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Posts tagged ‘Gender Stereotypes’

More Than One Way to be a Girl

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By: Dyan Sheldon

This book was sent to me by the publisher

Loretta Reynolds and Giselle Abruzzio somehow became best friends. Somehow because the two girls could not have been more opposite in everything. This difference though drives them towards what seems like a silly bet but quickly becomes something far more. Who knew one bet could be so life changing. Loretta has to embrace the feminine side of herself, that part that she has kept hidden because she believes there is more to a girl than what she looks like. Giselle has to give up the make up and fashion, dress down and act smarter. The girls learn so much over the course of the summer.

This isn’t a book I would automatically be drawn to, having said that I was curious to see how it would play out, who would be the victor in this battle of gender stereotypes. I was wonderfully engaged and totally drawn into this social experiment. Witty, fun and achingly real, Sheldon’s telling of this story from both points of view was a great decision. Seeing things from both sides gives equal weight and emphasises the the fact of the title, there is ‘more than one way to be a girl’. This is the sort of book that will hopefully encourage people to see things from more than their own limited perspective. This for me was a delightful surprise. I don’t want to say anything else for fear of spoiling the fun.

Recommended.

Publisher: Walker Books

Published: 1st September 2017

Key Words: Friends, Family, Relationships, Gender Stereotypes

ISBN: 9781406363036

Category:

Young Adult Fiction

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Eona

By: Alison Goodman

Eon is now Eona, no longer hiding her sex doesn’t mean her life is any less difficult though. Now she finds herself thrust into the forefront of revolution and into the role as her country’s savior. It’s a precarious position to be in – fighting preconceived notions of her sex and holding on to her new secret – that she cannot control her powers. The ten spirit dragons of the murdered Dragoneyes, are in anguish and as a result a terrible killing power is unleashed when she tried to bond with the Mirror Dragon.

On the run Eona, her friends and the Pearl Emperor, Kygo, must do everything they can to wrest back the  throne from High Lord Sethon. This means making a deal with an old enemy and uncovering the truth about her ancestress’ deeds. If they get it wrong they could all be destroyed.

This book is a fantastic sequel. Eona is a strong yet flawed individual and it is that very combination that makes her so intriguing. The characters around her are brilliantly developed to draw her forward and tempt her sideways as she grapples with so many incredible changes in her life. While Eona doesn’t always do what seems right, you understand why it seems right to her.

Goodman has stayed away from a trait I find incredibly annoying – where characters make the same bad decision over and over again just so the story can move forward. In the process she has also given us a wonderfully detailed world and culture. The story sweeps us in, the characters engage us and we are happy to go along for the ride. A rich and well crafted fantasy. Recommended.

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers (Australia) Pty Ltd

Published: 01 February 2010

Format: Paperback 480 pages

Categories: Fantasy

ISBN 13: 9780732284947

Purchase: here or use Booktopia logo on the side of the page

Category:

Young Adult Fiction

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