This book is from a series called Strong, Beautiful Girls, part of ABDO's Essential Health line. I love these books. First of all, they are just lovely to look at and page through--just really appealing in terms of color and design. Each book in the series covers a different topic of interest to teen girls, including self-esteem, romantic relationships, families, school life, and this one, "finding personal strength and self-acceptance." In addition each book has the same format. The book opens with an introduction by Dr. Vicki Panaccione, the "Parenting Professor" whose writing has been featured in several magazines and self-help books, and she herself has appeared on numerous television shows.

After the introduction, the author of the book (in this case, Tamra Orr) writes a short narrative describing herself in high school and how she was able to overcome her concerns and defensiveness about the given topic. Each chapter then breaks down the main subject into small chunks, with "Talk About It" discussion questions highlighted throughout. The chapter then ends with a short essay by Dr. Vicki that includes several recommendations that girls might follow, and a quick follow-up by the author.

At the end of each book is a list of ways that the reader, presumably now equipped with the tools necessary to battle this issue, can "pass it forward" to other girls who might need to hear the same wisdom and encouragement. Finally, each book has a list of resources, both web, print, and organizational, a glossary, and an index.

The book I chose, Beautiful Me, deals with the healthy development of self-image, and how forming an identity might meet interference in the form of rejection (not being chosen for cheerleader, for instance), trying to find and fit in with a group of peers, awkwardness, cutting, and depression severe enough that teens would consider suicide.

I like the discussion questions. They address specific parts of the girls' story told in each chapter, such as "Why does Romiko feel uncomfortable talking to other people? Why might other people feel uncomfortable around her?" They also ask reader-specific questions like "Have you ever felt homesick? What did you do about it?" Some of the questions seem a little young for older adolescent girls (16-18), but I think girls as young as 13-14 would respond to them, and many are well-suited to all teen age groups.

What I like best is the section at the end of each chapter written by Dr. Vicki. It's like having your own personal life coach and cheerleader. For example, at the end of the chapter on the fear of failure, she recommends, "Remember that just because you fail at something doesn't mean, in any way, that you are a failure. You will struggle with some skills, but others will come easily to you. Let it go and move on." I'm all grown and I still respond to that kind of encouragement. Sounds like my mom.

This empowering set of books is excellent for the 13-17 year age group of girls. I don't think boys would find much in these books that would make them think they were "figuring girls out," but just a flip through would definitely make males aware of some of the unique struggles today's girls face. And there is a companion set for guys that I also highly recommend. ( )