About Speak Up: A Guide to Having Your Say and Speaking Your Mind:
Middle school is a tough time for nearly everyone, but it can be especially hard on girls. Between social and cultural pressures, academic challenges, family dynamics, changing hormones, and a growing awareness of the world around them, middle school girls often end up feeling voiceless and powerless. They can struggle with speaking in class, standing up for their beliefs, navigating complicated social situations, and getting their voices heard. By presenting real issues and scenarios that girls will recognize from their own day-to-day lives, as well as exploring the negative thoughts and feelings that can hold them back, Speak Up supplies girls with the tools they need to understand their feelings and speak up in any situation.
The Review:
As a mom of two boys I rarely get the opportunity to review things meant especially for girls. Although as a parent of a middle school student myself, I find having any information available for that age group to be helpful. Speak Up!: A Guide to Having Your Say and Speaking Your Mind can be a helpful book for any parent to read. The book is meant for girls to read and to aid them with useful tools in order to help them speak up and be heard. I used this book as a guide to speak to my boys about the same issues that many kids face especially kids that are on the quiet side. Not only does the book offer exercises to help empower girls, but also websites to visit when seeking more information on the topics of bullying and friends. One of the things that I like about this book is that if you don’t think your child will read it, you can and use the tools to help you communicate these points to your child. While reading this book I discovered that as a mom of boys, picking up a book like this helps me to understand the other side of Middle School. The part that happens with the girls. Even though I am one I’m a far cry from Middle School and these tips served as a helpful reminder of what happens during this time in a tweens life.
Middle school can be a difficult time for some and this book is certainly a useful tool in navigating those waters. Pick it up today for yourself or someone you care about! It’s important that we “speak up” about these issues!
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in exchange for a review. All thoughts belong to me.
Robin Rue (@massholemommy) says
I think it is awesome when people speak up! I ALWAYS speak my mind.
Rebecca Bryant says
what a fabulous book. I have a son but know a few girls who would benefit and enjoy this.
Laura says
That sounds like a great book. I think a lot of girls fear speaking out of having ambition that differs from their peers. It’s great tool like this are out there to help children and their parents.
Christine Luken says
Seriously, I wish there was a book like this when I was in junior high. I was so insecure back then!!
Pam says
This sounds like a great book for middle school and early high school girls. It can be hard for them to feel confident making themselves heard, so any resources that will empower them are great.
Karen says
Such a timely review. My daughter starts middle school next fall!
I have two older boys, and like you, we tried to help them understand how girls think — hoping to encourage them to be more thoughtful and considerate. I think we did okay. We sure tried!
Joely Smith says
This is wonderful! I so wish things like this existed when my kids were that age! Love it!
Heather lawrence says
What a wonderful book! I need to get a copy and save it for my daughters. They are a little young for it now as they are only 8 and 4.
Bri says
I wish I had a book like this when I was growing up. I am now finding my voice and I’m glad girls are finding theirs in their youth.
Tamara says
I’d be very interested to read this book. My daughter is only six but I know how fast it will go and I remember being that tender age.
Carol Bryant says
My spouse is a former middle school teacher and this sounds like a great read for this age bracket.
Tonya C says
I have an outspoken 12 year old daughter who would benefit from this book. Thanks for the review. I’ll be looking into getting a copy.
Jessica Harlow says
I’m so glad to have found your review of this book! My oldest daughter starts middle school next year and I know it is going to be a big transition. I’d like to be better prepared and able to encourage her to be true to herself even during those tumultuous years!
Rosey says
Middle school was difficult for my three older kids. They flourished in grade and high school but yeah… those middle grades were tough.
Lorane says
This sounds like a great Book. I don’t think kids today read enough. Middle School can be tough and is the place where all sort of things go down. Great Review
Laura Funk says
This looks like a really informative and good book. I am not looking forward to middle school.
Kim Croisant says
There’s nothing better to hearing your teen take up for herself. I hear middle school is vicious. I am not looking forward to middle school for my son either!!
Amanda || Growing Up Madison says
That’s a great book but I think boys can also relate as well. There are quite a few boys who feel just like that.
amanda says
This looks like the perfect book for my 12 year old. She struggles with speaking up, always wanting to say or do the right thing.