Nonfiction by peple named Tanya

Stone, Tanya Lee. The Good, the Bad, and the Barbie.

This was an excellent book about the impact of Barbie on society. Certainly a lot of history and information about Ruth Handler, who developed the doll and was the force behind Mattel, but the difference in this book is that Stone looked carefully at the perceptions of Barbie, and why people either love her or hate her. I played with Barbie a lot, because I sewed clothing for her, but wasn't wild about giving my own daughters the doll, which was fine because they weren't all that interested. I am still contemplating buying this one, because the chapter on mutilating Barbie and the role that Barbie can play in exploring sexuality is a bit much for middle school. If you are at all interested in Barbie, though, this was very well done! Loved the forward by Meg Cabot.

Kyi, Tanya Lloyd.The Blue Jean Book.

Have had this one in the library for a while, and it is a good overview of the development of the industry and fashion of the blue jean. It also covers the politics of the manufacturing of the jeans now. Lots of interesting facts, well-written, and a great book for the 8th grade nonfiction project that we have going on right now.

What I would like to see now is a book that is more concerned with the changes in fashion of jeans over the decades. Just jeans. We were not allowed to wear jeans to school until 1977!


Palmer, Robin. Sealed with a Kiss.
Sequel to Girl Vs. Superstar

Loved the first book, but the second just didn't do much for me. I was really looking forward to reading it, too!