Critique de School Library Journal
Gr 5-8-It's never been better to be a girl, and it's never been harder. In these two titles, Cordes combines advice, statistics (usually from "one survey" or "some researchers"), and commentary and reflections from female teens on issues that impact upon today's young women. Classroom builds on a workable approach to empowerment by focusing on school-related issues. It delves into subjects such as careers, gender-role behavior, women's history, and keys to academic success. Topics in Mirror include body image, self-confidence, and inner beauty. There is quite a bit of repetition between the books, but the breezy teen-magazine tone and pep-talk quality of the texts serve to reinforce the author's messages. The layout is attractive and accessible; organization is vague at best. These selections will be popular browsing items with girls who want to know more about managing themselves and their lives. They are not, however, essential purchases.-Lisa Denton, J. S. Russell JHS, Lawrenceville, VA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Critique de Horn Book
These self-help books address teenage girls directly, bringing a girl-power attitude to discussions of school, home, body image, and sports. Peppered with statistics and quotes from young people, the pages are lightened by a number of graphic elements. Although the texts overlap and there are many books on these subjects, these books deliver a good dose of pep talk about self-esteem. Each contains an extensive resource list. Bib., ind. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Critique de Booklist
Gr. 5^-8. "Have you ever decided not to say or do something because you weren't confident enough or because you thought other people might not approve?" Cordes cuts to the quick with these spirited, no-nonsense, yet still gentle and approving self-help titles for young teenage girls. Much of the guidance comes from other girls' comments about difficult experiences, speaking up, and taking risks. In the Mirror examines the pressures about image and offers coping strategies without dismissing the emotional pain that appearance can exact on people. In the Classroom overlaps somewhat, with an emphasis on self-esteem and dealing with harassment at school. There isn't much depth, and more documentation would have been helpful, but the books have a lively design, a very engaging style, and substantive lists of resources. --Anne O'Malley
