Book details
How I Survived Being a Girl
Description
No one ever said being a girl was easy - especially when you're stuck with two brothers. She wears boys' clothes whenever possible, but things are changing. Can she figure out how to be a girl - without losing track of who she really is? Carolyn is a girl with strong opinions. On being a girl: ‘stupid.’ Wearing dresses: ‘only when forced, and then with shorts underneath.’ Summer nights: ‘make you feel invincible.’ Girls with MaryJjanes: ‘no use at all.’ The boy next door: ‘I do not have a crush on him!’ The top bunk: ‘for really great dreams.’ She thought she knew how she felt about everything. But the summer before the sixth grade, though everthing seemed the same, it all felt different. In this wonderfully funny first novel, Wendelin Van Draanen perfectly captures the emotional earthquakes of growing up and growing into oneself.
Age
8-12
Text complexity
intermediate
Length
176 pages
Why to read
- Relatable Coming-of-Age Story: 'How I Survived Being a Girl' offers a genuine and heartfelt look into the trials and tribulations of growing up, making it a relatable read for anyone who has experienced the awkwardness and challenges of adolescence.
- Empowering Female Perspective: The book provides a strong female perspective, encouraging readers, especially young girls, to embrace their individuality and to navigate the complexities of gender roles and expectations with confidence and self-assurance.
- Engaging Writing Style: Wendelin van Draanen is known for her engaging and accessible writing style, which captivates readers and keeps them hooked from the first page to the last, making it an enjoyable read for both young adults and adults alike.
- Important Life Lessons: Through the protagonist's journey, the book imparts valuable life lessons about friendship, family dynamics, self-discovery, and the importance of staying true to oneself, offering readers insights that are applicable to their own lives.