Girls vs. Guys

September 1, 2014

Gr 6-10-This title provides interesting fodder in the ongoing "battle of the sexes" while citing results from recent experimental research measuring phenomenon such as the amount of sweat each gender produces, the effect each gender's voice has on plants, and which sex will most likely be the first to recover from a romantic breakup. Deft writing laden with amusing plays on words ("Hold your horsepower! Not so fast, folks") helps relay cutting edge information about the brain's function and differences between the sexes. However, it is the very premise of the book that will endear it to some while alienating others seeking a less stereotypical view. While some of the research offered appears to be substantiated, other fun facts, such as the statement that guys are vainer than their counterparts or that girls smile more, seem less definite. Colorful photos captioned with key information give it the feel of a university prospectus, while a graphic diagram of the brain near the back of the book will enable readers to visualize the parts of the brain referenced in earlier pages. This choice may pave the way to further discussion and serve to inspire students to conduct their own social experiments.-Kathryn Diman, Bass Harbor Memorial Library, Bernard, ME

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 1, 2014
Bite-sized pieces of scientific research seek to illuminate the gender gap. Taking a mostly humorous approach, Rosen examines the stereotypes that paint men as the ones who never ask for directions and women as the ones who talk all the time. Some of these stereotypes turn out to be rooted in biology and can be demonstrated scientifically, such as how room temperature affects how men and women learn. Others are more a product of society and culture, such as women smiling more than men due to sex roles in the media. Each stereotype is covered in a short, two-page spread, featuring full-color photos and well-written text that doesn't try too hard to be cool. In a few instances, Rosen doesn't make enough of a connection between nature and nurture, though-like not pointing out the societal impact of boys' demonstrated tendency to equate girls with power tools when looking them at the beach. Without going deeper into these stereotypes, this title remains on the surface. Readers will learn some basic facts about sex differences, but it'll take some extra leaps on their parts to connect all the dots to understand just what it all means. (source notes, selected bibliography, further resources, index) (Nonfiction. 12-14)

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November 15, 2014
Grades 9-12 Based on current neurological and sociological research, this paperback-size guide explores gender identity as it both contemplates and debunks many stereotypes about men and women. Occasionally provocative questions open each of the 28 topics for discussion. Conveyed in chatty double-page spreads with vibrant, teen-friendly graphics, these topics range from who smiles more in a day (girls) and who is better at diapering a baby (guys) to who thinks about sex more (guys) and who can swing a hammer better (it depends). Rosen doesn't just provide the facts but considers scientific, psychological, and sociological causes and effects related to each sex: perhaps guys are struck by lightning more because they take more risks. Extensive back matter includes maps of the human brain, source notes, a bibliography, and related websites. A fun and enlightening introduction to gender studies.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2014, American Library Association.)