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Notes on Being Teenage

On sale

9th June 2016

Price: £6.99

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Selected: Paperback / ISBN-13: 9780750287326

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How would you describe yourself? Do you like to stand out, or fit in? Are you an Instagram junkie, or is Snapchat more your thing? Are you watching Zoella on YouTube, or reading Rookie on your phone? We’re all different, and no-one’s teenage years are the same. But we do all have one thing in common – being a teenager is about discovering who we are, and who we want to be.

It can be tricky, building and forming your own identity and sense of self, and sometimes, advice from someone who has been there and done it in the not-too-distant past can come in useful. Enter Rosalind Jana, who’s crammed more into her 20-odd years than most (including winning the Vogue Talent Contest for Young Writers AND ‘Well Dressed’ at the Observer Ethical Awards, but don’t tell her we told you that…). Notes on Being Teenage covers all aspects of teenhood, from the serious (mental health issues, bullying, staying safe online), to the slightly-less-so (dating, style, fashion, starting a blog) and everything in between. Rooted in her own experiences as a blogger, part-time model and eco-fashion-expert, but also as a teen who struggled with scoliosis, bullying and her dad’s depression, Rosalind is well-placed to offer advice and guidance to anyone navigating their teenage years.

She’s also spoken to loads of teens about their experiences, too, and their stories, problems, advice and wisdom are gathered here as well, along with interviews with inspirational and interesting people like Louise O’Neill, Juno Dawson and Rosianne Halse-Rojas. All this combines to form a warm, witty, wise book not just on how to survive but how to thrive as a teen. Essential reading for smart girls of any age.

Reviews

Anna James
The phrase "voice of a generation" gets bandied around a lot but Rosalind Jana is certainly someone who can lay claim to that epithet. Her voice is smart, warm, feminist and funny and and Notes of Teenage is a wonderful blend of anecdote, advice and insight; Rosalind is like the online older sister you wish you had when you were a teenager and it's the sort of book I would have loved to give to the teenagers I used to work with.
Laura Jane Williams
Ros speaks like a confident and worldly best friend, who doesn't just tell you what to do, but shares how she did it, too. That's so very generous. Reading her words is a comfort, and a joy. She's smart and educated, kind and bold - I'm so impressed by her.
Humaira Kauser, Love Reading 4 Kids
I think Rosalind's book was amazing; it tackled appearance and loving the way you look phenomenally. [...] It was a fantastic read and I know it will be helpful for teens today;
Jim Dean, Teens on Moon Lane
Superstar blogger/writer/student/model Rosalind Jana is a favourite of mine and this non-fiction book, which "stretches from feminism to fashion to the pleasures and pitfalls of selfies", sounds like a must-read.
School Librarian
She consciously avoids the mistake of being too of the moment and her advice is timeless ... coming form one so near to teenage I hope it is more credible and listened to than when coming from the mouths of teachers and parents
Yasmin Flowers, Red
20-year-old student Rosalind Jana showcases realistic views and an indispensable look at modern life.
Parents In Touch
Notes on Being Teenage covers all aspects of teenhood ... the author is well-placed to offer advice and guidance o anyone navigating their teenage years. She is close enough to her teen years to understand how teens feel in today's world, so they will respond well to her advice