Girlhood in America: An Encyclopedia (2 Volumes)

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Summary: Experiences of girls throughout American history
Review: Girlhood In America: An Encyclopedia is a massive, 800 page, two volume reference work presented hundreds of signed articles by more than eighty high-profile interdisciplinary scholars covering girlhood from a range of academic perspectives including history, cultural studies, education, media studies, literature, sociology, psychology, and anthropology. Ably edited by Miriam Forman-Brunell (associate professor of history and former director of the Women's and Gender Studies Program at the University of Missouri, Kansas City) this impressive compendium showcases how portrayals of girls in children's literature, magazines, movies, toys, music, and other media have deeply influenced girls' perceptions of themselves. Also presented is a wealth of clinical information on, and insights into, such issues for girls as body image, eating disorders, emerging sexuality, and depression. Excerpts from diaries, memoirs, and autobiographical novels help to illustrate the subjective experiences of girls throughout American history from the first settlements along the Atlantic coastline down to the present day. Strongly recommended for academic and community library reference collections, Girlhood In America is enhanced with numerous black-and-white illustrations, end-of-entry bibliographies, and a comprehensive index. Girlhood In America is also available in an ebook format...