Sarah OLeary Burningham - Girl to Girl: Honest Talk About Growing Up and Your Changing Body

For my sisters: Annie, Katie, and Jennie. Thanks for always being there
before, during, and after puberty.

And for my daughter, Leigh. I will always be here for you.
S. B.

Note: Names have been changed to protect girls who shared their stories.
Text 2014 by Sarah OLeary Burningham.
Illustrations 2014 by Alli Arnold.
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form
without written permission from the publisher.

ISBN 978-1-4521-1625-9

The Library of Congress has catalogued the previous edition as follows:
Burningham, Sarah OLeary.

Girl to girl : honest talk about growing up and your changing body / by Sarah OLeary
Burningham ; illustrated by Alli Arnold.

pages cm

Audience: 8-12.

Audience: Grade 4 to 6.

Includes index.

ISBN 978-1-4521-0242-9 (alk. paper)

1. GirlsHealth and hygieneJuvenile literature. 2. Teenage girlsHealth and hygiene
Juvenile literature. 3. Beauty, PersonalJuvenile literature. 4. Grooming for girlsJuvenile
literature. I. Arnold, Alli, illustrator. II. Title.

RA777.25.B87 2014

613.04242dc23

2013008427

Design by Jennifer Tolo Pierce.

Typeset in Adelle, Galaxie Polaris, Girard Script, and Prater Block One.

The illustrations in this book were rendered in pen, ink, and digital color.

Chronicle Books LLC

680 Second Street, San Francisco, California 94107

Chronicle Bookswe see things differently. Become part of our community
at www.chroniclekids.com.

As the oldest of four girls, I had plenty of girl talk while I was growing up. I was the first of us to develop, which means my sisters came to me with lots of questions. We talked about everything, from shaving our legs to wearing bras. Since then, Ive written a few books for girls, and Ive had the chance to interview thousands of teens. Ive gotten countless questionsand real-life storiesfrom girls like you about what its like to grow up. So, while you read this book and go through puberty, think of me as a big sister. Ive been there, and Im going to share everything I know.

I remember the day in fifth grade when I officially learned about puberty. The boys left the classroom with the gym coach, and the girls stayed with our teacher. She drew the shades and turned on an animated video about our bodies. It was hard not to giggle at the cartoon character on the screen, especially when she clutched her stomach and said, I have cramps! All of us were laughing nervously. Sure, it looked funny in the movie, but were cramps really going to be that bad? And what about all the other stufflike wearing deodorant and actually getting my period?

That night, my mom sat me down and asked if I had any questions. Id had so many while I was sitting in class, but I was nervouseven with my own mom!and the entire video was jumbled in my brain. My mom told me I would probably have lots of questions during the next few years. And I did! Theres no way I couldve figured out the answer to every single thing in that one night. With every change, whether it was shaving my armpits or using tampons, I had new questions. And you will, too.

Whether youre feeling ready for puberty or a little unsure of whats happening inside you, this book is here to help you along the way. Well talk about all the changes you can expect and how to deal with them. Whether you want to know how to find the right bra size or how to deal with acne, Ill help you get to the bottom of things, as well as explore common rumors and myths. I also answer questions from real girls that deal with everything from how to handle sweat stains to whether its okay to swim when you have your period. Your body is an amazing thing, and understanding how it works will help you be healthy and happy.

I was lucky that my mom was around to answer my questions, and you have people who care about you, too. While youre reading this book and thinking about all the changes youre going through, be sure to talk to your parents or another adult you trust. It might feel embarrassing to talk about your bodyits normal to want to keep some things privatebut theyre here to help. Even though it might be hard to imagine, every single woman you know has been through what you are going through, from your female teachers to the latest movie star to your mom or stepmom. And men have to go through puberty as well (though its a little different for them), which means you shouldnt feel embarrassed talking to your dad or stepdad or another trusted adult male. Puberty is part of growing up for everyone.

The most important thing to remember while youre dealing with all these body changes is how amazing you are. Even though I giggled when I watched that video in my fifth-grade class, I remember thinking how impressive it was that my body would just know, on its own, when it was time to start growing up. Think about it. An airplane cant fly itself, and even the fastest computer in the world needs someone to turn it on. But your body is able to figure out exactly what to do and when to do it so you develop into a woman. How cool is that?

So over the next few years, remember to be patient with your bodyand yourself. Growing up is an adventure, and that means youll have some ups and some downs. But Im here to help you get through it all and have fun in the process. Ready? Lets get going!