School Library Journal Review
Gr 5-8-These books provide useful, age-appropriate information about growing up and navigating the treacherous waters of adolescence. Each chapter addresses a different issue and includes anecdotes. Under Pressure explores academic as well as social pressure at school. Love Me? looks at various dating scenarios and other topics concerning emerging sexuality, such as the pressure sixth-grader Margo feels to wear sexy clothes. Family explores various types of families including adoptive and foster; kids being raised by grandparents, two moms, and single parents; and families that are biracial, or that have a stepparent or a parent who abuses alcohol. Frenemies focuses on the importance of friendships, as well as their sometimes dramatic nature. For example, readers learn how Amber copes when her best friend steals her boyfriend. In all of the books, "Talk About It" sidebars pose questions that ask readers how they would handle a particular situation and how it relates to their own lives. These sidebars give the series a slightly textbook feel, and readers might find them a bit silly. Chapters end with an "Ask Dr. Robyn" spread in which the series' professional consultant gives friendly, nonjudgmental advice. Girls are encouraged to recognize their feelings and take action to ensure their emotional and physical well-being. If they can get past the generic look-purple-hued perma-bound covers and generic color photos-then these titles could be useful additions to health and well-being sections.-Ragan O'Malley, Saint Ann's School, Brooklyn, NY (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.