In Honor of Girls:
Adolescent Girls and Self-Esteem
An Annotated Bibliography
Prepared by
Karen Lippert
Reference Librarian
Oregon Health & Science University
Portland, Oregon
***
The Entire Bibliography Especially For Girls Web Resources
Introduction
A few years ago, I worked as a librarian at a small, liberal arts college in Oregon. At the same time, my cousin was a freshman at the college. Through my conversations with her about her fellow freshman girl friends, and by unintentionally "eavesdropping" in the reference room of the library where I spent a lot of the day, I became vividly aware of the issues that plague many of these girls who have just stepped out of the doors of high school. Beauty, looks, clothes, boys, weight -- all indicators of self worth. At about this same time, I decided to read Mary Pipher's Reviving Ophelia, which one of my library school friends told me made a serious impression on her, and helped her see why so many young girls and women have self-esteem problems. Pipher's book, and the college atmosphere filled with slim, stylish young women, made me remember my adolescence, and the insecurities I faced at that time (and still somewhat face… do we ever really accept our appearance?). Then the questions began rolling: Why are girls obsessed with beauty and body issues? What happens during adolescence that makes them so insecure? How do eating disorders, promiscuity, and gender roles play in all this? I started reading, and I haven't been able to stop.
I felt encouraged to delve into this subject more deeply, and complete a bibliography of books that try to explain just what happens to young girls during the precarious time of adolescence. While each of the books I have included in the list deal with adolescent girls in some manner, I have tried to include books that highlight different aspects of the adolescent girl experience. Some books are all-inclusive, and look at all aspects of adolescence as a whole; others deal with specific issues, such as weight and eating disorders, the importance of friendships between girls, sexual experiences or the lack thereof, self-acceptance and self-esteem, the effects of gender stereotypes, and the hell of living with a bad reputation. One book traces the history of "beauty culture," while another defines the history of "girl culture." Some books are written specifically for girls, while others are written by girls. Some are for teachers, parents, and anybody who wants to raise strong, independent, and empowered girls, and some simply say, Hey, you are beautiful, you are strong, you are all you need to be. Love yourself.
It is my intention with this bibliography to provide some sources that answer questions that affect nearly every person who is, will be, or has been an adolescent girl. These issues also effect the men and boys who know adolescent girls, and for those who want to understand their adolescent daughters and friends, these books will be invaluable for them too.
Many of these books are aimed specifically at young girls. But, as an adult reading these books, I found that they brought back many feelings and memories from my adolescence. And for the first time, my issues from adolescence have been validated. It's a fascinating, empowering journey, and I recommend it to any woman, young or old. Read a few of these books and find yourself in the pages.
~Karen Lippert
March 7, 2000
Especially for Girls
An abbreviated version of the bibliography which includes books that are
especially appropriate for adolescent girls.
Created on March 7, 2000
Last updated December 12, 2002
Please send comments and suggestions to Karen
Lippert
Copyright 2002 Oregon Health & Science University
3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd. Mail Code: LIB, Portland, Oregon 97239