Girls Against Girls: Why We Are Mean to Each Other and How We Can Change

Gr 7 Up—The good news shared here by Burton is that both girls who are mean and their victims can change and grow. The author's short answer to the question posed in the subtitle is explained as both biological and cultural, older girls passing the legacy to younger girls, and, contrary to what some believe, that girls are indeed competitive. Burton also describes methods girls use to hurt one another, to gain power, and to feel better about themselves. She suggests that this meanness is worse today because of cyberbullying and social media, which can spread a note or photo around the world in a matter of seconds. Narrator Christina Morales Hemenway sounds like a trusted older friend who has inside information about why girls are at odds with one another, often from an early age. However, there are many quotations and sidebars in the print copy that, when read in the audiobook, disturb the flow of the narrative.