Hey Girl!: A Journal of My Life

Elizabeth Levin is a professor of psychology at Laurentian University.

At first glance, this looks like a diary, but a closer look shows it’s
more like a baby book for a teenage girl. Compact in size, but colorful
with cool illustrations, the only thing missing is the traditional lock
for a diary. Instead, the author provides instructions on the use of a
secret code as a security feature if the writer fears prying eyes. The
journal is meant for recording a girl’s innermost thoughts. It begins
with a place to record one’s birth and early accomplishments as well
as family information. There is also room to record one’s favorites,
such as movies, music, clothes, and so forth, and one’s hopes for the
future. Some soul-searching is also involved as the writer is asked to
consider whether she is a risk-taker, a loner, or a procrastinator? Some
of the hints (e.g., if you don’t have a pet, borrow a friend’s pet
to write about) while well intentioned don’t really work.

Because the pages are small, it will be hard to fit in all the
suggested photo keepsakes (more storage space should have been
provided). While a completed journal will make a nice keepsake for a
girl down the road, as one early teen commented, this book looks like
work even if one doesn’t write in it on a regular basis. For some
girls though, Hey Girl! will be just right. Recommended.