The Girls' Guide to Life: How to Take Charge of the Issues That Affect You

A handbook for girls ages ten to sixteen familiarizes them with the basic issues affecting girls and women today and explains how to cultivate a healthy self-image, presenting a mix of facts, activities, profiles, poems, and resource lists.

A fact-packed and thought-provoking information and activity book from Dee, who notes that she grew up with Marlo Thomas's groundbreaking Free to Be You . . . and Me. With her definition of a feminist (a person ``of either gender who believes in equality for both genders''), Dee establishes her notions of the struggle for equality, and provides enthusiastic support for girls in many arenas. Some topics covered: being ``ladylike''; personal safety; assertive behavior in the classroom; sexual harassment; athletics and politics; advertising images of girls and women. The format is inviting, with quizzes, projects, cartoons, poetry, and excerpts from authors--Maya Angelou and Gloria Steinem among them. Extensive source material is appended (notes, lists of organizations, bibliographies) as well as meted out at logical intervals throughout the book. The attractive chapters, numerous black-and-white illustrations and photographs, and abundant information offered with Dee's light touch add up to a pleasing and valuable guide, not necessarily to be overlooked by members of either sex. (index, not seen, chronology, notes) (Nonfiction. 10+) -- Copyright ©1997, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Gr. 5-8. The black-and-white photos are fuzzy and the sketches amateurish, but this jumble of poetry, advice, information, and first-person experience is an accessible, refreshingly nonstrident means of introducing young women to feminist issues of today. Self-esteem, political awareness, cultural stereotypes, and sexual harassment are but a few of the matters presented, all of which are fortified with suggestions for actively involving readers in expanding their horizons in school, at work, and at home or helping them learn more about themselves as individuals. Eclectic lists of readings and relevant addresses are featured, and there is a bibliography aimed at adults. Source notes; some fill-in-the-blank sections; a pullout poster. Stephanie Zvirin