Redefining Girly

Starred review from November 18, 2013
The widespread stereotyping and sexualization of children, and little girls in particular, across all forms of media and marketing, is systematically undermining their ability to develop intellectually, academically, psychologically, physically, emotionally, and socially, according to mother-of-two Wardy, founder of the Redefine Girly blog and cofounder of advocacy group The Brave Girls Alliance. Horrified at this “perversion of childhood,” Wardy offers a thoughtful, comprehensive guide to give parents and caregivers the tools and action plans they need to raise healthy, happy, confident children savvy enough to understand the consequences of “princess culture” and “pinkification.” The book is packed with everyday tips for establishing nongendered parenting roles at home; encouraging creative play; sourcing gender-neutral toys and clothing; positively navigating traditional and potentially harmful gender distinctions at schools, doctors’ offices, play dates, and birthday parties; and wisely wielding power as an educated consumer to effect the greatest change. Throughout, Wardy includes “Letters from the Experts,” in which writers and activists at the forefront of the movement against gender stereotyping offer encouragement and discuss their experiences. This eye-opening tome is an absolute must-read.

December 1, 2013

Enter the toy department of a big chain store, and it is immediately clear which toys are marketed for boys and which ones are for girls. This is the frustrating experience author and blogger Wardy (founder, Pigtail Pals & Ballcap Buddies) went through when she started shopping for her newborn daughter. Wardy soon discovered that not only are toys and products for girls stereotyped but that they are often sexualized. She gained national attention in 2011 when she denounced a sexist T-shirt for girls available at the department store JCPenney. With her first book, Wardy, a self-proclaimed advocate against sexualization and gender stereotypes in children's products, wants to provide ideas and strategies to help parents talk to their children about these issues, hold their ground respectfully when children demand inappropriate toys or clothes, and discuss these issues with family and friends. While the author is truly committed to this cause and readers will feel her motivation in reading her book, she relies too heavily on personal anecdotes (most of which are about her daughter). VERDICT Wardy's work will attract readers who follow the blog of the same name and parents, mostly mothers, who are concerned about the sexualization of pop culture.--Maryse Breton, Bibliotheque et Archives nationales du Quebec

Copyright 2013 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 15, 2013
Wardy, founder of the children's products company, Pigtail Pals & Ballcap Buddies, has been at the center of online discussions addressing gender stereotyping of children. Here she addresses how girls in particular are affected by sexualization and pink or princess culture. Much of Redefining Girly will be familiar. No fan of Barbie or Disney products, Wardy is indignant over the prevalence of princess attire and pink Legos. She does, however, provide guidance to parents who might be troubled over the rash of gender-specific parties and activities, and she points out the subtle manner in which sexist language, such as always referring to girls first as pretty or cute rather than smart or brave permeates our culture. Peggy Orenstein, Mary Pipher, and others who have written on similar topics are cited, and Wardy provides a useful bibliography for further reading. While Redefining Girly does not break new ground, and Wardy's tendency to overreach can become tiresome, parents will find the book a quick read that may inspire them to pick up more substantial titles on the subject.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2013, American Library Association.)