https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/book-recommendations-for-teenage-girl-body-image-and-feminism Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 30 Apr 2026 12:16:09 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/book-recommendations-for-teenage-girl-body-image-and-feminism#post-788927 Wed, 05 Dec 2012 14:41:28 +0000 Astrid 788927@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you all so much for your recommendations! I'm going to have a look at it later and will try to find reviews and see what's available over here. This really helps! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/book-recommendations-for-teenage-girl-body-image-and-feminism#post-788623 Wed, 05 Dec 2012 00:38:11 +0000 rachylou 788623@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can't think of a book, but I will work on it. I've always been more a supplier of factoids and conversation starters... like there's something that happens with girls at about this age. They start taking a back seat, for example, drop off in math and science precipitously. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/book-recommendations-for-teenage-girl-body-image-and-feminism#post-788544 Tue, 04 Dec 2012 22:40:40 +0000 Suz 788544@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, amazing recommendations here! I am taking notes! </p> <p>Not to do with body image, but a recent book my daughter really enjoyed: The Fault in our Stars, by John Green. <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/15/books/review/the-tenacity-of-hope.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01.....-hope.html</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/book-recommendations-for-teenage-girl-body-image-and-feminism#post-788311 Tue, 04 Dec 2012 17:08:35 +0000 Inge 788311@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Do you think your sister would be interested in Rookiemag.com, Astrid? It's a website for teenagers founded by the now very well-known Tavi Gevinson (16 years old), with articles on all sorts of heavy and light-hearted topics, with a strong emphasis on healthy body image.<br /> <a href="http://rookiemag.com/" rel="nofollow">http://rookiemag.com/</a></p> <p>Each year they are also planning to bring out a yearly print edition with a selection of that year's material. The first one was published last September and might be interesting:<br /> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Rookie-Yearbook-One-Tavi-Gevinson/dp/1770461124/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&#038;qid=1354640858&#038;sr=8-1&#038;keywords=rookie" rel="nofollow">http://www.amazon.com/Rookie-Y.....rds=rookie</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/book-recommendations-for-teenage-girl-body-image-and-feminism#post-788149 Tue, 04 Dec 2012 12:21:17 +0000 ManidipaM 788149@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If your cousin's at all into sci-fi and/or fantasy, Astrid (sounds like she might enjoy them, given Harry Potter), I recommend a series called Uglies, by Scott Westerfeld. It's about a post-apocalyptic world where all teens and adults are surgically 'standardised' from Uglies to Pretties. A little chilling in theory, but not too graphic so the message gets through easily.</p> <p>More direct, diary-style is Ibi Kaslik's Skinny. In similar vein, some here: <a href="http://www.teenlibrariantoolbox.com/2012/08/top-10-teen-titles-that-deal-with.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.teenlibrariantoolbo.....-with.html</a> (I like Duff and the List). Or 'Slut!' by Leora Tannenbaum if she's a more advanced reader and more mature teen (ideally, I'd wait a couple years more maybe, if at all uncertain).</p> <p>You might also look at 'The Geography of Girlhood' by Kirsten Smith. It's a novel, despite the guidebook-ish name, dealing with the teens and the protagonist is one of those outsiders to the clique who is nonetheless affected by the insecurities and superficialities she scoffs at.</p> <p>A bit more scary but moving is 'Perfect' by Natasha Friend about a girl who develops an eating disorder. Judy Blume's 'Deenie' is a modern classic probably. Related, but dealing with racial respect/bias as well as economic and intellectual/educational differences, is Sharon Flake's 'The Skin I'm In'. Jacqueline Wilson's 'Girls Under Pressure' follows several young women with assorted teenage issues to deal with, from the threat of date rape to eating disorders. Dan Elish's 'Born Too Short' has a boy protagonist but is still one easy to identify with for any teen, I think.</p> <p>For non-fiction, you could look at:<br /> - Rosemary Genova DiBattista's 'Female Body Image: A Hot Issue' (Hot Issues are a series). The book has a very attractive visual feel.<br /> - Scholastic publishes an anthology and journal set called 'No Body's Perfect'<br /> - Diane Mastromarino's 'The Girl's Guide to Loving Yourself' isn't bad, though language is a bit simplistic (doesn't pull punches with the topics, though) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/book-recommendations-for-teenage-girl-body-image-and-feminism#post-788020 Tue, 04 Dec 2012 03:19:27 +0000 Krista 788020@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz is right, Astrid - the series I recommended is definitely not about body image, etc., but the story is about a bright and interesting girl who gets herself into many an adventure. I also agree with Suz on the other series called Emily of New Moon. It is my other favorite - such a great series; I think I might go dig them out and read them over the holidays!</p> <p>I've just done a search on the Chapters website (big book store here in Canada) and here are a few titles that might be of interest to your sister:</p> <p>Be Who you Want to Be: Karen Casey<br /> <a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/Be-Who-You-Want-Be-Karen-Casey/9781573243087-item.html?ikwsec=Books" rel="nofollow">http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/.....wsec=Books</a></p> <p>or there's also:<br /> 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens by Sean Covey<br /> <a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/35-606120-528241/search/?sortDirection=false&#038;sort=Default&#038;page=0" rel="nofollow">http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/.....038;page=0</a></p> <p>I don't know much about the first one, but I've used the 7 Habits book at different points over my teaching career. It doesn't teach much specifically about body image and feminism, but it does help kids identify what they value in themselves and to stay motivated within those values when peer pressure rears its ugly head. </p> <p>One book I would recommend for you, though (or any other adult who has/works with teenage girls) is "Queen Bees and Wannabes" by Rosalind Wiseman. It's the book that inspired the movie "Mean Girls" starring Tina Fey and Lindsay Lohan, and it gives a pretty good look at the struggles facing teenage girls. The movie is also pretty hilarious for adults to watch, however every time I showed it in a classroom, the girls watched it like it was a drama. For some reason, they see it as very close to reality. I highly recommend it, but I also recommend previewing it before you watch it with a young person - just good practice!</p> <p>These are some suggestions for now but I will continue to keep my eyes open for you! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/book-recommendations-for-teenage-girl-body-image-and-feminism#post-787764 Mon, 03 Dec 2012 21:33:46 +0000 Inge 787764@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm also keeping an eye out for titles that could be a good fit, Astrid. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/book-recommendations-for-teenage-girl-body-image-and-feminism#post-787538 Mon, 03 Dec 2012 16:08:04 +0000 Irene 787538@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>OK, might this link give you some ideas? Hehe</p> <p><a href="http://www.curriki.org/xwiki/bin/view/Coll_Group_StorySnoops/BooksforTeensFeaturingPositiveFemaleRoleModels" rel="nofollow">http://www.curriki.org/xwiki/b.....RoleModels</a></p> <p>You'll have to do the further research yourself (regarding quality and reviews) but these are certainly some good ideas! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/book-recommendations-for-teenage-girl-body-image-and-feminism#post-787502 Mon, 03 Dec 2012 15:18:30 +0000 anne 787502@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Astrid - the one I linked to is strongly feminist and not girly! But not sure if it is available, though it has been published in the uk as the Rough Guide to Girl Stuff.</p> <p>And as a strong LMM montgomery fan (as in read all the novels multiple times, plus all the criticism I have found, plus all 5 volumes of her journals!!!) I agree with what Suz said!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/book-recommendations-for-teenage-girl-body-image-and-feminism#post-787495 Mon, 03 Dec 2012 15:12:33 +0000 Suz 787495@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh...the Anne books are fun, but even better are the Emily books by L.M. Montgomery. They are some of my favourites. But they are not to do with body image/ feminism, etc. They are set in the early 20th century. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/book-recommendations-for-teenage-girl-body-image-and-feminism#post-787371 Mon, 03 Dec 2012 10:10:18 +0000 Astrid 787371@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Suz! Sounds like they might get along splendidly... My sister is a bit older, she turns 14 early next year. Thank you for asking your daughter and thinking about it!</p> <p>Thanks Anne! I'm not sure if this one is available here, but I know that I've already seen similar 'how to' guides out there. I guess I would need to have a look at them to see if they aren't too girly.</p> <p>Thanks Krista! The series sounds nice. I had a quick look and they seem to be available here. And I think she hasn't read them yet, because I only found them in English. Thanks for thinking about it some more. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/book-recommendations-for-teenage-girl-body-image-and-feminism#post-787247 Mon, 03 Dec 2012 03:07:35 +0000 Krista 787247@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If you're looking for a novel with a strong female lead, The Anne of Green Gables series is a pretty great read and there are many books in the series. I started reading them when I was about 10 or 11 but I think I was still reading the series at 14. It's a 100% Canadian series so, as a Canadian, I'll admit I'm a little biased, but it's my favorite series of all time. The author is Lucy Maude Montgomery.</p> <p>I don't have any non-fiction suggestions right now - but I work in a high school and I taught high school English for 15 years... I'll put on my thinking cap for you - something might cross my desk in the next few days. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/book-recommendations-for-teenage-girl-body-image-and-feminism#post-787230 Mon, 03 Dec 2012 02:11:31 +0000 anne 787230@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is by a hilarious Australian author - not sure if it is available where you are<br /> <a href="http://www.booktopia.com.au/girl-stuff-kaz-cooke/prod9780670076666.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.booktopia.com.au/gi.....76666.html</a></p> <p>She wrote a great pregnancy book called Up the Duff which I devoured in my first pregnancy! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/book-recommendations-for-teenage-girl-body-image-and-feminism#post-787206 Mon, 03 Dec 2012 01:54:47 +0000 Suz 787206@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Astrid, great question, and what a super sister you are!! </p> <p>My daughter has just turned 13 and is also a tomboy who loves to read. Too bad they can't meet! </p> <p>I am going to do some thinking about this one and I will also ask her. She reads tons, lots of novels mostly, but also other books. And I would like to get something similar for her to what you are looking for. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/book-recommendations-for-teenage-girl-body-image-and-feminism#post-787122 Sun, 02 Dec 2012 22:47:30 +0000 Astrid 787122@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Lyn! I think she's read the Hunger Games already. She has read almost everything (fiction/fantasy) available in the local library I think. If I'd need to guess I'd say she is reading an average of three books a week, similar to me when I was that age. I don't think she has read any of the classics though. I actually think I own Pride and Prejudice myself. I agree that books about girls with body image issues are disheartening, I had to read one of those for school once and didn't like it at all. I'm definitely searching for something positive - I don't want to scare her away from something, I just want to encourage her and make her reflect on things. </p> <p>Thanks Fern! I've read Already Pretty regularly a while ago, not so often at the moment. But I have a look there from time to time. I've seen that she has a book out, but I think it's more like a body positive style guide makeover thing? I'm not sure if that's the right thing. My sister is still very much a tomboy and I don't want to give her the impression that I think she needs to change that. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/book-recommendations-for-teenage-girl-body-image-and-feminism#post-787113 Sun, 02 Dec 2012 22:28:07 +0000 fern 787113@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Astrid, do you read the Already Pretty blog? I am thinking about recommending it to my niece - there was one entry in particular, last June, asking for comments on "what I wish I'd known then" about body image. It's adult-oriented but I think my niece would be interested in the perspective.<br /> Anyway, the blog author has a book out this year (that I haven't read), so you could look into that for your sister. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/book-recommendations-for-teenage-girl-body-image-and-feminism#post-787078 Sun, 02 Dec 2012 21:32:07 +0000 lyn* 787078@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I enjoyed the Hunger Games triology - strong female lead; although she does have a few mentions about not conforming to body norm. </p> <p>Most of the books I read when I was 13 were more classics - has she read Pride and Prejudice? I tried reading books about girls who were having body image issues, and found them boring/weird/disheartening. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/book-recommendations-for-teenage-girl-body-image-and-feminism#post-787047 Sun, 02 Dec 2012 20:16:46 +0000 Astrid 787047@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Irene! I'm searching for something with a direct approach to the thematic. Although novels are nice too. She reads a lot and I think she does read a lot of stories with strong or independent female characters, although these stories are mostly fantasy genre. I've googled Gemma Lienas, but it seems like you are right and the books aren't available in English. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/book-recommendations-for-teenage-girl-body-image-and-feminism#post-787008 Sun, 02 Dec 2012 19:09:15 +0000 Irene 787008@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Are you asking about book that direcly approach ED or just novels that portray women in a more natural, non-pressured way?</p> <p>I'll think about this since I am sure I have read something along this lines at some point. I definitely did read a couple of books on anorexia. </p> <p>In Spain we have a collection of books named Carlota's Diaries. It's meant for teenagers and I liked Carlota as a character, she's strong, intelligent and girly at the same time. There are a couple of books on her teenage life, then she goes on to focus each diary on a specific issue, like Feminism (Purple Diary), Sex (Red Diary), Abuse, Homosexuality, Racism and issues like that. I wish you could find that in English but I'm not sure it will be available. Author is Gemma Lienas. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/book-recommendations-for-teenage-girl-body-image-and-feminism#post-786960 Sun, 02 Dec 2012 17:37:21 +0000 Astrid 786960@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm searching for a Christmas gift for my thirteen year old sister. Especially in the last year she started to be more interested in style and clothes (although she still is a tomboy) and I tried to encourage her a bit, because my mum isn't interested in fashion or style. At the same time I noticed she started talking herself down, seems like she got that from class mates. She goes to a girl's school, I went there too. </p> <p>I want to get her something to read to help her with her confidence and body image, but I'm not sure where to look or what to buy. I only started reading about these topics myself when I started University and mostly blogs, which is not an option for her (she doesn't have a computer yet). I've also read some great books, but I don't think they are age appropriate. </p> <p>Do you have any recommendations? I'd love to hear your suggestions, English books would be alright. She only started learning it two years ago but she is very smart and already reading other English books (such as Harry Potter). </p>