Girls Speak Out: Finding Your True Self [Paperback]

Andrea Johnston (Author), Gloria Steinem (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 2005 | Age Level: 9 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up

Founded in 1994 by feminist activists Andrea Johnston and Gloria Steinem, the Girls Speak Out program has inspired thousands of girls to build self-esteem and give voice to their true selves. In a series of workshops, Johnston demonstrates how to facilitate honest discussion about subjects such as self-worth, friendships, gender equality, the media, the power of a girls'¬? movement, and female models throughout history, and shows how each girl can explore and revel in her unique place in the world. In this revised edition of GIRLS SPEAK OUT, Johnston brings the wisdom of participants worldwide to a personal level, providing a step-by-step guide to finding and expressing one'¬?s individuality. Featuring interactive exercises, poetry and stories from girls, and excerpts from writers such as Alice Walker and Sandra Cisneros, GIRLS SPEAK OUT is an empowering source of strength and inspiration for girls of all ages and backgrounds.An interactive guide to self-expression for girls of all ages, based on the Girls Speak Out workshops created by Andrea Johnston and Gloria Steinem.Features exercises for self-discovery and discussion, an annotated bibliography, and the Girls USA Plan of Action, a unique statement of girls'¬? rights.Includes a training guide for parents, teachers, counselors, and other leaders interested in organizing and presenting certified Girls Speak Out workshops in their communities.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 5-9. A book based on a self-esteem and consciousness-raising workshop for young women, developed by the author and Gloria Steinem. It's an intriguing account, but it may be more meaningful to parents and teachers than to its intended audience. "Girls Speak Out" is the name given to the workshops, typically given on two consecutive Saturdays and characterized by the author as "an experience we have in a room with other girls and women." The workshops explore a broad range of subjects, from prehistoric images of women to understanding sexism to self-discovery, encouraging young women to find their own true voices and "speak out" through discussion, games, and writing. "Even if you can't be in this room with us," Johnston explains, "you can have some of the same experiences with the book." Thus, this title explains how the workshops are run and presents some of the responses and writing that participants have contributed across the country. Although no doubt the actual workshops are powerful and empowering, this presentation lacks focus and practicality: it's not really designed as a how-to guide, nor is it inspirational for private journals or self-study. However, the actual writing of the girls is compelling; adults working with adolescents may find the "Girls Speak Out" concept and model easy to use and adapt in different settings.?Cyrisse Jaffee, formerly at Newton Public Schools, MA
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

A splendid sister of Free to Be ...You and Me and Take Our Daughters to Work, GIRLS SPEAK OUT envisions a world where girls revel in their power-and then provides a vibrant, animated map of how to get there.-Marlo Thomas

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Celestial Arts; 2 edition (August 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1587612410
• ISBN-13: 978-1587612411
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.6 x 8.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,266,743 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #80 in Books > Children's Books > Science, Nature & How It Works > Health > Maturing

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book for developing self-esteem for girls., February 27, 1998

By 

[e-mail] (San Francisco, California USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Girls Speak Out: Finding Your True Self (Paperback)

Excellent book for girls aged 9 to 18 and adult women. The heartwarming, poignant, and sometimes sad stories and poems by the girls help girls maintain or revive their true selves which are often lost during these years. A helpful book for developing girl's self-esteem and maintaining positive feelings about herself. Girls are celebrated for who they are, not what they look like or what they wear. Girl's voices are those of a wide range of ethnicities.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is a wonderful self-esteem book., June 2, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Girls Speak Out: Finding Your True Self (Paperback)

This book is a great book for any woman or girl from ages 9-16. It helps raise self-esteem and is a fun book to read aloud to a daughter. Andrea Johnston did a wonderful job of getting out the main theme with having some fun as well. Ms. Johnston and Gloria Stienem have created and published a wonderfully powerful book. The book is a great book for a teenage girl to read.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars WONDERFUL, December 3, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Girls Speak Out: Finding Your True Self (Paperback)

I borrowed this book and read it back when I was a coming-of-age sixth grade girl. I had just gotten my period, was growing breasts, and was interested in boys for the first time. It helped clear up so many issues I was having, and all in all was a great read. Reccommended for any girl/woman over the age of 9, because it tends to get a little detailed. Anyway...ladies...from one to another...GO READ IT!