Review by Booklist Review
Editor Gevinson, known to fans, friends, her parents, and teachers simply as Tavi, is way, way cooler than the coolest kid you went to high school with. Last year, with a little help from her friends, she launched online magazine Rookie. This title compiles the site's very best offerings through May 2012. In the book's welcome note, she asks, Isn't this weird, with no Cheeto-crumb-covered keyboard or Netflix streaming window between us? I'm really into it. Though Rookie chalked up one million page views in less than a week after its launch, this eye-catching large-format paperback will be an exciting first exposure to this new brand of young, girl-power feminist journalism. Contributions and interviews by Gevinson, staff writers, Rookie readers, and stars address topics both silly and serious. Rotating Literally the Best Thing Ever and How To columns showcase, for example, Joni Mitchell and Approach the Person You Like without Throwing Up, respectively. The included pullout record, designer-made paper crown, and sheet of stickers will necessitate special care for circulation, but with wit and reason, Rookie combats the often ridiculous or destructive advice aimed at its audience, and it is a beacon for a smarter, more sensitive generation of young women.--Bostrom, Annie Copyright 2010 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Sixteen-year-old fashion blogger Gevinson founded the online magazine Rookie in 2011. This impeccably designed book compiles essays, photographs, and interviews that appeared in Rookie during its first year, covering dating, music, fashion, sexuality, pop culture-basically, life. High-profile contributors and interviewees include Miranda July, Zooey Deschanel, John Waters, and Joss Whedon. Many books for teenagers encourage independence and self-awareness, but few do so with this much honesty, humor, and style, whether offering tips on thrift-store best practices, getting out of a bad romance, or making killer "bitchfaces" ("for reacting to varying levels of stupidity"). It's a lucky teen who receives this book as a gift, and a smart one who picks it up for herself. Ages 12-up. Agent: Melissa Flashman, Trident Literary Media. (Sept.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 10 Up-An eclectic collection of personal essays, how-to articles, and interviews from the inaugural year of the feminist website Rookiemag.com have been compiled into a stunning handbook aimed at helping girls thrive in their teen years. Quirky mixed-media illustrations adorn the pages, giving the appearance of a handmade zine-the aesthetic is pure retro-chic. Photo essays in dreamy colors depict frolicking girls of all sizes and ethnicities, reinforcing the theme of being comfortable and confident in one's own skin. Providing empathy and empowerment, standout articles include a moving essay on being a survivor of sexual abuse and handy tips on "How to Look Like You Weren't Just Crying in Less Than Five Minutes." Sassy, smart, and genuine, Rookie never talks down to its audience. Some gritty language and a frank article on the whys and hows of female masturbation may make this book most appropriate for older teens. The inclusion of ephemeral objects like stickers and punch-outs may be problematic from a library perspective, but the book's strong visual appeal and worthwhile content outweigh the fact that bits of it may go missing after its first few checkouts. Irreverent, honest, and wholly affirming, this is a book that teen girls will cherish.-Allison Tran, Mission Viejo Library, CA (c) Copyright 2013. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
