The Girl in Her Teens

Edith's wish for a mirror in the school locker room opens Margaret Slattery's discussion of growing up. At thirteen, the once unselfconscious pupil has become keenly interested in her appearance and uneasy about public attention. Slattery uses this change to introduce the emotional, intellectual and social development of teenage girls, addressing the mothers and teachers who guide them.

Everyday examples carry the argument: a girl writes imagined stories of helping poor families, and a factory worker plans to support her sister's schooling instead of taking singing lessons. Later discussion stresses the need for friendship, recreation and welcoming places where young people can spend time together. Sunday schools, churches and religious ideals are central to Slattery's advice. Read today, the handbook provides a view of educational and religious thinking about adolescence, especially the responsibilities it assigns adults in helping girls connect personal growth with service to others.