The Drama Years

The Drama Years

Parenting
Haley Kilpatrick grew up in Georgia with a mother, father, and
younger siblings. Life for her was fine until her best friend moved
away during sixth grade. The girls she wanted to be friends with
vaccilated between meanness and acceptance. She lost confidence. Her
grades dropped. She dreaded going to school. When she hit high
school she saw her younger sister going through a similar
metamorphasis. She realized many middle school girls face similar
issues. She decided to do something about it.
Girl Talk is a mentoring program based on weekly discussion
groups. High school girls help middle school girls discuss relevant
issues like getting along with parents, dating, and dealing with
bullies. Each chapter is involved in service projects and
volunteering. The program has grown from one chapter with 45 members
to over 40,000 girls in six countries! Yowza!
During her travels running the organization Kilpatrick met lots
of parents and people who work with them who wanted advice on helping
girls navigate the turbulent middle school years. So she wrote The
Drama Years. In each chapter she covers one of the big issues such as
frenemies, bullying, and sexuality. Middle and high school girls and
adults share their thoughts and concerns. Concrete ideas for adults
to implement are included. She has high hopes. "After reading The
Drama Years, I hope you'll be able to influence the middle school girl
in your life in a positive manner, and I hope you'll know that you're
making an investment in girls everywhere when you do.". Yowza!
I would strongly recommend this book to parents, teachers, and
all who work with and care about middle school girls. There's a lot
of wisdom packed into this very lively read.
On a personal note, as I write this I'm betting the middle school
girls in this part of Maine will be going to bed with visions of a
snow day dancing in their heads.
A great big shout out goes out to Michelle, Lisa, Carolee, and all the
other guidance counselors who strive to help children thrive in
America's public schools.
Julia Emily Hathaway



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