Author: Vicki Courtney

ISBN-13:  978-0-8054-4193-2

ISBN-10:  0-8054-4193-X

The following review was contributed by:  Jennifer Andrew -Freelance Writer and Reviewer 

This book is a guide geared to preteens that is filled with thoughtful and insightful ways of getting through one of the toughest times as a young girl.  It handles difficult situations that girls face, with tack and understanding, making them feel like they belong as opposed to being an outsider like most girls feel.  Between offers guidance and a felling of acceptance to all those who have ever felt out of place and awkward.

This book is interactive, asking questions at the end of the articles to make girls think about what was read and how it reflects on their own life.  It also gives a group of readers something to discuss besides what they watched on television.  It is broken into three most important sections; you, others and God.  The subject of religion is a touchy issue for some readers; however, it is discussed in a mature manner, using passages from the bible.

Between – A Girl’s Guide to Life offers a fresh look and original concept.  It reads like a magazine for those readers intimidated by books.  The colours are vibrant and suited for the feminine taste, but it does not overpower the articles.  Topics such as the Internet, mean girls, fashion and boys are situations that crop up in every young girl’s life and should be seriously addressed.  These issues are explained in a way that is comfortable and not pushed on or authoritative.  This book is a great read and a welcome to the market when it is geared to the tween age and shows that young girls do not have to give up their identities to stay in with their friends and society.

Many girls are trying too hard to grow up fast and the author takes her past experience and knowledge to show that enjoying those youthful years should be cherished because there is no going back.

This book should grace the shelves of every tween.  All girls have gone through an issue mentioned in the book and it is good to see published works can be geared so appropriately to that age category.