The theme of the spring issue of New Moon Girls magazine is “Feeling It: Changes,” so this month’s recommendations feature books about changes for girls. Whether you’re facing changing homes, changing schools, changing feelings, your changing body, or all of the above, read these books and remember that you’re not alone!
In the Role of Brie Hutchens
When eighth-grade Brie’s Mom almost discovers that she likes girls, she tries to distract her by telling her she’s been chosen to crown the Mary statue at her Catholic school’s spring ceremony. But Brie HASN’T been chosen. Top student Kennedy — who gives Brie butterflies in her stomach — is the girl most likely to be picked. So Brie starts hanging out with her. Now she has to deal with her emerging feelings and the race to be chosen to crown Mary, all while hoping she can somehow show her mom who she really is.
My Life in the Fish Tank
Twelve-year-old Zinnia’s life has been turned upside down since her brother was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and sent into treatment — something her parents don’t want her to tell anyone. Her friends don’t understand why she’s pushing them away, and she has nothing to talk about at the “Lunch Club” run by the school guidance counselor. The best thing about school is studying crayfish in science class. But when Zinny gets the chance to attend a marine biology camp for the summer, can she go when her family still needs her so much?
Fighting Words
Ten-year-old Della’s sister Suki has always been her protector. But no one protected Suki when their mom’s boyfriend did something so terrible the girls had to leave FAST, or when Suki tried to kill herself. Although Della is often in trouble for swearing at school, she always keeps quiet where it counts. Now, she wonders if she’s been silent about the wrong things all along.
The Body Image Book for Girls
You might have a lot of new and complicated feelings about your changing body. This book helps make sense of all of that so you can keep loving your body for all the amazing, wonderful things it can do — and tune out pressure to look or act a certain way as a girl.
When a Friend Dies
If you’ve ever lost someone you care about, you probably felt incredibly alone, especially if the person who died was close to your age. You AREN’T alone — and this book can help you cope with the sadness, anger, and other feelings that come up while grieving.
More Books About Changes for Girls
Of all the changes your body is going through, getting your period can feel the most momentous. Get real talk on everything you need to know in Welcome to Your Period: Your Complete, No Nonsense Guide to Going With the Flow by Yumi Stynes and Dr. Melissa Kang.
When child protective services separates Lou from her mom and she has to go to a new school, she learns that the sensory processing disorder that makes her scared of loud noises doesn’t mean she has to be ashamed in Tune It Out by Jamie Sumner.
Living on the beach in San Diego, Millie should be enjoying the perfect summer … until World War II brings food rationing, the loss of American soldiers, and uncertainty to her door in War and Millie McGonigle by Karen Cushman.
In All the Greys on Greene Street by Laura Tucker, Olympia’s life changes when her father disappears overnight, leaving no explanation except a mysterious note he tells her to destroy after reading.
When Cassie’s mom begins losing her memories in Sandy Stark-McGinnis’s The Space Between Lost and Found, Cassie is determined to have one last adventure with her in hopes that it will heal them both.
What about you? What are your favorite books about changes for girls? Have you read any of the books featured above? Tell us about it in the comments!