Parents' Guide to

Growing Up Powerful

Book Rebel Girls Advice 2023
Growing Up Powerful book cover: Colorful illustration of three girls with different skin and hair colors, one with a hearing aid, all smiling and dancing

Common Sense Media Review

Stephanie Morgan By Stephanie Morgan , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 8+

Invaluable for helping girls become empowered teens.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 8+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

age 8+

Based on 2 parent reviews

age 8+

perfect book for tweens

positive, educational and relatable

age 8+

What's the Story?

GROWING UP POWERFUL is a guide tailored for tween and teen girls, offering comprehensive insights into the multifaceted changes they will undergo during puberty and adolescence. Unlike many resources, it takes a holistic approach, addressing not only the physical transformations but also the mental and emotional aspects of this journey. With chapters on the brain, body, family, friends, and community, as well as resources, the guide supports girls in embracing their individuality and cultivating self-confidence. Insights from girls and women are captured on every page in sidebars. Quizzes and hypothetical scenarios encourage individual exploration and facilitate parent-child discussions.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (2 ):
Kids say: Not yet rated

This dynamic guide addresses a crucial need with its focus on bolstering confidence in girls age 8 to 14, at a time of life when self-assuredness often falters. Girls will see themselves in Growing Up Powerful's diverse set of stories and illustrations, which represent girls of various backgrounds, abilities, and identities. This Rebel Girls publication stands out for its engaging approach, offering quizzes that guide readers toward achieving desired outcomes, such as forming friendships or discovering new talents. It extends an empowering invitation to "the sisterhood," promoting acceptance of all emotions, the ebb and flow of friendships, and even the value of healthy competition. Central to its ethos is the celebration of individuality -- in thinking, appearance, skills, and passions -- reinforcing the importance of diversity as a defining strength. With practical advice and actionable insights, Growing Up Powerful is an invaluable reference, offering young girls effective tools to navigate life's challenges.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the many routines and self-care practices mentioned in Growing Up Powerful. What did you think of them? How do they help with self-control? Are there any you're excited to try? Why, or why not?

  • How does the book's section on "sisterhood" relate to teamwork, compassion, and communication? Do you think these are important character traits for girls and women to develop as they relate to their peers and others?

  • Is there anything in Growing Up Powerful that surprised you, or maybe even worried you? What parts did you like the best? What advice seems most useful?

Book Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate