33 Things Every Girl Should Know

Bolden, Tonya. 1998. 33 things every girl should know: stories, songs, poems, and smart talk by 33 extraordinary women. New York: Crown Publishers, Inc. ISBN 0517709996

Plot Summary

A collection of stories, cartoons, poems, letters, and interviews from 33 different women, each strong and successful in her own way, written to give encouragement to young girls on the threshold of womanhood. These stories encourage girls to dream big and work hard to achieve their goals.

Critical Analysis

Each entry in this collection varies in style and tone. Some are autobiographical, some directly challenge the societal expectations of young women, all are written with the hope of empowering young women to achieve their dreams and follow their hearts.

The topics covered vary greatly and include dealing with one's sexual orientation, overcoming and triumphing despite physical handicaps, combating the pervasive "thin is beautiful" culture, dealing with insensitive people, and just finding oneself. Some selections are heavy-handed and preachy, but others speak with a true voice easily heard by adolescents. (School Library Journal)

The variety of topics, voices, and writing styles mean the book may not appeal to teens as a whole, but everyone should be able to find a particular story or two that will resonate. “Even a cursory reading of this book will provoke discussions between friends, students and teachers, and parents and children.” (Book Report) Brief biographical sketches of the contributors at the end of the book provide more information about the women.

Review Citations

Scalpello, Melanie, and Shelley Glantz. 1998. "Reviews: Non-fiction." Book Report 17, no. 3: 82.

Steinberg, Renee. 1998. "Grades 5 & up: Nonfiction." School Library Journal 44, no. 5: 150.