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How I Survived Being a Girl
Carolyn is a girl with strong opinions. On being a ‘stupid.’ Wearing ‘only when forced, and then with shorts underneath.’ Summer ‘make you feel invincible.’ Girls with ‘no use at all.’ The boy next ‘I do not have a crush on him!’ The top ‘for really great dreams.’ She thought she knew how she felt about everything. But the summer before the sixth grade, though everthing seemed the same, it all felt different.
In this wonderfully funny first novel, Wendelin Van Draanen perfectly captures the emotional earthquakes of growing up and growing into oneself.
In this wonderfully funny first novel, Wendelin Van Draanen perfectly captures the emotional earthquakes of growing up and growing into oneself.
176 pages, Hardcover
First published March 13, 1997
14 people are currently reading
330 people want to read
About the author
Wendelin Van Draanen
54 books2,210 followersWendelin Van Draanen has written more than thirty novels for young readers and teens. She is the author of the 18-book Edgar-winning Sammy Keyes series, and wrote Flipped which was named a Top 100 Children’s Novel for the 21st Century by SLJ, and became a Warner Brothers feature film with Rob Reiner directing. Her novel The Running Dream was awarded ALA’s Schneider Family Award for its portrayal of the disability experience.
Van Draanen's latest book, Hope in the Mail, is part memoir, part writing guided, designed to encourage aspiring writers to pursue their dream.
Van Draanen is also the author of two short chapter-book series. The Gecko & Sticky books, are fun read-alouds, perfect for reluctant readers, and the Shredderman books—featuring a boy who deals with a bully—received the Christopher Award for “affirming the highest values of the human spirit” and became a Nickelodeon made-for-TV movie.
Van Draanen was a classroom teacher for fifteen years. She and her husband reside in California and have two sons.
Van Draanen's latest book, Hope in the Mail, is part memoir, part writing guided, designed to encourage aspiring writers to pursue their dream.
Van Draanen is also the author of two short chapter-book series. The Gecko & Sticky books, are fun read-alouds, perfect for reluctant readers, and the Shredderman books—featuring a boy who deals with a bully—received the Christopher Award for “affirming the highest values of the human spirit” and became a Nickelodeon made-for-TV movie.
Van Draanen was a classroom teacher for fifteen years. She and her husband reside in California and have two sons.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
August 23, 2014
How I Survived Being a Girl was my favorite book when I was younger, and I only read it once. So when I found it in my stacks and stacks of books, I had to pick it up again. I scarcely even remembered what it was about, and since I didn't really want to pick up anything too hefty before school started, I just figured I'd give this one a quick reread.
I have found that this book still stands as one of my favorites, despite my age difference (I was about six or seven when I first read it, compared to fifteen years old now). When I was younger, I felt that I could relate to the narrator, Carolyn, a lot. Though I have outgrown many of the problems this younger fictional character faces, I still look back on the books as a gem that can still give me a laugh when I need it.
My current thing that I really love about this book is that it addresses that girls seem to have rules on how to behave rather than boys. I just sat here reading the book thinking, 'This book tells some real shit, doesn't it?' It is that way, and that the young girl narrator of this book recognizes it and communicates it to other young girls makes me very proud. It also encourages girls to break the rules that society enforces on young girls and just to be their own person. It's very empowering and a theme that I wouldn't think be in a kid's book. I certainly didn't remember it from when I first read it!
Another theme that I noticed was that Carolyn, the main character, is hurt by her brother Jack's reaction toward being a kid and how she wishes he didn't think it was such a big deal. It really rings true because it always seems that older kids look down on the younger ones at a certain age. It's comforting to know that other people share this experience too, as well as the fear of having the same mentality and growing up.
The only thing that I didn't like was that it made girlishness almost a sin, which was annoying sometimes, but otherwise an interesting view on other girls that played with dolls and such.
I give this book a 5/5 stars. I loved it so much and anyone who wants a laugh on this character study should read it!
MY BLOG! ---> http://booksandmoviesandmusic.blogspo...
I have found that this book still stands as one of my favorites, despite my age difference (I was about six or seven when I first read it, compared to fifteen years old now). When I was younger, I felt that I could relate to the narrator, Carolyn, a lot. Though I have outgrown many of the problems this younger fictional character faces, I still look back on the books as a gem that can still give me a laugh when I need it.
My current thing that I really love about this book is that it addresses that girls seem to have rules on how to behave rather than boys. I just sat here reading the book thinking, 'This book tells some real shit, doesn't it?' It is that way, and that the young girl narrator of this book recognizes it and communicates it to other young girls makes me very proud. It also encourages girls to break the rules that society enforces on young girls and just to be their own person. It's very empowering and a theme that I wouldn't think be in a kid's book. I certainly didn't remember it from when I first read it!
Another theme that I noticed was that Carolyn, the main character, is hurt by her brother Jack's reaction toward being a kid and how she wishes he didn't think it was such a big deal. It really rings true because it always seems that older kids look down on the younger ones at a certain age. It's comforting to know that other people share this experience too, as well as the fear of having the same mentality and growing up.
The only thing that I didn't like was that it made girlishness almost a sin, which was annoying sometimes, but otherwise an interesting view on other girls that played with dolls and such.
I give this book a 5/5 stars. I loved it so much and anyone who wants a laugh on this character study should read it!
MY BLOG! ---> http://booksandmoviesandmusic.blogspo...
September 18, 2012
The writing was fine, I just didn't find a plot. The author takes the reader on a short journey through a summer with a tomboy who loves her brothers, but would prefer to be a brother, herself. It's more like a diary, but it isn't written in diary form. Just little everyday snippets of her average life and how she relates in her family and her neighborhood. I kept waiting for some big conflict to happen, so that she could make herself stand out from the rest of the crowd.
May 15, 2014
I loved this title, had to pick it up. What a fun idea. The concept was one I am trying to explore in my own writing, so it was great timing to discover this.
Carolyn is the only girl in the neighborhood--well, the only girl that doesn't wear mary janes, and the only girl who gets into dirt fights and likes spying on the crazy neighbors with her brothers Jack and Allen. Only, Jack is too old and doesn't want to play with her, and tagging along with her younger brother isn't as much fun anymore. Well, unless Allen is playing with Will, who's the younger brother of Charlie who happens to be in Carolyn's class.
Fun summer adventure story. It doesn't really start out like a story, which puzzled me for most of the book. There's not really one thread connecting the anecdotes togther, until the very end. But by the middle I ended up liking that aspect of it. They're a little like diary entries; Carolyn learns and experiences every day. And then she goes back to school and everything ties together.
Liked it a lot, simple and sweet. Gave to my mom for her fifth grade classroom. One thing that may not be apparent when reading is that its the summer before sixth grade; I spent most of the book wondering. Also it seemed a little bit more old fashioned than 1997; maybe not, maybe that's just me. Or maybe it's supposed to be that way. A teeny bit distracting as I'm wondering why they weren't playing CD players or talking about wearing overalls, but overall not a big impact.
Carolyn is the only girl in the neighborhood--well, the only girl that doesn't wear mary janes, and the only girl who gets into dirt fights and likes spying on the crazy neighbors with her brothers Jack and Allen. Only, Jack is too old and doesn't want to play with her, and tagging along with her younger brother isn't as much fun anymore. Well, unless Allen is playing with Will, who's the younger brother of Charlie who happens to be in Carolyn's class.
Fun summer adventure story. It doesn't really start out like a story, which puzzled me for most of the book. There's not really one thread connecting the anecdotes togther, until the very end. But by the middle I ended up liking that aspect of it. They're a little like diary entries; Carolyn learns and experiences every day. And then she goes back to school and everything ties together.
Liked it a lot, simple and sweet. Gave to my mom for her fifth grade classroom. One thing that may not be apparent when reading is that its the summer before sixth grade; I spent most of the book wondering. Also it seemed a little bit more old fashioned than 1997; maybe not, maybe that's just me. Or maybe it's supposed to be that way. A teeny bit distracting as I'm wondering why they weren't playing CD players or talking about wearing overalls, but overall not a big impact.
June 18, 2015
The title of this book drew me in immediately; as a tomboy, I can't count the number of times I've felt being a girl is something to be "survived" - this author understands! What suggestions could she have?
The short answer: Wendelin Van Draanen doesn't answer the question posed by her title. The story consists of almost unrelated anecdotes in the life of Carolyn, a twelve-year-old tomboy.
Despite those misgivings, the anecdotes are funny and realistic. Draanan infuses some beautiful writing into them, such as the chapter about the moon, that was absolutely touching and developed Carolyn from a muddy tomboy to a more complicated (and real) character.
The short answer: Wendelin Van Draanen doesn't answer the question posed by her title. The story consists of almost unrelated anecdotes in the life of Carolyn, a twelve-year-old tomboy.
Despite those misgivings, the anecdotes are funny and realistic. Draanan infuses some beautiful writing into them, such as the chapter about the moon, that was absolutely touching and developed Carolyn from a muddy tomboy to a more complicated (and real) character.
April 5, 2008
I enjoy a lot of her other books, but not so much this one. The answer to how to survive being a girl (a tomboy with lots of brothers) seems to be to develop a crush on a neighborhood boy. I think that's the wrong message. The book was originally published in 1997, but it seems much more dated than that. She seems to draw on a lot of her own school experiences, which are now old-fashioned, and therefore I don't think it will resonate much today's adolescent girls. She has references to teachers wearing wigs, girdles and hose with garter belts. Maybe it's just because I'm a teacher that I'm offended, but it sounds like caricatures of MY teachers, not the ones my students have today. Also, the chapters don't seem very connected to me. By the time her mother has the new baby, I've forgotten she was even pregnant because I've been so waylaid by other neighbors and random characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 13, 2016
AUTHOR PRESENTATION
The main character, twelve year old, Carolyn is struggling with self-identity like many girls of that age. She doesn't want to be a girl, but sometimes has a hard time fitting in with the boys. In the novel, she experiences her first crush, and enjoys the arrival of a baby sister. In the end, she has learned to be comfortable with who she is. In my author presentation, I speculated the value of such realistic stories. I think reading a story like this could help young people become comfortable with who they are. Though this book reads more like a middle-grade, I think it could be read as a coming of adolescence, rather than coming of age. Readers getting close to being teenagers would be a good audience.
The main character, twelve year old, Carolyn is struggling with self-identity like many girls of that age. She doesn't want to be a girl, but sometimes has a hard time fitting in with the boys. In the novel, she experiences her first crush, and enjoys the arrival of a baby sister. In the end, she has learned to be comfortable with who she is. In my author presentation, I speculated the value of such realistic stories. I think reading a story like this could help young people become comfortable with who they are. Though this book reads more like a middle-grade, I think it could be read as a coming of adolescence, rather than coming of age. Readers getting close to being teenagers would be a good audience.
June 2, 2011
This was my favorite book when I was younger. Fantastic. Wonderfully written, wonderful character, wonderful everything. I read it over and over and over. So good. This is a girl character in a book aimed for like, elementary school students, and she kicks the shit out of most of the current YA girl characters. This book is fun, it represents childhood in a very real way, and it doesn't patronize the reader.
October 29, 2013
How I Survived Being a Girl is a very poorly written, sorry-excuse for a coming-of-age story about 12-year-old Carolyn who acts like a two-year-old. Sandwiched between two brothers, she thinks she should act like the boys and shuns dresses, frilly bows, and dolls. But, when neighbor Charlie starts paying some attention to her, she thinks maybe being a girl is not so bad.
Not worth the time it takes to read it, even though is a quick read.
Not worth the time it takes to read it, even though is a quick read.
April 28, 2024
I remember being in the hospital for stomach flu in 4th grade and mentioning to the nurse I liked to read. She gave me a copy of this book and told me I can take it home when I'm better. It made my hospital stay bearable and I enjoyed the book. I've thought about it a lot over the past few months and finally remembered the title! Highly recommend to any young teen girl who feels like she doesn't fit in.
March 14, 2013
I adored this book when I was younger, I read and reread it until I got sick of it, which rarely happened. This girl reminded me of myself in a way! I fell in love with Carolyn and the rest of the ragtag gang. I even did a book report on it!
October 19, 2014
One of my favorite books from when i was younger. I could relate to Carolyn in many ways. I've read it more times than i can count.
couldn-t-finish
June 4, 2015Surprisingly inappropriate for a kids book. Didn't care for it.
April 28, 2017
This well written account of a girl's childhood could have easily been mine. Sometimes life is confusing and sometimes it's really just fun.
January 6, 2020
I got really excited about reading this book because I thought it was going to be about gender, identity and self acceptance. There were some small parts of that in this book, but I would never read this book to my students. There were too many times when the main character spied on her neighbors whom she called names like "Fattabutta" because of their weight. I think there is much more interesting exciting literature out there that talks about gender without fat shaming anyone (or encouraging it for that matter). Therefore, I can only give this book 2 out of 5 stars because it was just okay. If the fat jokes were removed from the book and the parents of the kids knew what was going on, I would have given this book more stars, which leads me to my next point.
Where the hell were the parents? There were numerous times when the kids went out spying on the neighbors and the parents just didn't seem to notice they were out at night. I cannot believe that the average parent would be completely clueless when their three elementary aged children are just gone for hours on end spying on neighbors. Kids are loud, and it's very obvious when they're gone.
To be honest I thought this book was more about spying on people and calling them names than being a girl. It's also pretty sad that the only thing that motivated the main character to be a girl was that she had a crush on a boy. Wow. Good luck getting pregnant. That can happen to girls too.
Sorry for the rant, but not sorry. Oh, and by the way. There's also a part of the book where an underage girl (about 15?) is stripping for the neighborhood kids. Once again, the parents were nowhere to be found. I'm sure the average elementary school would love to have this book in their collection.
Where the hell were the parents? There were numerous times when the kids went out spying on the neighbors and the parents just didn't seem to notice they were out at night. I cannot believe that the average parent would be completely clueless when their three elementary aged children are just gone for hours on end spying on neighbors. Kids are loud, and it's very obvious when they're gone.
To be honest I thought this book was more about spying on people and calling them names than being a girl. It's also pretty sad that the only thing that motivated the main character to be a girl was that she had a crush on a boy. Wow. Good luck getting pregnant. That can happen to girls too.
Sorry for the rant, but not sorry. Oh, and by the way. There's also a part of the book where an underage girl (about 15?) is stripping for the neighborhood kids. Once again, the parents were nowhere to be found. I'm sure the average elementary school would love to have this book in their collection.
January 20, 2023
Carolyn's tips for survival:
Keep your hair too short for ribbons.
Get a great dog.
Avoid girls with Mary Janes.
Spy on the neighbors.
How could I possibly resist picking up this book?!
I'm so glad I did. This book made me remember what it was like to be a kid playing outside all day with my sisters and neighbor kids, when nothing felt better than digging a hole in the yard and laying in it or crawling through a hedge, and somehow you're always in trouble without trying. The author wrote in such a convincing voice/style for the young protagonist/narrator that I had no trouble becoming immersed in this story because it's believable.
I kept checking the copyright date and even looked it up online because I couldn't believe this book was published in 1997 - it is 'outside of time' in a way I associate with kid's fiction from the 50s/60s/70s. The only technology that's mentioned is cars - no phones, tv, etc. Added to that, newspapers are still delivered by paper boys on bikes (the paper has a policy against delivery girls), girls must wear dresses to school, and teachers can grab a kid's ear when they misbehave. It reminds me of both Ramona Beasley and Harriet the Spy while still remaining its own story.
Critiques:
There is fatphobia and the m-word is used to describe someone of short stature. And the way her issues with being a girl are resolved so quickly when her baby sister is born, well, that really turned me off. All the sudden she's content to hang out inside holding the baby....well that's not very consistent with the Carolyn we're come to know. But hey, it's a kid's book meant for the school market so I guess it's forgivable. (Just kidding it's not because of the way it reinforces the idea that if you just accept being a girl, you'll like it. But I'll still be giving it to my sister so she can relive our childhood escapades.
Keep your hair too short for ribbons.
Get a great dog.
Avoid girls with Mary Janes.
Spy on the neighbors.
How could I possibly resist picking up this book?!
I'm so glad I did. This book made me remember what it was like to be a kid playing outside all day with my sisters and neighbor kids, when nothing felt better than digging a hole in the yard and laying in it or crawling through a hedge, and somehow you're always in trouble without trying. The author wrote in such a convincing voice/style for the young protagonist/narrator that I had no trouble becoming immersed in this story because it's believable.
I kept checking the copyright date and even looked it up online because I couldn't believe this book was published in 1997 - it is 'outside of time' in a way I associate with kid's fiction from the 50s/60s/70s. The only technology that's mentioned is cars - no phones, tv, etc. Added to that, newspapers are still delivered by paper boys on bikes (the paper has a policy against delivery girls), girls must wear dresses to school, and teachers can grab a kid's ear when they misbehave. It reminds me of both Ramona Beasley and Harriet the Spy while still remaining its own story.
Critiques:
There is fatphobia and the m-word is used to describe someone of short stature. And the way her issues with being a girl are resolved so quickly when her baby sister is born, well, that really turned me off. All the sudden she's content to hang out inside holding the baby....well that's not very consistent with the Carolyn we're come to know. But hey, it's a kid's book meant for the school market so I guess it's forgivable. (Just kidding it's not because of the way it reinforces the idea that if you just accept being a girl, you'll like it. But I'll still be giving it to my sister so she can relive our childhood escapades.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 26, 2019
Apparently this book is supposed to be about a young tomboy coming to terms with being a girl, but that part is so deeply hidden I have to wonder if it got left in the author's notes somewhere. It certainly never made it into the actual book. There are plenty of moments where Carolyn almost grapples with this concept, but then it gets lost in the simple advancement of the story, a brief look at her life.
Like I said, conceptually it's a fine idea, but to me the author doesn't quite get where she's trying to go. She's too bogged down in Carolyn's day-to-day life to actually come to the point she sets at the start, how a tomboy comes to terms with being a girl in a world full of rough and tumble boys. If the book had simply been presented as the simple narrative of a tomboy, without the attempt at a deeper meaning, it would be fine, but when you the author tells you that deeper meaning is meant to be there, and you can't find it, you just get put off the further you read.
Cute story, not as good as it could have been considering what the author wants it to be, but some young reader browsing my Little Free Library might enjoy it for what it is, six months in the life of this young tomboy getting into mischief.
Like I said, conceptually it's a fine idea, but to me the author doesn't quite get where she's trying to go. She's too bogged down in Carolyn's day-to-day life to actually come to the point she sets at the start, how a tomboy comes to terms with being a girl in a world full of rough and tumble boys. If the book had simply been presented as the simple narrative of a tomboy, without the attempt at a deeper meaning, it would be fine, but when you the author tells you that deeper meaning is meant to be there, and you can't find it, you just get put off the further you read.
Cute story, not as good as it could have been considering what the author wants it to be, but some young reader browsing my Little Free Library might enjoy it for what it is, six months in the life of this young tomboy getting into mischief.
August 8, 2024
This is the first Wendelin Van Draanen book I've read that didn't wow me. It's a perfectly good grade school book about moments in the life of a young girl. There's the siblings stuff...the school stuff...the awkward trying to decide who you want to be stuff--but nothing really stood out and there was no running storyline--just the telling of daily life things. On the bright side, there were no bullies or mean girls--which a lot of youth fiction writers tend to lean heavily upon for plot.
June 26, 2017
This is BY FAR my favorite childhood book. I even wrote about it for my college applications.
I should say more, but, honestly, I am not even sure if all of the feelings I have towards this book can be properly encapsulated in one measly review.
I should say more, but, honestly, I am not even sure if all of the feelings I have towards this book can be properly encapsulated in one measly review.
August 20, 2017
Enjoyable stories and writing. Frustratingly falls into the fat-phobic tropes about the interactions she has with neighbors, teachers, etc. I thought the ending could have been better, but also wasn't the worst.
September 9, 2017
A favorite realistic fiction story from my childhood. It read like snippets of a the 6th grade protagonists every day life. More of coming of adolescence than coming of age and how to be comfortable with yourself
October 28, 2017
This Book is Intersting
Well u see in schools some students that are dont like other girls having long hair or short hair this girl she does everything needed to look like a perfect girl and she hangouts with boys more than girls.
You should read this book
it's inspiring!!!!
Well u see in schools some students that are dont like other girls having long hair or short hair this girl she does everything needed to look like a perfect girl and she hangouts with boys more than girls.
You should read this book
it's inspiring!!!!
March 11, 2019
great book wish there was a series
September 20, 2021
always makes me cry. a childhood favorite that i sometimes forget about, find in my home library after a few, read again, and cry. i felt like i was caroline as a 9 year old.
November 24, 2023
This wasn't my absolute favorite by this author, but I really enjoyed it. It is a collection of short anecdotes/adventures, which I could see my kids really loving.
February 7, 2022
How fun to read a favorite author’s first book! I saw the seeds of lots of good stuff here—and some truthitudes I may return to.
May 8, 2008
Wierd... but good! I probally would have enjoyed this better if I was in 6th but... never too old for anything! (Well... almost anything.) My sister showed me this book because she knew I liked the book Flipped and this was from the same author. So I thought, alright! Let's see if I'd like this book as much. It was very cute and I really loved how the author was able to tell a tale through the mind of a 6th grader. It was so real! I can still remember how I used to think like that... another amazing thing I read from this book was when Carolyn was, as I quote, "touching the moon". That seriously surprized me! If I remember correctly, it was just last year or 6th grade when I was also "touching the moon"... I just thought it was fun and cool! But to Carolyn... there was magic involved. Who knew someone was as crazy as me? I didn't think anybody else "touched the moon"... apparently I was wrong! :D This story took place around the time when girls were treated as dirt and weaklings... bleh... stupid guys!!! What I didn't like about this story was how it ended. It was kind of, well, boring. I liked when she talked about the moral and such... but the events at the end kind of blurred by, kind of bored me actually. Oh wells... but any other how, it was an adorable book and a really fun short read! :D
November 16, 2013
The best word to describe “How I Survived Being a Girl” is desirable, because all of the activities that happened in the book could actually happen in real life and that’s what I think makes it so interesting. Personally, I liked how the ending turned out because all Carolyn really needed was a girl in her life that’s why she was so overjoyed when her sister was born. What makes this story so interesting is how Carolyn the main character is telling the story in first person and showing what its like being in her shoes. “How I Survived Being a Girl” should defiantly get 4+ stars on it. I know when I was reading the book I made a lot of connections to my real life and that is what dragged me into the book even more! I would defiantly recommend this book to people, mainly girls that are my age but anyone could read it.
Read
April 3, 2012How I survived being a girlby Wendelin Van Draanen is a wonderful book about a young tomboy. Draanen's wit will have you laughing at every page. Her ability to incoroprate young love is spectacular. You will love every time Carolyn opens her mouth waiting for what comes out next. This young tomboy life changes from playing with the neighbors to schoolgirl chrushes. set in summer time you'll remember when you were young playing with your siblings and neighbors. Yuo'll wish you could join carolyn on her adventures not just in the backyard but in life.
January 6, 2009
This book was okay. It wasn't as good as some of the other books that I've read by Wendelin Van Draanen. The plot was pretty entertaining, but it really didn't have much sustenance. I probably wouldn't recommend.
*Taken from my book reviews blog: http://reviewsatmse.blogspot.com/2008...
*Taken from my book reviews blog: http://reviewsatmse.blogspot.com/2008...
October 2, 2014
I remember reading this book in middle school and I LOVED it!! I now, of course, don't remember all the details but I remember it being quite funny and I have kept it in my collection to this day because I enjoyed it so much! I remember liking it much better than "Flipped" which I believe is also by this author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews