls.com. I will happily display it. Be sure to put the city, state and country.