Rockler, Naomi. Challenges for Teen Girls: Anxiety, Self-Image, and Bullying. Reference Point Press, 2025. 978-1-678-20790-8. 64 p. $34.05. Grades 7-12.

Rockler opens this book describing how teen girls are in crisis, feeling vulnerable, overwhelmed, pressured, and never good enough. In four chapters she describes major issues that negatively affect girls: anxiety, social media, self-image, body image, and cyberbullying. For each issue she defines the stress, how it has grown, and gives examples from a variety of teenagers. Along the way, she highlights specific examples like: TikTok and anti-aging regimens for teens; eating disorders; early-onset puberty; the body-positivity movement; and common forms of cyberbullying. The final chapter is devoted to ‘Getting Help and Giving Help.’ She details helpful easy to respond to a friend’s anxiety; the need for professional help for eating disorders; and the ‘4S’ steps to face cyberbullying: Stay calm & don’t retaliate; Screenshot evidence; Shut it down by blocking; and seek Support from a parent, counselor, or trusted adult. She notes that although the challenges today have increased, so has awareness and many resources. Sources notes, further research guidance, and index included. 

THOUGHTS: This is a sobering look at very real stressors for teen girls that offers thankfully realistic actions to help.  Recommended.