The Girls

It’s rare to get the Mean Girls’ point of view portrayed sensitively. Which makes sense for the victimized target readership — I think most kids feel victimized at some point in middle school. But as a teacher, even as I hate what the bullies are doing, they’re still 12-year-old girls and my heart goes out to them. They’re behaving that way for a reason, and I wonder if it might help to recognize themselves in a book where they can also see their victims’ perspective? (Full review at http://www.parenthetical.net/2011/04/23/review-the-girls-amy-goldman-koss-2000/) ( )

Maya is a girl who has been ousted out of her group of friends by the desicion of the ringleader, Candance. The other three girls follow suit.

This book is a study of the four girls' feelings when they decide to snub one of their friends based on the whim of the dominant girl. It is a wonderfully written book that is realistic, shows the thought processes of each of the girls, and Ms. Koss does not rely on cliches to get her point across. ( )

In junior high, everything revolves around your friends - your clique. But if what if that clique lets you go? One by one, popularity queen Candace rejects each of her friends for ambiguous reasons, simultaneously branding each as a friendless leper. Koss tells this story of cruelty from the perspective of all five "friends," showing how ruthless the most wealthy, suburban schools can be. Any girl who has dealt with rejection will recognize herself in those whom Candace condemns. Recommended for ages 11-14.

Awards:
New York Public Library's Best Books for the Teenage List 2001
ALA-YALSA Top Ten Quick Picks
IRA-CBC Children's Choice Award 2001
IRA-YA Choices 2002
2003-2004 Land of Enchantment
2003-2004 Maud Hart Lovelace Award (Minnesota's Children's Choice for grades 3-5 and 6-8)
2003 Garden State Teen Book Awards ( )

Candace is queen bee at her school. Darcy is her best friend and has been for years. Brianna and Renee are part of the clique, and so is the new girl - Maya. Until she isn't anymore, dumped cruelly by Candace and Darcy. Brianna and Renee are the next to go. ( )

This movie is great for teenage girls. It relates well the middle school level girls. It has a great depiction of who your real friends are. Popular vs. the real thing. ( )