Teen Virtue 2: A Teen Girl’s Guide to Relationships

Vicki Courtney
Broadman & Holman Publishers (2006)
ISBN 0805441913
Reviewed by Kelli Glesige for Reader Views (6/06)

When my review copy arrived, my 15-year old enthusiastically asked if the copy was for her.  What a great sign!

Vicki Courtney has written an excellent resource for teen girls that looks just like one of the popular glossy magazines we all see at the newsstands today, but this one is unique.  The teen magabook offers advice on life and relationships, but unlike the mainstream teen magazines, this one emphasizes virtue over vogue.  Girls should enjoy the quizzes, fashion tips and advice columns found in “Teen Virtue 2”.

 The book begins with an attention getter for teen girls when Vicki Courtney asks, “Do you want or need a boyfriend?”  My guess is that most girls will want to begin reading right from page one.  Next, girls are asked to take a quiz on their current crush, finding out if instead, they might be getting crushed, ultimately distracting them from reality.  After several interesting articles, Courtney includes some fun activities:

“Can You Relate?” Gives a girl questions to think about concerning what has been discussed and how she might apply it in her own life.  Activities to reiterate the message are included.

“We Asked…You Told” offers real answers from real girls given on a specific question asked of all the teens.

 The book is conveniently divided into four sections on relationships with articles on guys, friends, family and God.  Along with great articles, Courtney includes a list of ten things to NEVER do.  These items are straight and to the point.   The pictures and bright colors should also be appealing to the youth.  All the information in “Teen Virtue 2” is relevant and fun to read.

 I believe teen girls will find “Teen Virtue 2” very appealing, and parents will find it refreshing. I do not particularly approve of much of the reading material that is currently available at the newsstand for teen girls, but this is on a completely different level.  Courtney has taken a more poignant approach to modern cultures negative influence on girls’ self-esteem and behavior.  Courtney gives value to developing friendships with other girls, parents, and siblings.  Dressing sexy is not what makes a girl “cool” or wearing low cut shirts and short skirts.  

 Not only girls, but everyone can benefit from the information included in the section on relationships with friends.  Unfortunately, teen girls seem to be the guiltiest of gossiping and talking behind another’s back.  All girls should be reminded of the correct way to treat another friend and to never belittle another.  The author reminds when it is best to keep quiet but also when it is good to share.

 As the mother of a teen, an article that caught my attention was “5 Tips to Being an Award Winning Daughter”, in the relationships with family section.  I chuckled upon reading that a daughter should cut a parent some slack if Dad mows the lawn in dress socks and shorts that are above the knee or Mom’s jeans have a waistband that comes almost to her armpits.  Courtney writes that most parents do not think of themselves as cool, so it is unreasonable to expect them to be someone they are not.

 This book should be required reading for the teen girls of today, for SO MANY could benefit.  I encourage parents to get a copy for their daughter and to place it on her nightstand.  Girls will enjoy the articles, and the benefits gained will compound many times over.

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