Aviva Dares to Post a Daring Review of The Daring Book for Girls

I must admit, The Daring Book for Girls caught me a bit off guard. You see, I hadn't read The Dangerous Book for Boys so I really had no expectations except for what I percieved from the title. And, what I perceived was far different from what arrived on my doorstep.

I was expecting a book about... I don't know really. Maybe girls involved in outrageous behavior - perhaps talk of sex, drugs and rap music ( I happen to like rock and roll). Or maybe a book that would appeal to my teenage daughters. You know, filled with stuff about dealing with relationships, self-esteem, being proud of who you are and who you will become. At first glance, it didn't appear I would get any of this. A closer look, revealed what it was really about. Surprisingly, the latter part - about being proud of who you are - is in there. It's just packaged differently than I anticipated.

The cover and the illustrations represent the old junior encyclopedias - come on, you remember them. The ones with the ridiculous pictures. While the book did not appeal to either of my girls (as a matter of fact, one of them thought I had dug it up at an old book store somewhere), after reading the introduction, I understood why it was packaged the way it was. The book is about daring to be a girl! Playing jumprope instead of hip-hop. Making a phone out of string and cans instead of using your cell. Playing with chalk instead of texting. You know - actually enjoying childhood! The book is filled with all those things we grew up doing. The book is saying these were good things that helped to mold us into good people. Don't be afraid to pass them down to your kids just because they seem so... "retro" by today's standards.

I don't think I will ever be able to get my teenage girls to pick up this book and read it. However, I honestly believe that parents of elementary age girls will find page after page of great reminders to share with their children.

This is one book that I definitely should NOT have judged by its cover! Maybe it just needs a different title. Something along the lines of The Daring Book for Parents Raising Girls in the 21st Century. OK, I guess that is a bit long. In any case, I'm glad I didn't let its looks prevent me from finding out what was really on the inside. As a matter of fact, I believe that is the message it is sending to us about the book, about girls, and about people. Open it up and share some fun and laughs with your daring daughter.