The Words You Need

What can she say when a friend keeps pushing after she has already said no? When someone posts her photo without permission? When a message gets too personal? Or when she needs help-but cannot find the words to begin?The Words You Need gives teen girls clear, practical language for moments that feel awkward, pressuring, confusing, or unfair.Created for girls ages 12-16, this illustrated communication guide turns difficult situations into manageable steps. Each scenario helps readers recognize what is happening, choose a direct response, say it clearly, and decide what to do next.No long lectures. No pressure to sound perfectly confident. Just useful words she can practice before she needs them.Inside, readers will learn how to:Say no without inventing excuses or over-explaining.Respond when someone ignores an answer or keeps applying pressure.Ask for time before making a decision.Set boundaries with friends, classmates, family members, and other people.Handle gossip, hurtful jokes, unwanted photos, and friendship conflict.Protect personal information and respond to uncomfortable online messages.Ask questions, correct mistakes, and speak up in everyday situations.Tell a trusted adult when something feels wrong.Keep asking for support when the first person does not help.Take responsibility and repair a situation after making a mistake.The book includes 50 relatable, scenario-based lessons, graphic-novel-style illustrations, ready-to-use scripts, practice prompts, and clear next steps. Readers are shown not only what to say, but also how to say it and what they can do if the situation continues.It is a practical resource for teen and tween girls, parents and caregivers, school counselors and educators, mentors, youth groups, and support professionals.Readers also receive access to a companion printable practice pack featuring phrase cards, role-play exercises, support-planning tools, and a seven-day speaking-up challenge.Confidence does not always begin with feeling brave. Sometimes it begins with having one clear sentence ready.Give her the words before she needs them.