THE DRAMA YEARS Real Girls Talk About Surviving Middle School—Bullies, Brands, Body Image, and More

After surviving middle school, Haley Kilpatrick began Girl Talk, a nonprofit organization to help ‘tween girls by advising and inspiring them. Narrator Hannah Rose Mate shares the lively text, sidebars, and quotes from real girls, teachers, parents, and high school mentors. Each ‘tween’s first name, age, and home state are given each time she makes a remark. Girl Talk focuses on kindness, compassion, and helping others to get through this difficult time. Problems are stated and solutions, or at least ideas for coping, are given. Most helpful are the anecdotes offered by the girls themselves, high school mentors, or adults. The audio format is particularly appropriate because girls can hear spirited voices—just like their own—offering help and encouragement. S.G.B. © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine [Published: AUGUST 2012]