A great book for girls.

Posted by Helen Brain Apr 19, 2009

Many primary school teachers know that when girls hit the 10-11 age spot, the going gets rough in the classroom. Peer pressure, fighting, and nastiness become much more prevalent at this point, and only die down again as girls reach high school.

I've just received a review copy of "Ginger Snaps" by Cathy Cassidy, published by Puffin, and it really impressed me. Cassidy really understands the ins and outs of relationships between girls, and the stresses they cause. Being cool, being in with the popular kids, being weird or freaky.... these issues are taken apart and explored through the eyes of 12 year old Ginger, the girl with the secret (- she used to be weird.)

Compare a book like this with Madonna's English Roses series and you realise what a real writer, one with writing skill and emotional intelligence does as opposed to a celebrity wannabe writer with a 'cool' idea.

If you want to learn to write for this age group look out for Cathy Cassidy's books.

You can read a review of Gingersnaps in the Reading and Literature section.