Heather Jamison with Brian Jamison &U Henry J. Rogers. Real Stuff: A Survivor’s Guide. Kregel Publications. 2006.

Real Stuff deals with the three topics that occupy a teenager’s mind: Rules, Rags, and Relationships. The authors each present their own viewpoints on the topic covered. Teenage Girls are strongly encouraged to seek to be like Jesus rather than copying some current fashion, or going steady before they want to just because everyone else seems to be doing it. They also talk about life’s rules.

Reading through this book reminded me of some of the joys and sadness of my teenage years. I am sure those currently in this age will relate to the information presented.

Hayley Dimarco. Sexy Girls. Revell. 2006.

Does your Daughter leave home dressed in an appropriate way for a Christian teenage girl? Or, is she more appropriately dressed to tease those teenage boys into having very impure thoughts about her? Most parents don’t even think about this issue, partly because we weren’t taught the difference between being in fashion and being too sexy to handle.

I strongly urge every Mother and Father to read this book before giving it to your daughter. Agree between you about the image you want your daughter to present and be prepared for fireworks.

The authors are very blunt in explaining that what a girl thinks is cute may be playing havoc with the boys looking at her. They’re not thinking she’s cute; they’re more likely to be thinking she’s hot and I want to get in bed with her NOW.

I can guarantee you that every woman, regardless of age, will benefit from reading Sexy Girls. Christian women in particular should be concerned about what their dress is saying because we want men to see us as Godly woman, not as the prostitute on the main drag.

Andrea Stephens. Bible B.A.B.E.S.. Revell. 2005.

Bible B.A.B.E.S. introduces young women to women in scripture such as Miriam, Esther, and Deborah. These women wanted to be accepted by their society but preferred acceptance by God more. You’ll also learn about Eve, Bathsheba, and Hannah. Modern day women are also discussed.

I like the way the book is presented. First you read a modern day version of a Bible story about some woman, then you read the scriptures and answer some questions about those versus. This is followed by a quiz about the story. The author is careful to define words that may be used differently than we are used to or even just plain new words to know.

The story about the Bible’s woman is followed by the story of modern day women and how they seek to please God. These stories help bring the truths taught home to teenagers.

Andrea Stephens. Boyland. Revell. 2006. Boys are on most teenage girls’ minds. Hand your daughter, niece, or granddaughter this book as a guide to selecting the right boy for her. She will learn what makes a boy tick, God’s view on the man-woman relationship, and even some tips on choosing the boy (man) with the right personality to compliment hers.

Recommendation

I suggest you purchase all these books but give them to that teenager in your life one at a time. Sit down with them and talk about the main topics in each book. This will probably bring out some conflicts over issues like “You’re not going to school dressed like that” to, “That boy just isn’t good enough for you.” This will be an excellent chance for you to impart your viewpoint on sex outside of marriage, dress, and general behavior with the opposite sex.

Copyrighted by Diana Pederson, 2005-2009