No, parents, this is not a book on how you can possibly infiltrate your teen’s blank wall. That’s a whole other kettle of fish. This one is for the boys and girls. Teen boys and girls, that is.
Of course, teendom is probably the penultimate time for learning (next to toddlerdom) on that course that is Life, and although they’d probably never admit it, kids love to get a leg-up in whatever way they can. Yes, even through reading.
In this duo of books just released by Allen & Unwin, teens can rejoice. Here are some books that promise the ins and outs of being able to talk with the opposite sex, in a way that can influence their relationships and social skills for the rest of their lives.
In How to Talk to Boys, author Dianne Todaro gives girls a realistic picture on teen communication. The book is filled with ‘uncut’ comments and statements from girls that will help readers understand boys on a deeper level, and how to focus on maintaining healthy and respectful relationships with men.
The book is well laid-out with text broken into boxes and pull quotes, photos and graphics. Todaro writes like a friend, not a dictator, and covers such topics as secret boys’ business, shopping, busting boy myths, asking a boy out, dating, and many other topics girls will soak up faster than a fire sale at Dotti.
Similarly, How to Talk To Girls by Jonathan Toussant talks to teen boys in a voice they will relate to. The book is also carefully styled and designed so as not to overwhelm its readers. Topics are almost identical in layout to How to Talk To Girls, only we are viewing it from a boy’s perspective.
A fascinating look into the world of teens for parents, I’m sure these books will be well-thumbed by mum and dad before passing onto teens. From emotional understanding to notes on physical wellbeing, this is a brilliant book duo that could well help change the course of life for some teens.
Title: How to Talk to Boys / How to Talk to Girls
Author: Dianne Todaro / Jonathan Toussant
Category: Non Fiction
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
ISBN: 9781742374383 / 9781742371948
RRP: $19.99
Publication Date: March 2011