Girls Against Girls by Bonnie Burton

Burton, Bonnie, Girls Against Girls: Why We are Mean to Each Other and How We Can Change. Orange Avenue Publishing, 2009. INFORMATION

Why are girls so mean to each other? Are they jealous? Intimidated? See other girls as competition? Whatever the reason, malicious gossiping, social shunning, vicious bullying and cyber bullying often occurs in school and life around us. So how do we break the cycle? Through this book, girls will learn some of the reasoning behind why girls can be so vicious and how to do just that.

The author takes a balanced approach with this book. She not only addresses the victims, but the mean girls as well. The information she presents is well-researched and takes a common-sense approach to breaking the cycle of meanness, envy, and passive-aggressive behaviors. The illustrations complement the text well. Her layout is well-done and does a great job of catching the eye. With quotes from famous artists and athletes and an easy-to-understand text that gives adolescents hope, GIRLS AGAINST GIRLS is a must-have for any teenage girl or library collection. EL (4-6). MS. ESSENTIAL. Reviewer: Kira M, Youth Services Librarian, WHI Public Library.