Library Book Reviews

 
Claire, Children's Librarian, Roswell Public Library, New Mexico

     Although we should be celebrating women (and men) every day of the year, the month of March is dedicated to Women’s History. In the spirit of celebrating women, here are two new titles in Children’s fiction worth the read, especially if you are a woman or girl, or if you know a woman or girl in need of these titles. 
   The first book might seem scary, but it’s really not. “Feminism from A to Z” by Gayle E. Pitman, PhD delves into all aspects of the “F” word and why it’s important for women, especially teenage girls, and for men, too. Pitman has organized this book in A to Z format to bring each topic down to its simplest forms which makes each area easier to digest. Each letter, or chapter, includes information about the history of the word, current events, and issues that are important to think about, understand, and get involved in. Pitman also includes in each section a “TRY THIS!” where she challenges you to complete an activity to help you think more clearly about each topic, make personal reflections, as well as completing a self-examination when it comes to each topic. She also includes a “HERSTORY” section which brings to light real stories of real women, people of color, and LGBT people where they oftentimes are not mentioned in everyday history text books. The entire book is not just about women. Pitman gets into another serious topic for T which is for TOUGH where she states, “…while media portrayals of women have gotten thinner over the years, males in the media have become stronger and more aggressive over time.” She is talking about the term “toxic masculinity.” This does not mean that being masculine in itself is toxic, but rather some of the stereotypical traits deemed as masculine are actually hurting young boys. It’s a very interesting chapter and I highly recommend this book as a starting point on the movement.
    The second book is for young women about to go through puberty, or those who already are working their way through it currently. “Bunk 9’s Guide to Growing Up: Secrets, Tips, and Expert Advice on the Good, the Bad, and the Awkward” as told by Adah Nuchi and illustrated by Meg Hunt. It is set up like a journal for young girls that covers all the topics you’d ever dream about knowing when it comes to growing up. From hair care, health, body image, and you guessed it – MENSTRATION – this is the ultimate guide, complete with illustrations and fun blurbs from other campers which makes this book highly approachable as if it were written just for you by your best gal friends. Both of these books can be found in the Children’s Non-fiction section of the library.