When I first saw The Dangerous Book for Boys I was very excited to see that finally perhaps people were seeing the need for kids to unplug from their video games, iPods, and television sets and get outdoors and do some adventuring. If the ground breaking book Last Child in the Woods was a wake up call to parents then The Dangerous Book for Boys was the instruction manual for kids. It consisted of hundreds of activities, crafts, and games that generations past enjoyed…building forts…recreating battles, tying knots, and having an incredible amount of fun. It serves as a reminder of lore and technique that have not yet been completely lost to the digital age.
I did not have an issue with the actual name of the book and the reference to boys. I was a tomboy and I did all the stuff the boys did and never thought twice about it but I am still happy to see that a book specifically for girls has been released, The Daring Book for Girls by Andrea J. Buchanan and Miriam Peskowitz. The back of the hard bound book is inscribed with the following: “For every girl with an independent spirit and a nose for trouble, here is the no-boys-allowed guide to adventure.” And it is brilliant. 
If I had this book when I was a young girl I might have forgotten what the indoors looked like. In fact even as I read the book a few weeks ago I couldn’t help but drag out my backpacking and camping books and start planning for spring….the spirit is infectious. My daughter is only 3 right now but I am positive that this book will be treasured in years to come. And it would make a wonderful gift for some of the older girls, tweens, and even teenagers in my life.
The intro of the book read like a peek into my own childhood….a time when electronics consisted of record and cassette players and there was no concern for things like cell phones, texting your friends, emails, and instant messages. We walked to school, we rode banana-seat bikes, we roller skated, and spent countless hours playing hopscotch or tetherball. Well, The Daring book for Girls brings some of that to the current generation of girls. It is a book of possibilities and ideas for filling days with adventure, imagination, and fun. It teaches everything from the basic concepts of basketball, hopscotch, and Marco Polo to more instructional things like how to press flowers, put your hair up with a pencil, use impressive words like diaphanous, and administer first aid. There are also numerous historical things to learn such as the history of writing, Joan of Arc, women scientists and inventors, Cleopatra, and Greek and Latin word roots.
Some of my favorites sections of the book were how to play hearts and gin, making a girl’s toolbox, five karate moves, tying a bandana, how to climb, how to paddle a canoe, making a tree swing, changing a tire, yoga, and handclap games. By the time I got to the end of the book I was ready to get out and get adventuring! This book really is precious and deserves a spot on every girl’s bookshelf.
[tags]daring book for girls, blog tour, last child in the woods, dangerous book for boys, gift[/tags]
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First, I can’t believe there’s someone else on here with the same spelling as my name!!! I have 2 daughters of my own, plus a Girl Scout troop with 12 very bright, 10-11 year old, Type-A, energetic girls who would much prefer to play outside in the mud and create their own version of “Survivor” rather than stay inside playing Tiddlywinks. New ideas for my troop as well as my own daughters would be appreciated!
Caryn F.’s last blog post..The Daring Book For Girls – Review and Giveaway
I would LOVE to get a copy! This book sounds like something that might make her want to do more than just watch tv, email, or rather text, her friends…rather than actually walk accross the street and meet up and talk! Maybe this might have some effect in her life, and also give her some ideas of how we used to spend our times…way back when (in pre-history) I used to be a girl! lol!
Seriously, she is a reader, so if it is as catchy as it seems…it may make an awesome Christmass unexpected gift!
Thanks for the review and reccomendation!
Gabriella
I WOULD READ IT MYSELF FIRST. THEN I WOULD MOST LIKELY BUY AT LEAST TWO MORE COPIES. ONE FOR MY GRANDDAUGHTER, MOLLY, SHE’S ONLY 14 MONTHS OLD RIGHT NOW BUT SHE’S MY NEXT GENERATION GIRL SCOUT IN TRAINING. THE SECOND ONE I’D GIVE TO MY BEST FRIENDS DAUGHTER BECAUSE I’M ALREADY TURNING HER BLOOD GIRL SCOUT GREEN. I’VE BEEN IN GIRL SCOUTS FOR 26 YEARS AND I DON’T PLAN ON LEAVING ANY TIME SOON AS I AAM A LIFETIME MEMBER AND A COUNCIL OUTDOOR TRAINER.
If you had this book who would you give it to and why?
I hope to pass down some of my hard earned wisdom to my two girls (once they are old enough) but I hope that book might be able to help illustrate to them the joys of experiencing your own adventures rather than living them vicariously through a television set or computer screen.
AntiBarbie’s last blog post..Why I am an Atheist.
I bought the Dangerous Book for Boys for my 10 year old son. My eight year old daughter, Marie, keeps sneaking it away from his room so she can read it. I would really like a copy of The Daring Book for Girls to give her so peace can reign in my home again. I am curious to see what it includes that I once knew so I can share it with her.
Cath’s last blog post..Oh, the humanity
I would give this book to my daughters. Granted they’re too young to read it now…but they’re growing up way too fast. But I want them to be all that they can be.
Natalie’s last blog post..Still Looking for Discounts?
Oh, I would give this to my daughter. She is 12 and still loves being outside, but is being sucked inside to the phone and tv and video games. This would be so great. Thanks for doing this.
If I win this book I will give it to my 9 year old daughter. She’ll be delighted to received this.
Liza’s Eyeview’s last blog post..Gingerbread House 2007
I would be torn to keep it for myself or give it to my 6 year old niece. She and her mom and little sis would really get into this! Since I have boys, I should probably look into getting the boys book for my family – I’d just borrow the book from my niece so I can reminisce.
Sheryl’s last blog post..Life’s big questions
I would love to give this to DD, who is only 3 right now – but this could be an invaluable book that could last her years! I can already tell that this is right up her alley. Thanks for the chance!
Toblerone’s last blog post..Showered with love
I would love to have this for my daughter because she is indeed that, DARING!!!!
Thanks for a great contest!!
Stacey Moore’s last blog post..Island Review
I want this so badly for my daughters. They would have to share, but I Think the book is wonderful & they would really enjoy it!
Ginny’s last blog post..Buy.com Deals for Christmas + Free stocking stuffers
This would be wonderful for my daughter!
I would love this book for my daughter. How nice of you to give one away!!!
Erica’s last blog post..Psalms Sunday- Psalm 56
I would give this book to my daughter, I want her to be a daring girl!
I would give this to my daughter, but loan it out until she is old enough to use it!
Sarah’s last blog post..Fall Y’all!
I would love to give this book to my best friend’s oldest daughter. She’s a great little (almost 8-year-old) girl who is interested in everything. She helps her mom care for her almost 2-year-old sister and gets along well with her brother. I think she’d love to learn the things in this book. I can’t often buy her expensive gifts so it would be wonderful to give her this book.
Heather’s last blog post..Final week winners!
I’d give this to my daughter – she’s only 5 and a half but…. she’s the one! Thanks for the chance to win!
I work at a bookstore and I noticed the Daring Book for Girls recently. I instantly thought of my youngest daughter Liz and how great that book would be for her! Liz is now 17 and graduating from high school in the spring. What a treasure that book would be to her. Liz is beautiful inside and out – she has an adventurous spirit like her mother!
She has applied to go on an exchange trip and then on to University. Liz is a caring, kind and generous person to all she meets. She has a part time job at a fast food place as well as enjoying being on the swim team at her school. Liz loves having fun and she loves our dog Abby (a Cairn Terrier). Liz’s biggest fan is me! I wish there had been a book like the Daring Book for Girls when I was younger – in fact, I think I may end up buying one for myself – even though I’m 44!
I would definitely give to my daughter (almost 13) who loves reading for one, but also really “gets” complex ideas. She is fun to discuss books and writing styles with.
I would give it to my granddaughters Kelsi who is 12. We would read it together and hopefully learn some fun new things to try.
Sandy M’s last blog post..My elf name
I’ve heard sooooo much about this book and I want it!
Fist, of course, I’d have to read it. Then it would be passed on to my daughter who is about to have a daughter of her own. You’re right – in this tech advanced age I think it’s fab to enable girls to get out and do stuff. Fun stuff. I believe it’s a much needed kick in the pants and I’m glad it’s getting rave reviews. (as I sit here typing! lol)
Thanks for the contest!
robin’s last blog post..DIY Holiday Ideas
We have a winner Darlene! I am about to send an email to you! Thanks everyone for playing!
Although I am hoping to someday have a girl, I have a sister-in-law with 3, it would be perfect for her!
[...] in your school or community?http://www.summitdaily.com/article/20080323/NEWS/219091738/-1/rss02The Daring Book For Girls – Review and GiveawaySome of my favorites sections of the book were how to play hearts and gin, making a girl??s toolbox, [...]
It should be good to my niece.
If I won I’d give it to my friend Nella. Hopefully after she’s done with it she’d pass it one of our other girl friends and so on. I think all my friends could use some reminding of how great it is to be a girl!
[...] Double Daring Book for Girls – This is a follow-up to their other Daring Book for Girls. This one looks like it is a real winner too. These are probably the two best books any mom could [...]