Books in Review: True Girl (Secret Keeper Girl)

Note: This book was originally published under the the name Secret Keeper Girl: The Power of Modesty for Tweens back in 2018. Less than a year later, author Dannah Gresh officially changed the name of the ministry the book was based on from Secret Keeper Girl to True Girl. After this change, Dannah made the decision to "republish" the book with a new title and subtitle (True Girl: Discover the Secrets of True Beauty) to reflect this name change. When I inquired about it, I was told by her ministry team that material within the book did not change, just the title. So I am changing the titles in this review, believing that my review reflects the contents of the both versions of the book. If you have any questions, please let me know ~ Bethel

​When I first heard this book was coming out last year, I was so excited. The original book Secret Keeper for teens is one of my all-time favorite books and since the author Dannah had developed a ministry to tween girls, I figured that this book would come along eventually. I was very excited to buy it and read it. In the end, I was not disappointed. Dannah’s heart for helping young women understand their God-given power of modesty is evident on every page. But I really enjoyed getting to see the older material I was familiar with was adapted to a younger audience. She uses different illustrations and metaphors to speak to the younger girls. She has a little bit different line of logic to help them understand the motivation behind modesty. The devotional companion even includes a coloring experience. But the heart between all of these books remains the same, and that makes it an excellent resource to tween girls, their parents, and even their youth leaders. If you haven’t checked this out, then you should. ~ Bethel

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Modesty is a difficult concept to teach to young women in our world today. We are surrounded by a culture that tells us that when it comes to clothes, “less is more.” And this idea is being pushed upon us at a younger age than ever before. Even t-shirts for preschool girls are designed to accentuate a figure that they don’t even have yet. Girls are being convinced that they can wear whatever they want whenever they want, and if anyone restricts that, it’s infringing on their rights. It makes it difficult for those of us that want better for these girls. We struggle with how to communicate to them the importance of the way they present themselves. It makes us ask the question: how can we teach the importance of modesty to young girls today?

​In her book, True Girl, Dannah Gresh adapts her material on modesty for older teens and addresses it on the level for tween girls. In a book of fun illustrations, both in visual and written forms, Dannah helps the girls understand their value as a unique masterpiece created by God and they our understanding of how much God loves us should motivate our desire to dress modestly. She also talks about what makes a girl truly beautiful, not by what is on the outside, but what is on the inside. She addresses issues that so many parents struggle to talk about with their daughters, but she does so in a totally tasteful and age-appropriate way. She gives fashion tests to help girls determine if an outfit is appropriate. Dannah even shares examples are stories about girls their own age to make their journey more relatable.

​If you are a girl about 7-11, you want to ask for a copy of this book. If you are a parents of a tween girl, you need to get this book. Even if you are a youth leader, you need to check out this book. Girls and adults alike will be grateful with the help and perspective this book provides. Girls and their moms with also love the corresponding mother-daughter devotional guide, which includes a coloring experience and an awesome letter to the moms. I cannot recommend either of these books enough. Get your copies today!

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Pre-Teen Rating. This book is written with this audience in mind. This is perfect for girls between 7 and 11 years old.

Teen Rating. A teen can read this edition of the book, but if this is a topic that interests your teenager and she’s 12 or older, I recommend they check out the original edition of the book and its corresponding devotional guide. It will be better suited for their age.

(To check out my review of the teen edition of this book and its devotional guide, click here)

Male-Friendly Rating. Dads with tweens and youth pastors that work with teen girls should read this book. I firmly believe that more men need to know how to have this discussion with their daughters.

Personal Rating. If you or your daughter is the right age, I cannot recommend this book enough!

Don't forget to check out the devotional guide for this book too!