The Girl-Positive Library: Inspiring Confidence, Creativity, and Curiosity in Young Women

by Mary Ann Harlan

Published: December 2018

Pages: 172

Size: 7x10

A study of girlhood as it is represented in young adult literature.

Providing a model of critique useful in readers advisory, collection development, and book clubs, this title encourages the inclusion of young adult titles advancing a positive representation of girls in programming and instruction.

Even in an era in which there are multiple and wide-ranging conversations about representations of diverse groups in literature, the depiction of girls in young adult literature has received inadequate attention. This text provides a model for understanding how girls are represented in young adult literature that will aid school and youth services librarians in their personal understanding and awareness as they build collections and create programming.

It provides practical suggestions for how to use and implement a feminist lens while reading, discussing, and reviewing titles. Included are a list of recommended annotated titles and discussion questions for use in developing appropriate instructional and interesting programs that explore concepts of girlhood, media literacy programs, and diverse collections.

Features

• Looks at YA books through a feminist lens
• Provides a list of recommended titles with annotations and discussion questions
• Provides insights into YA books to consider for collection development and programming in an area of current interest
• Includes descriptions of programming ideas to use in both school and public library settings