A powerful female, pre-adolescent, consumer demographic has emerged in tandem with girls becoming more visible in popular culture since the 1990s. Yet the cultural anxiety that this has caused has received scant academic attention. In Tweenhood, Melanie Kennedy rectifies this and examines mainstream, pre-adolescent girls' films, television programmes and celebrities from 2004 onwards, including A Cinderella Story (2004), Hannah Montana (2006) and Camp Rock (2008). Her book forges a dialogue between post-feminism, film and television, celebrity and most importantly; the figure of the tween. Kennedy examines how these media texts, which are so key to tween culture, address and construct their target audience by helping them to 'choose' an appropriately feminine identity. Tweenhood then, she argues, is transient and a discursive construct whose unpacking highlights the deification of celebrity and femininity within its culture.
The tween is the «new girl on the block» in girlhood studies. Although the study of tween life may have derived from a particular marketing orientation at the end of the twentieth century, it is not limited by it. On the contrary, this collection of essays shows that «tween» is not a simple or unified concept, nor is it limited to a certain class of girls in a few countries. This collection by an international group of authors highlights specific methodologies for working with (and studying) tween-age girls, provides challenges to the presumed innocence of girlhood, and engages in an analysis of marketing in relation to girlhood. In so doing, this book offers a reading on these three or four years in a girl's life that suggests that this period is as fascinating as the teen years, and as generative in its implications for girlhood studies as studies of both younger and adolescent girls.
Disney Princesses and Tween Identity: The Franchise in Illiberal Hungary examines how tweens in illiberal Hungary construct verbal and visual identities through engagement with Disney princess animations. Presenting and analyzing ethnographic research in the form of interviews with Hungarian tweens around the time of the populist government’s winning the general elections in 2018, Anna Zsubori reveals the importance of social and cultural context in establishing the Disney princess phenomenon as a heterogeneous cultural force. The ambivalent and sometimes even contradictory ideas of identity expressed by the tweens highlight the role that diverse audiences, local negotiations, and dynamic discourses play in the reception of the Disney princess animations. Combining thematic and semiotic textual analyses of the conversations, tweens’ drawings and building blocks, and broader contextual examinations of the sessions with Hungarian children, this book offers original contributions on both theoretical and methodological levels.
In the 21st century, films about the lives and experiences of girls and young women have become increasingly visible. Yet, British cinema's engagement with contemporary girlhood has - unlike its Hollywood counterpart - been largely ignored until now. Sarah Hill's Young Women, Girls and Postfeminism in Contemporary British Film provides the first book-length study of how young femininity has been constructed, both in films like the St. Trinians franchise and by critically acclaimed directors like Andrea Arnold, Carol Morley and Lone Scherfig. Hill offers new ways to understand how postfeminism informs British cinema and how it is adapted to fit its specific geographical context. By interrogating UK cinema through this lens, Hill paints a diverse and distinctive portrait of modern femininity and consolidates the important academic links between film, feminist media and girlhood studies.
#1 New York Times Bestseller “Funny and smart as hell” (Bill Gates), Allie Brosh’s Hyperbole and a Half showcases her unique voice, leaping wit, and her ability to capture complex emotions with deceptively simple illustrations. FROM THE PUBLISHER: Every time Allie Brosh posts something new on her hugely popular blog Hyperbole and a Half the internet rejoices. This full-color, beautifully illustrated edition features more than fifty percent new content, with ten never-before-seen essays and one wholly revised and expanded piece as well as classics from the website like, “The God of Cake,” “Dogs Don’t Understand Basic Concepts Like Moving,” and her astonishing, “Adventures in Depression,” and “Depression Part Two,” which have been hailed as some of the most insightful meditations on the disease ever written. Brosh’s debut marks the launch of a major new American humorist who will surely make even the biggest scrooge or snob laugh. We dare you not to. FROM THE AUTHOR: This is a book I wrote. Because I wrote it, I had to figure out what to put on the back cover to explain what it is. I tried to write a long, third-person summary that would imply how great the book is and also sound vaguely authoritative—like maybe someone who isn’t me wrote it—but I soon discovered that I’m not sneaky enough to pull it off convincingly. So I decided to just make a list of things that are in the book: Pictures Words Stories about things that happened to me Stories about things that happened to other people because of me Eight billion dollars* Stories about dogs The secret to eternal happiness* *These are lies. Perhaps I have underestimated my sneakiness!
Our chronic ill health is evidence that history has not emancipated us. Women still cannot recognise or permit their own rage. Micro and macro injustices are woven through our personal narratives, and we wear their imprint on our bodies and minds. This book is an urgent call to arms to identify these feelings and channel them for good. Before they destroy us. What if you aren't depressed? What if you don't have chronic fatigue? What if you are just... angry? What if a lifetime of being told to repress anger, hide it away and fear it, has shown up in your body in a myriad of ways you can't control? As a woman, when was the last time you were allowed to be truly angry? Have you ever? The answer to this, argues Jennifer Cox, is never. Women are never allowed to really express their anger, and it is making us all mad. From toddlerdom when girls are conditioned to be 'good' and not make a fuss, to the sandwich years of midlife when the burden of myriad responsibilities is overwhelming, women's anger is hidden, repressed and toxic. This book will show you where it is hiding and how to let it out.
This book is about stories of consumption beyond the culture - economy divide. By bringing along Actor Network Theory, entities that in conventional approaches are taken for granted, such as consumers, goods and companies proves to be unstable assemblages of humans, goods and technologies. We meet materialistic children and parents creating an intimate moment at McDonald's, car poolers trying to get out of the grip of individual transportation, young couples imagining a home in that odd reversal of private space, the furniture store and grown men practicing a hobby so close to childhood that it causes unease. These, and other examples, line that up as our monsters, ready to act out the drama. Considering that actor-network theory has its roots in narratology of Algirdas Greimas (1917-1992), what better use can one imagine for it than its application to the tales of consumption. In the best ANT-ian style, the book refuses to label people, things and phenomena with the received names. The message is: wait until the end of the story to see whether or not a big company wins over small consumers, or if behind a bewitching trademark hides a good fairy or a wicked witch. This collection challenges most of the common places about consumption, production, markets and consumers.
Embark on an extraordinary journey of self-discovery and empowerment with "Fueled by Sunshine: BeTWEEN Us—Discover Confidence, Spark Creativity, and Embrace The Fun." Crafted especially for tweens, this dynamic and captivating novel radiates positivity and encouragement, composed by young author, Ishika Ranka. In a world where growing up can sometimes feel confusing and challenging, Ishika Ranka brings her passion for travel, entertainment, and all things fun to offer a book that serves as both a guide and a friend. As a teenager herself, she understands the unique journey of tweens and empathizes with the challenges and uncertainties they face. Through this book, she extends a hand to her fellow tweens, sharing her own experiences, enthralling adventures, and valuable insights. Exploring the domains of confidence, creativity, and self-discovery, "Fueled by Sunshine" is not merely a book; it's a treasure trove of inspiration and empowerment, brimming with chapters that unveil vibrant journeys. The result is a sense of camaraderie that nurtures and encourages young readers on their path to self-discovery. Starting with invigorating morning routines and habits that set the tone for the day, Ishika paves the way for building a positive mindset with "Sparkling Self-Esteem" and "Mirror Mirror On The Wall," while exploring facets of self-confidence through "Create Your Confidence" and "Making Decisions." She also dives into the topics of navigating school life with "Organization ... and Homework" and "Finding Friends," as well as having fun, through "Sports & Standings," and "Vacay-All-Day." Throughout the book, Ishika's narrative flows seamlessly from practical advice on dropping overthinking, facing bullies, and finding passions, to embracing the joy of self-expression through music, fashion, and creativity. Readers are also treated to engaging recipes and DIY crafts chapters, as well as additional diverse entertainment sections including self-care, movies, how-to's, vacation tips, and sports, ensuring that there is something for every tween to cherish. The heart of the novel lies in its mission to guide tweens toward embracing their authentic selves. Ishika's enthusiastic approach encourages readers to love their individuality, fuel their passions, and navigate the adventure of tweenhood with a sense of curiosity and joy. The novel is titled "Fueled by Sunshine" because it symbolizes the positive and empowering energy that radiates from the novel's words, energizing and uplifting, much like the warmth and brightness of the sun. Elevated by Ishika's personal anecdotes, relatable stories, and uplifting insights, this book is more than just a guide; it's a companion for tweens on their journey toward self-discovery. With every turn of the page, readers will find a reassuring voice, a source of inspiration, and a reminder that they're not alone on this exciting path. "Fueled by Sunshine: BeTWEEN Us—Discover Confidence, Spark Creativity, and Embrace the Fun" is a testament to Ishika Ranka's dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of young readers. As they read, laugh, and learn, tweens will be empowered to embark on their own unique quests with confidence, creativity, and a whole lot of fun.
This sweet, funny novel follows fifth-grader Genie Kunkle through a tumultuous year. From the first day of school, Genie knows there will be good, bad, and in-between. The good? She’s in homeroom with her best friend, Sarah. The bad? Sarah’s friend from camp, Blair, is a new student at their school, and is itching to take Genie’s place as Sarah’s BFF. The in-between? Genie is excited to be elected to write her class’s blog, where she’s tasked with tracking the wishes and dreams of her class. But expressing her opinion in public can be scary—especially when her opinion might make the rest of her class upset. Elisabeth Dahl authentically captures the ups and downs of a tween girl’s life, and the dramas—both little and big—that fill the scary transition between childhood and adolescence. UPraise for Genie Wishes/u "Girls should identify and mothers should approve of this gentle tale of growing up." —Kirkus Reviews "Upbeat slice-of-life novel." —Publishers Weekly "Here’s to reading about Genie’s sixth-grade year soon." —Booklist "The author has a keen eye for the tween girl experience: Genie’s plans for the future involve living right by her best friend and working together as dolphin trainers, while the highlight of her summer is the fact that her other friend just joined the pool. This will no doubt resonate with tween girls, and it has the charm and the discussion fodder to make an excellent mother-daughter book club selection." —Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
A trio of seventh graders become one another's first friends as they discover the secrets of a Civil War soldier in this middle grade novel for fans of Gordon Korman and Jack Gantos. Twelve-year-old Oliver Prichard is obsessed with the Civil War. He knows everything about it: the battles, the generals, every movement of the Union and Confederate Armies. So when the last assignment of seventh-grade history is a project on the Civil War, Oliver knows he'll crush it--until he's partnered with Ella Berry, the slacker girl who does nothing but stare out the window. And when he finds out they'll have to research a random soldier named Private Raymond Stone who didn't even fight in any battles before dying of some boring disease, Oliver is sure he's doomed. But Ella turns out to be much more interesting than Oliver expected, and Oliver's lunch buddy Kevin Kim comes to their project's rescue as head writing consultant. Things seem to be going pretty okay until Oliver discovers some big secrets buried in the past--and the present. Oliver knows he can unravel the mystery. But as he keeps digging, he has to decide if it's worth blowing up the project--and his newfound friendships--in order to discover the truth.
