GIRL POWER SERIES, by Helen Cordes, Karen Lound and Andy Steiner; Learner Publications Co., Minneapolis, 2000, 4 volumes, 112 pages.

Do you have a preteen or a teen-age daughter? If so, raising her to become a competent, confident, assertive, happy young woman, able to cultivate positive relationships and make wise decisions, is surely one of your highest priorities. That can be quite difficult in today’s world. Fortunately, the Girl Power series can give your child insights and strategies to cope with the challenges of growing up female in the United States. It also can help you understand what she’s up against and provide some great icebreakers for the two of you to tackle some mighty important topics.

“Girl Power in the Mirror,” one of the four books making up the series, examines the frightening power the media have to set and create unrealistic standards of beauty, and ingrain these standards in the minds of young women who are often bewildered or frustrated by the changes their bodies are going through. Feeling that she doesn’t look good enough can damage a girl’s self-esteem and prevent her from participating in sports and other wholesome activities.

“Girl Power in the Mirror” gives

girls ways to rebel against Madison Avenue attempts to profit from insecurities and the idea that they’re only as good as they look, to realistically assess and appreciate their individual bodies, and to value their inner beauty and achievements.

The other books in the series delve into three important arenas of a young person’s life. “Girl Power in the Family” by Karen Lound examines girls’ roles and relationships within their households.

Many families have different expectations for sons and daughters. They give boys more freedom to venture into the outside world and expect much less housework and younger-sibling care from them. Praise for being quiet, ladylike and looking good rather than for being assertive and adventurous can have strong consequences for girls.

Each girl is urged to sort out which issues in her own home are most crucial and not to sweat the small stuff. Skills such as active listening, focusing on the issue, and using “I” statements in a confrontation are detailed.

Despite the many proven benefits of physical activity – ranging from good health through positive self-esteem to just plain fun – many girls drop out of sports in middle school and high school. “Girl Power on the Playing Field” by Andy Steiner looks at some reasons why: lack of opportunity, fear of scaring boys off and actual teasing by male peers, discouragement or lack of active encouragement by parents and other adults, and embarrassment over rapidly changing bodies. There is a wide range of fun ways – individual, as well as a team – to stay involved and fit. In a particularly inspiring chapter, female athletes share the many ways in which sports have enhanced their lives.

School is another place where lacking self-esteem, being preoccupied with looks, and being treated differently than male peers can make young women feel uncomfortable and unwilling to take chances. “Girl Power in the Classroom” by Helen Cordes gives a wealth of ideas for overcoming these obstacles. Success is defined not only by good grades, but also by “ways that girls can enjoy new things at school, speak their minds, feel secure, and gain the confidence they need.” Solutions range from finding things to like about oneself to documenting and working to correct actual bias and discrimination.

The Girl Power books are appealing and kid friendly. The message is delivered in a straightforward, conversational tone. Quotes from real girls are highlighted through each volume. Although the darker aspects of each issue such as eating disorders and sexual harassment are dealt with honestly, the overall tone is uplifting and empowering.