E-book
Girling up : how to be strong, smart and spectacular
Record details
- ISBN: 0399548629
- ISBN: 9780399548628
- ISBN: 9780399548604
- ISBN: 0399548602
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Physical Description:
remote
1 online resource - Publisher: New York, NY : Penguin Young Readers Group, 2017.
Content descriptions
| Formatted Contents Note: | Introduction -- How our bodies work -- How we grow -- How we learn -- How we love -- How we cope -- How we matter. |
| Source of Description Note: | Title detail screen (OverDrive, viewed May 15, 2017). |
Search for related items by subject
| Genre: | Electronic books. |
Electronic resources
- AudioFile Reviews : AudioFile Reviews 2017 November
Mayim Bialik--actor, neuroscientist, and author, who is best known for her role in "The Big Bang Theory"--takes a break to present listeners with her latest title. Bialik's tone holds a sincere note as she moves from factual and scientific to honest and vulnerable in the blink of an eye as she openly addresses girls about the challenges and triumphs of becoming a woman. While navigating a variety of topics, some easier to chat about than others, Bialik remains forthright and trustworthy, never skipping a beat as she moves from exposition to personal memories. Though many topics would seem to call for an earnest tone, Bialik brings her sense of humor into the mix, encouraging laughter and maintaining a lightheartedness that her young listeners are sure to appreciate. V.C. © AudioFile 2017, Portland, Maine - Booklist Reviews : Booklist Reviews 2017 May #2
Bialik gives an appealing account of how a girl transforms into a young woman from a biological perspective. She may play a neurobiologist on television's The Big Bang Theory, but Bialik also has a PhD in neuroscience in real life, which lends credence and authenticity to her book. Using scientific evidence, she explains how girls' bodies grow, notes how they spend their time, gives dating and socializing advice, offers tips on how to cope with the hard stuff (like stress), and discusses how to make a difference in a significant way. Through her honest and open personal anecdotes (she states that she herself was a late bloomer), she reassures girls that they are all unique and shouldn't try to be anything but themselves. Refreshingly, the occasional black-and-white illustrations portray female body types of a more average size. Bialik is encouraging without being preachy, although at times seems a bit old-fashioned in her outlook. Still, many teens will be drawn to this engaging and useful book. Copyright 2017 Booklist Reviews. - Horn Book Guide Reviews : Horn Book Guide Reviews 2017 Fall
This volume covers changing anatomy, physical and emotional development, common setbacks, and the importance of mindfulness and responsible decision-making on the journey from child to young woman. Scientist/actor Bialik's breezy yet intimate voice addresses readers directly, and she shares both positive and negative personal experiences, underscoring her reassuring message that this wide range of physical changes and emotions is all perfectly normal. Copyright 2017 Horn Book Guide Reviews. - Kirkus Reviews : Kirkus Reviews 2017 June #1
The Blossom and Big Bang Theory star and neuroscientist covers the basics of what it means to be an adolescent girl. Readers learn how the body looks and works during puberty, with detailed illustrations of different breast sizes/types and diagrams of male and female genitalia. Also covered are the benefits of healthy food choices and finding ways to cope with stress. Many chapters offer diagrams that attempt to show how the brain and body affect learning, hormonal changes, and stress levels, along with illustrations featuring diverse body types, yoga poses for cramps, and other spot images. There are also anecdotal insights aplenty from Bialik, who left her childhood acting career to pursue neuroscience before returning to acting, along with guided self-reflections and a smattering of helpful resources. The fact is, however, there's little information in this book that most young adolescents don't already have instant access to on the internet. The overall attitude is cis- a nd heterocentric. Although Bialik briefly mentions gender presentation and fluidity, the reaffirming messages she doles out mostly cater to boy-girl relationships and gender-conforming teens, as seen in her sections on dating and practicing safe sex. Though many illustrations depict darker-skinned teens, the text avoids discussion of issues of race and diversity. These elisions let her audience down. A missed opportunity for Blossom to connect with the millennial generation. (Nonfiction. 12-14) Copyright Kirkus 2017 Kirkus/BPI Communications. All rights reserved. - Publishers Weekly Reviews : PW Reviews 2017 April #1
Combining her personal experiences and academic credentials, Bialikâtelevision star, mother of two, and neuroscientistâtackles six aspects of what she calls "girling up, " "the transition from girl to young woman." When discussing widely covered topics that include body and image, the importance of a balanced diet, exercise, and growth, Bialik adds a few noveltiesâfor example, yoga poses that relieve menstrual cramps and the introduction of mindfulness to eating and stress management. The chapters "How We Love," "How We Cope," and "How We Matter" provide greater value; they are direct, comprehensive, and emphasize the importance of taking responsibility and making choices based on knowledge and self-awareness. Unfortunately, good points are too often buried within a paragraph, and Bialik's understanding of how the brain works is underused. The book is careful to avoid judgment, conversational in tone, and filled with common sense advice, but Bialik at times harks back to her own era rather than fully addressing issuesâespecially pressing concerns such as sexting and cyberbullyingâraised by the explosion of digital technology. Ages 12âup.
Copyright 2017 Publisher Weekly.Agent: Anthony Mattero, Foundry Literary + Media. (May) - School Library Journal Reviews : SLJ Reviews 2017 June
Gr 7 UpâAccording to the author, the transition from girlhood to womanhood (which she dubs "Girling Up") is full of excitement and cause for celebration. However, along the way there are challenges, and what girls today need is reassurance. Bialik, who plays Dr. Amy Farrah Fowler on the television show The Big Bang Theory and in real life holds a doctorate in neuroscience from the University of California, provides readers with just that in this refreshing guide to female development. Topics addressed include puberty, education, romance, and goal setting. The author emphasizes the importance of girls taking charge and being comfortable with their bodies. She offers examples of how readers should deal with various issues, such as focusing in school, in a conversational manner. Peppered throughout are cartoon line drawings of girls hanging out together, demonstrating yoga poses to relieve menstrual cramps, and more. Though cute, these illustrations are often underwhelming. Ultimately, the author stresses that "Girling Up" does not end with adulthoodâit is a lifelong journey. Thanks to Bialik, readers have a road map to make this trip memorable.
Copyright 2017 School Library Journal.VERDICT Consider for large memoir and self-help collections.âJeanette Lambert, formerly at Nashville-Davidson County Schools, TN - Voice of Youth Advocates Reviews : VOYA Reviews 2017 June
The cover says it all: Bialik, dressed in a superwoman cape, leaps skyward while surrounded by drawings of music, books, light bulbs, tools, amoeba, and atoms. She describes herself as "neuroscientist, actress, and grown-up girl," all true descriptors, and shows young readers that they, too, can achieve great things. The introduction assures girls that being human is not easy, so Girling Up is Bialik's attempt to provide a "road map for being you." Written in conversational style, the book briefly covers all the basics, such as conception, genitalia (with diagrams), menstruation, hormones, diet, exercise, body types, study habits, stress, emotions, friendship, love, and planning for the future. Bialik offers herself as an example but emphasizes that other developmental choices are equally valid and appropriate. The tone remains understanding, supportive, and respectful of the reader's individuality throughout the text. The section, "How We Love," discusses teen intercourse, outlining problems that can be associated with sexual relations, while cautioning readers about the need for protection if having sexual contact. By discussing old and new ways of meeting people and the dangers associated with online romance, Bialik's book is especially helpful. The information is not new, but it is comprehensive without preaching and designed for a modern young teen or pre-teen.âLaura Woodruff. 4Q 4P M J S Copyright 2017 Voya Reviews.
