"There is a reason God is putting you through this." These words spoken from my mother's mouth when I was a teenager still echo in my head. Fifteen years later I now understand that reason: to share my own junior/high school experiences in this book. My hope is to encourage parents as they help their daughters navigate through the prickly forest of "Girl World." While this book focuses on my own personal struggles and triumphs, I also share stories, perspectives, and advice from many other mothers and daughters who have gone through or are going through these tough teenage years. We will look beyond the thorns, twisted paths and shadows to see the light at the edge of the forest. The light that is waiting for them even though it may seem far away.