Boho Fashion

April 1, 2014

Gr 4-8-These books, nominally about exploring fashion identities, will fly off library shelves due to the superabundance of celebrity photos. Readers can compare their taste in clothes with those of public figures: Malia and Sasha Obama are preppy, while Kristen Stewart is identified as edgy, and noted three-piece suit enthusiast Ryan Gosling is picked as a hipster poster boy. Editorial, candid, and runway photos illustrate sections that break down the history and elements of each style and offer how-to advice. Accessories, hair and makeup are not overlooked, which brings up the point that despite photos of male fashion exemplars like Jay-Z, Shaun White, and Justin Bieber, these books are aimed at girls and at those who wish to style them. Three simple DIY projects, such as a decorated baseball hat or canvas shoes, are included in each volume. Pictured celebs seem to be chosen in part for their durability-Taylor Swift and Solange Knowles are likely to be well known for a while-giving these books a fighting chance of remaining relevant for a few years or until their bindings wear out.

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 15, 2014
Grades 5-8 Are you a Boho girl? Or is preppy more your look? Whether kids need help defining their personal style, cultivating it, or both, the books in the What's Your Style? series can help. A quiz kicks off each title. If you have a penchant for the '60s, earthy colors, and fringed purses (and admire the style of celeb Vanessa Hudgens), then you'll be into Boho Fashion. With hip images and current information, Kenney explores stars to turn to for style inspiration, like Rachel Zoe and the Olsen twins, as well as types of clothes, accessories, and hairstyles to fit the desired style bill. DIY instructions for making a headband and styling a messy updo, and Boho Chic Resources conclude. The design of each title echoes the style presented (batik patterns for boho, for instance), and the information presented is accessible, helpful, and should inspire kids to express themselves.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2014, American Library Association.)