Every Girl

Ingrid conHausen was a librarian in New Hamburg, Ontario.

Doan is a developmental psychologist at York University and is also in private practise. Morse is a professor and researcher in the field of nursing. This book on menstruation, addressed to young girls, focuses particularly on feelings and on the wide range of what can be considered normal experience. It provides practical advice for this age group and lots of reassurance for girls whose development may not be typical. There are a few black-and-white photos of the paraphernalia associated with menstruation and explanations of their uses as well as the pros and cons of each type. (This reviewer’s favorite tampon, though mentioned in the text, is not shown.)

This book is different from most books on the subject as there is very little explanation of the biology of menstruation. In fact, its real value lies in this very fact, as there are plenty of books on the anatomy and physiology of sex and reproduction, but very few that focus on the very real insecurities that this age group must deal with. The question and answer format, with some use of heavy type and italics, makes browsing very easy.

Practical and reassuring and with just the correct tone, this is useful for pubescent and pre-pubescent girls, complementing the many books available on sex and reproduction.