**This is my first book review for Mother Talk, and I am really excited about it, partly because I love what they are doing on their blog, but also because I was so excited to get to review this book in particular.

The Daring Book for Girls, by Andrea Buchanan & Miriam Peskowitz, a self-help book for girls was inspired by The Dangerous Book for Boys (a fun guide to being a boy), and I am so glad that it came to be.  From the first paragraph of the introduction, I was sucked in. 

Being almost 30 and a mother of two, my childhood seems so far away, and yet still so close.  As I turned the pages of this book, I found myself reliving the girlhood I had left behind.  I was taken back to the days of exploring, playing Chinese jump rope, making friendship bracelets, and of course, slumber parties. 

I could picture myself back in the fifth grade out on the foursquare court playing with my friends, or how terrified I was playing "Light as Feather, Stiff as a Board" at my friend Kim's slumber party in the second grade.  In truth, it reminded me of things I had long forgotten and would love to share with my own daughter.

I was also very impressed with the complete wealth of information contained in the book.  It has everything from history, to finance, to how to change a tire.  One of my favorite parts, and unexpected delights in the book, were the history sections.  I learned things about ancient queens, woman spies and scientists, and my personal favorite – the section with letters between Abigail and John Adams before they were married.

Anyone who has, or was once, a little girl, will love this book.  It not only brought back my own memories, but it brings back the simplicity of days spent jumping rope and rollerskating to a fast paced generation in need of some serious slowing down.   I loved it, and I hope you do as well.