Is your daughter 14? Are you struggling to know what's going on inside her head? Are you worried? This is the book that can help you understand how she's feeling, what she's thinking and what you need to do to help her navigate her tricky teens to become a fabulous woman. BEING 14 gives a voice to every teen girl in Australia. Madonna King has interviewed 200 14-year-old girls across the country, talked to successful school principals, psychologists, CEOs, police, guidance and neuroscientists to reveal the social, psychological and physical challenges every 14-year-old girl is facing today. -How much independence do they need? -What is the power of a friendship group? -How do you help build self-confidence? -Why the obsession with selfies, social media and FOMO? -How are parents unknowingly making life so much harder for them? Overwhelmingly, these young girls - on the brink of womanhood - struggle to tell their parents how they feel. That's why BEING 14 gives you the answers you are looking for. It's your daughter, talking to you. And her hope, beyond anything, is that you will listen.

A deeply thoughtful and enlightening exploration of the world of 14 year old girls. I was impressed by the respect and sensitivity shown towards girls at this critical developmental stage and the breadth and depth of the research. It candidly highlights the complexities our girls face -and sometimes the mistakes they make - while also rejoicing in their great strengths and the way they so passionately want to contribute positively to the world around them. * MARISE McCONAGHY - Principal, Strathcona Girls' Grammar in Victoria *
Just as adolescent girls can be frustrating, confusing and complex, so too are they wonderful, inspiring and earnest. While many authors attempt to unravel the complexity of the adolescent girl, few have approached it with the curiosity, compassion and thoughtfulness of Madonna King. "Being 14" is a book for anyone wanting to look beyond the clichés surrounding adolescent girls to really understand and celebrate these passionate, optimistic and determined young women. * JODY FORBES, School Psychologist & Student Counselling Coordinator, Brisbane Girls Grammar School *
Review to come * House of Wellness magazine *

Madonna King is one of Australia's most accomplished journalists, having worked at senior levels of News Limited and the ABC, where she presented the Mornings program in Brisbane for six years. Madonna writes for Fairfax and has a regular radio spot on Brisbane's 4BC. She has written eight books, including Being 14, Hockey, Ian Frazer, Bali 9 and Fathers and Daughters, all defined by her skilful reporting and her ability to get people to talk in depth. Madonna is also a parent of two teenage girls.