Rating: 
Summary: Important Issues But Overly Simplistic Insight & Advice
Review: I think we could all agree that early adolesence is fraught with minefields, and that girls can be very mean - as can women. My problem with this book isn't the serious issues Wiseman raises, although there is nothing new nor "under the radar" about this - where has she been?; every parent in America already know about cliques and the power that girl's social structure can wield and the scars they can leave - but it is Wiseman's oft times glib commentaries and shallow interpretation that offends me; much like the black and white way of seeing things that she so insightfully "warns" us about in girl world , so too she has this tendancy to frame things in either/or, this or that terms. Overall, Wiseman lacks depth - unlike Rachel Simmons author of "Odd Girl Out" which is a far more insightful, well written and meaningful book. While her "Check your Baggage" section is a good reminder and offers some useful perspectives, just as another reviewer said, it makes it sound like you should toss out your deeply held beliefs, morals and hard earned wisdom and just get hip. Yet some of the best self esteem advice one can give to girls is old fashioned grandma wisdom handed down from generation to generation with a tweak or two for contemporary life. In my own experience working with girls this age and having one of my own, good old fashioned honesty and authenticity - the straight scoop - is what works best and alwasy seems to open the door for genuine and sometimes hilarious communication. In the end, Wiseman deserves credit for bringing attention to these issues, but she needs to grow up, deepen herself or maybe have a child of her own before telling us parents "how it is," which baggage to check, and shower us with her great revelations. Which also leaves me wondering: where was her editor in all this?
Rating: 
Summary: Makes me glad I have boys
Review: I thought this book was excellent - especially for communication of reality with parents of girls. I loved the parent questionaire and the humor of the book. I went to high school. I have kids (fortunately my kids are male) I remember the cliques and the betrayals and the hurt and the fun. I still love teen-agers though - their energy and hopefulness, eagerness and impatience. It's good! They're so restless too. I love that actually. I would also like to think that somewhere more counselors are trying to assist teens to redirect some of this nasty energy. You can never replace a parent though for guidance can you? I'm sure I have my own blinders but I know of at least three parents of high school girls who should read this book - but won't - their head is in the sand. I think the real problem with teens aren't the teens - it's the adults around them who are in stupors of denial.
Rating:
Summary: Not what I expected
Review: I was expecting a sociological book on teens. What you get was a manual of how to raise teen girls. Not what I was hoping for.
Rating:
Summary: Real, Accurate and Practical
Review: I'm a therapist with over 22 years' experience working with teens, and I thought this book was fantastic. It was obvious that Wiseman has spent a great deal of time with teens. Her descriptions are accurate and fit totally with what I see in my practice every day. I recommend this book to all parents and grandparents of teens, and anyone who works with teens in a volunteer or professional postion. Parents will find it practical and specific. Professionals will find it instructive. Good work, Ms. Wiseman. The kids you work with are lucky to know you.
Rating:
Summary: Much better than Odd Girl Out
Review: Like most parents of teenagers I am desperate for any insights to help my daughter navigate the treacherous shoals of her adolescence. I read Odd Girl Out and thought it was okay, but didn't tell me anything I didn't already know. Queen Bees and Wannabes, on the other hand, not only provided some new perspectives and insights, but much more importantly laid out practical steps that can help me help my daughter. My husband is reading it now, and he feels the same way. I highly recommend this book.
Rating: 
Summary: Inaccurate Stereotyping
Review: My dad asked me to read this book so that we could discuss this afterwards. I agreed, and hoped to find an insightful, accurate portrayal of teen social life. Instead, though, I found that the author of this book was self-centered (the word "I" was used far too many times) and perpetrated unfair teen stereotypes ("Queen Bee", "Second-in-Command", "Wannabe", etc.). At my school, I haven't noticed any of this. Yes, some people have more friends, and others have fewer. However, in my experience the "Queen Bees" are popular simply because they are nice to others. While I know that this is not the case in every high school, the way in which the author forces teen girls into a mold or type worries me. She makes it seem as if this is true at every high school, when really it's not as common as some parents might think.I would save my money and instead TALK to my kids about social life at their school.
Rating:
Summary: Queenbees and Wannabees
Review: Queenbees and Wannabees is a must read for any woman trying to understand the world of her teenage daughter. Ms. Wiseman gives practical advice on how parents can guide their daughters through the many difficulties they encounter on a daily basis. And she asks us as parents to evaluate our own issues so we can be more effective in our parenting. The book is filled with information, from the author's long term experience working with girls and from the girls themselves, which help to clarify not only what these girls go through but also how they feel about it. In dealing with this sensitive subject in such a thorough and useful way, Ms. Wiseman has done a great service to all of us who want to change the toxic social climate in our schools and who want to help our children become strong, independent and "successful" human beings. A great book. Long-overdo!
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Summary: A MUST Read if You Are Raising a Daughter
Review: Rosalind Wiseman did one fantastic job to help parents understand, relate, speak to and deal with the difficulties that arise with daughters, particularly during the teen and young adult years. This book brings you fantastic suggestions on healthy communication, breaking down barriers, how to relate to your daughter, how to discuss sexual preferences, as well as pivotal information for parents to remember what their lives were like at the age their daughter is now, and how to "check your own baggage" so you can grow beyond judgment and criticism, and move into a healthy, loving, compassionate relationship with your daughter. No matter what your daughter is going through, there is phenomenal insight in this book that will only help to enhance your relationship with her, and help her to gain the highest self-esteem, so she can be who she authentically is, rather than seek to "follow" the crowd. You will be far better equipped to help your daughter navigate through the challenges she faces, and her perceptions, doubts, and uncertainties during this period of her life by reading this book. Also provides are wonderful suggested movies, great websites and organizations, suggested reading, and valuable resources. A Fantastic Read that Deserves 10 Stars!
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Summary: beware the queen bee!
Review: Rosaling Wiseman founded and runs the Empower program in Washington, DC, in which she visits high schools and discusses the lessons she puts forth in this book. There are several queen bees in any given school, one for each clique, and inevitably the queen of the alpha clique is Barbie personified. Even in schools with a largely African-American student body, Wiseman points out that the girls with the light skin and most "white features" who straighten their hair become the Queens (often this gets the girls excited that someone is finally going to broach the topic that no one wants to admit exists -- minority girls are not held up to be beautiful queens in 2004 America or any time before it.) Queen Bees never think they are manipulative and mean as they really are. Usually their parents don't see it either. They argue down anyone who challenges their authority, never take responsibility for anything, exact revenge for the slightest wrong, and don't think they've 'won' till the other person has backed down and given them what they want. Anyone else who gets attention (besides themselves) is a "bitch"; it it's MALE attention, then she is a "ho". and on and on and on. And these queens keep it up well after high school as well. The author gives advice to parents of several types of girls (Queens, Sidekicks, Victims, etc) on how to talk to them without being condescending or buddying up to them inappropriately. (She also gives several different types of parents -- including "Best Friend Mom".) There are also topics of a more serious nature -- what to do if she is raped, for example. This has been touched on before but never so honestly -- i.e. when Wiseman points out calling another kid's parents does nothing but cause more trouble for the kid. Very well done.
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Summary: YOU MUST READ THIS IF YOU HAVE A DAUGHTER
Review: That review that came from the freshman at the all girls school HAS to be a Queen Bee! LOL! This Book is AMAZING! I wish my parents had read it! The world of teen girls is a dangerous place! I am 30 years old and still bear the scars! Wiseman really gives such a brilliant glimpse into the treacherous waters girls must swim in their teens. Of course you dont realize it until you are a grown up and it is wonderful that Ms Wiseman is giving parents the tools and tips to help our daughters through this time. My daughter is only 2! I am getting a head start because I think that some of this stuff is happening earlier and earlier. My 7 year old sister came home crying from 1st grade because her "Friends" were telling her she wasnt pretty and had hairy arms!!! So I am arming myself now!! Thank god there are books like this out there!i havent got a chance yet but Im going to check out the empower website too. I would love to help girls like that in our schools here.
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