From School Library Journal
Grade 6 UpAMuch has been written and studied about the fragile self-esteem of adolescent girls. These selections, all by different authors, aim to offer advice that could help make them more confident and give them a positive direction and outlook. The contributors, such as M.E. Kerr, Vera Wang, Wendy Wasserstein, and Faith Ringgold, represent a wide range of backgrounds and professions and include scientists, athletes, artists, sociologists, writers, and others. A varied spectrum of quality is found in the stories, essays, fairy tales, poetry, cartoons, and memoirs. Some, though well written, give clich?d advice. Judith Ortiz Cofer recommends, "Love your work, and enjoy your play." The actress Sigourney Weaver touts the benefit of hard work and commitment. The underlying message throughout shouts that readers must be true to themselves and follow personal passions. The topics covered vary greatly and include dealing with one's sexual orientation, overcoming and triumphing despite physical handicaps, combating the pervasive "thin is beautiful" culture, dealing with insensitive people, and just finding oneself. Some selections are heavy-handed and preachy, but others speak with a true voice easily heard by adolescents. There's something here for everyone. Perhaps the title is a bit misleading since it seems to promise 33 different ideas. This is a worthwhile purchase for any library. The challenge is to channel it to its intended audience.ARenee Steinberg, Fieldstone Middle School, Montvale, NJ
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From the Inside Flap
Natalie Merchant. Sigourney Weaver. Tabitha Soren. Wendy Wasserstein. Rebecca Lobo. Lauren Hutton. Anita Roddick. Lynda Barry. These are among the thirty-three extraordinary women who lend their diverse voices to this outstanding collection of stories, songs, poems, comics, and essays that will give every adolescent girl reason to feel hopeful about making the transition from girlhood to womanhood. Dealing with subjects like popularity, success, communication with boys, speaking one's mind, and body image, here is a book that offers help and inspiration to girls as they struggle to find a portrayal of womanhood they can call their own. 33 Things Every Girl Should Know is an empowering and inspirational gift book that every girl will want to own, to share with friends, and to use as a springboard to self-knowledge, self-acceptance, and self-esteem.
From the Back Cover
Natalie Merchant. Sigourney Weaver. Tabitha Soren. Wendy Wasserstein. Rebecca Lobo. Lauren Hutton. Anita Roddick. Lynda Barry. These are among the thirty-three extraordinary women who lend their diverse voices to this outstanding collection of stories, songs, poems, comics, and essays that will give every adolescent girl reason to feel hopeful about making the transition from girlhood to womanhood. Dealing with subjects like popularity, success, communication with boys, speaking one's mind, and body image, here is a book that offers help and inspiration to girls as they struggle to find a portrayal of womanhood they can call their own. 33 Things Every Girl Should Know is an empowering and inspirational gift book that every girl will want to own, to share with friends, and to use as a springboard to self-knowledge, self-acceptance, and self-esteem.
About the Author
Tonya Bolden is the author of the children's book Through Loona's Door: A Tammy and Owen Adventure with Carte G. Woodson. Her books for teenagers include the novels Mama, I Want to Sing (co-authored with Vy Higginsen) and Just Family; the anthology Rites of Passage: Stories About Growing Up by Black Writers from Around the World; and a collection of biographies of ten epic women, And Not Afraid to Dare. Her books for grownups include The Book of African American Women: 150 Crusaders, Creators, and Uplifters . She is a native New Yorker.
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