Girling Up

April 3, 2017
Combining her personal experiences and academic credentials, Bialik—television star, mother of two, and neuroscientist—tackles 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 novelties—for 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 issues—especially pressing concerns such as sexting and cyberbullying—raised by the explosion of digital technology. Ages 12–up. Agent: Anthony Mattero, Foundry Literary + Media.

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- and 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(1) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

June 1, 2017

Gr 7 Up-According 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 adulthood-it is a lifelong journey. Thanks to Bialik, readers have a road map to make this trip memorable. VERDICT Consider for large memoir and self-help collections.-Jeanette Lambert, formerly at Nashville-Davidson County Schools, TN

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 15, 2017
Grades 6-10 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.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)

July 1, 2017
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 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)