Michael Gurian, whose national bestseller The Wonder of Boys presented a radical and enlightening view of parenting sons, now offers a groundbreaking approach to raising daughters. As you read this book, be prepared to shake up some of your preconceptions about what makes women tick. He emphatically agrees with Deborah Sichel's (Women's Moods) idea of "A woman's biology is the cornerstone of her mental health." In The Wonder of Girls, Gurian, himself the father of two girls, provides crucial information for fully understanding the basic nature of girls: up-to-date scientific research on female biology, hormones, and brain development and how they shape girls' interests, behavior, and relationships.

He offers us insight into what is "normal" for girls each year from birth to age 20; what developmental needs girls face in each stage; how to communicate effectively with girls; and how to cope with developmental crises such as early sexuality, eating disorders, parental divorce, and more. With personal insights, practical tips, real-life anecdotes, and accessible science, The Wonder of Girls creates a new parenting paradigm. Key elements include: a nature-based approach to why girls are the way they are and the connection between the need for profound attachment and the physical brain development of girls.

With this scientifically based developmental map of girlhood, Gurian equips parents with a comprehensive guide for raising daughters. His ideas are challenging and some feminists might not agree, but biology and its affects on girls' behavior are indisputable. Lots of great information in this book.

From Parent Council®-
“Gurian, therapist and author of The Wonder of Boys (1996) and Boys and Girls Learn Differently, looks at how biology affects girls' lives from infancy through adolescence and adulthood. Gurian uses a nature-based approach that combines neurobiological and biochemical research with "human history, multi-cultural application, and just plain common sense."…Parents and teachers will find this an insightful resource.”

From Los Angeles Times-
“Wonderfully useful advice…Gurian is at his best when it comes to the nuts and bolts of rearing a daughter.”

From USA Today-
"Explosive…Gurian raises interesting questions.”