“[The Big Book of Girl Stuff] is informative, inspiring and silly. Don’t be put off because it’s written by a man; in the acknowledgments he credits the many women who helped him, including his five sisters, so you can be sure this book isn’t full of horse puckey…. His writing is sheer fun, and even long chapters are broken into sections, so the book is also easy to read.…With humor and sensitivity King addresses social situations and issues that girls experience, like being the target of mean kids at school….He does an exceptional job discussing self-esteem and beauty….so adults who are concerned about girls growing up too fast can purchase this book for a girl in their lives with a clear conscience. Kudos to Bart King!”

-- National Center for the Study of Children’s Literature, February 2008
http://childlit.sdsu.edu/reviews/tweens_nonfiction.htm
"Another fun book is The Big Book of Girl Stuff by Bart King and his five sisters, Gretchen, Kathleen, Melinda, Sarah and Mary... It is filled with empowering facts, science experiments, fashion tips, girlie stuff, sports, boys and just about everything girls need or want to know about growing up."

--Spartanburg Herald-Journal
"I was completely absorbed when reading this book... There are thirty-two wonderful chapters filled with advice that is positively relevant for middle and young adult readers. The information is done in reader-friendly format... and illustrations are used to add interest and humor... Ideal to give as a gift to any girl who is just becoming interested in boys or to improve her interaction with friends. I highly recommend this book."

--Children's Literature
"The Big Book of Girl Stuff offers a pink cover, a fun tone, lively graphics and the wit and wisdom of a best friend, big sister and mom rolled into 320 pages for girls 9 to 12, with everything from great sleepover games to how to deal with mean girls."

--The Buffalo News
"As well as being helpful, the book is hip and funny, with quizzes and cartoons galore. It is full of the kinds of trivia and games that girls love to giggle over (I know because my daughter laughed out loud when she figured out her 'celebrity name' -- Smoochie Rodman)."

--Mary Quattlebaum, Washington Parent, May 2007
"[There is] something for every girl in The Big Book of Girl Stuff... [The book] helps girls solve their problems... [and] shows lots of amazing girls who did wonderful things. A really useful chapter called "Lies, Mean Girls, and Jerks" talks about how not-so-nice girls work. It tells you how to defend yourself when mean girls bother you."

--The Chicago Tribune, March 6, 2007
"If you're looking for a survival guide on babysitting nightmares, boy problems and the scoop on girl fashion, this is the book for you!

In The Big Book of Girl Stuff... a whole new outlook on everything a girl could ever want to know is placed in one easy-to-read format. The book is a guide of sorts that contains lots of facts that range from strange to plain random. Some good examples are learning your Star Wars nickname and how boys think and act. The book has a neat reversible cover that can easily keep your guide from unwanted eyes.

...The age range of this could be changed from its recommended age group of 8 to 14 and up. Both younger and older girls could use this book, because some information is directed to older readers while other facts could be for young kids.

The Big Book of Girl Stuff is definitely a keeper.... is a good read when it's a rainy day and you want a good laugh."

--The Saint Petersburg Times, January 22, 2007
"This funny follow-up to The Big Book of Boy Stuff is chock-full of hints and guidance. From the silly ('Why boys smell so bad') to the slightly serious ('Lies, Mean Girls, and Jerks'), it will have readers thumbing through the volume again and again. The author keeps the mood light and the sections short and sweet.... the text has a good flow. As the extensive bibliography demonstrates, King has done his research. Growing up is a challenge, and his hip handbook is a resource not only for girls, but parents as well. The volume has amusing illustrations and a reversible cover for sneaky in-school reading.... the author's sense of humor and lighthearted approach make this one accessible to a wide range of readers."

--School Library Journal, December 2006
"It's a comedic compendium stuffed with fun facts and useful tips for any girl who wants to know how to spot a liar, throw a good slumber party or even cope with a killer crush."

--The Ottawa Citizen, November 2006
"A great gift for girls - and a very fun read."

--Parent Map, January 2007
"Interesting, educational and empowering - a perfect combination of elements for every girl who understands the joys of childhood and the trials of growing up."

--Washington Family Magazine
"The Big Book of Girl Stuff is a must-have for preteen girls: It's funny and informative on everything from friendship to food and dieting. Cool bonus: The cover reverses to look like an innocuous composition book."

--Parenting magazine
Sugar, spice and things not so nice
Bart King turns his attention to girls, gets an education -- and maybe another best-seller. Read article.

--Michelle Mandel, The Oregonian
"From babysitting tips to beauty hints to slumber party inspirations, girls will linger over these pink pages brimming with cartoons and step-by-step instructions."

--Publishers Weekly
"Girls entering middle school especially have questions that no mom can answer. The Big Book of Girl Stuff by Bart King and His Five Sisters (Gibbs-Smith, $19.95) is full of everything from first-crush advice to a chapter on Mean Girls -- and the question: Have you ever been one? It's the kind of pop reference that girlfriends can share after school and on sleepovers." Read entire article.

--Cathy Collison, Detroit Free Press
The Big Book of Girl Stuff turned up in a contest advertisement in the Fall 2006 issue of Teen magazine.

Girl Stuff Home