Description
Book SynopsisFrom Katie Cotugno and author of Sex and the City Candace Bushnell comes this fierce and feisty exploration of feminism: standing up, speaking out and rewriting the rules.
Don’t be easy. Don’t give it up. Don’t be a prude. Don’t be cold. Don’t put him in the friendzone. Don’t act desperate. Don’t let things go too far. Don’t give him the wrong idea. Don’t blame him for trying. Don’t walk alone at night. But calm down! Don’t worry so much. Smile!
Marin is a smart, driven, popular girl – she's headed for Brown when she graduates and has a brilliant career as a journalist ahead of her. Especially in the eyes of English teacher Mr Beckett. He spends a lot of time around Marin, and she thinks it's harmless . . . until he kisses her.
No one believes Marin when she tells them what happened, so she does the only thing she can: she writes an article called 'Rules for Being a Girl' for the school paper to point out the misogyny and sexism that girls face every day. As things heat up at school and in her personal life, Marin must figure out how to take back the power and rewrite her own rules.
Trade ReviewA fiercely feminist call to arms * Guardian *
This attempt to keep women in their place is deftly captured in the book * Grazia Magazine *
The authors write a convincing teen exploring the complex, frequently sexist social norms that girls and women navigate daily * Publishers Weekly *
Young people starting to explore social justice will find this engaging work a stepping stone on the way to heavier fare such as Roxane Gay’s
Bad Feminist or Margaret Atwood’s
The Handmaid’s Tale * School Library Journal *
This is a great book, so important for our time. It will be really helpful to many youngsters grappling with the complexities of 'being a girl'. * School Librarian *
Rules for Being a Girl is a YA novel, but it has a sophisticated tone, so I still found it incredibly enjoyable. [...] 4 stars - I was pleasantly surprised by this YA novel. The story really sucked me in -- Coco’s Tea Party
A witty and inspiring coming-of-age feminist drama about what girls have a right to expect. Moxie meets Legally Blonde * South Wales Evening Post *
Rules for Being a Girl is an excellent and thought-provoking read about the imbalances that continue to exist in a society that likes to tell itself that equality of the sexes exists * Pythia Reads *
I also finished Rules for Being a Girl by Candace Bushnell and Katie Cotugno on Monday night which I enjoyed. I think it’s especially a great book for those exploring feminism as it encourages you to think about it, as well as leaning into sub-topics within feminism, such as class and race -- What Vicky Read
I just absolutely loved this story, I found it incredible and so empowering, Marin’s character was so well written that I just rooted for her the entire way through, we all have our flaws but no one should define us but ourselves. It came with an amazing ending and I 100% recommend this book -- Niffler Reads
Rules for Being a Girl is incredibly powerful and really made me think about the double standards society has for women. This poignant book discusses the pressure on girls to be effortlessly perfect in modern society and what feminism means. Bushnell and Cotugno’s beautiful writing was gripping and I ended up finishing this book in one sitting! I would recommend this to everyone, especially teen readers! -- The Everlasting Library
Rules For Being a Girl was a timely, important and powerful book that I really hope reaches teen girls everywhere – as it’s a perfect introduction to feminism through the eyes of a young girl who only just begins to see the injustices of the world herself – I am recommending this to my school library ASAP, and I just know it has the power to go on and change the world -- Midnight Book Girl
Oh I do love a book that’s get me fired up, feminist books, bringing the patriarchy down, love it all! It makes me come out of my shell I think sometimes. In a way I wish we had more of this of when I was at school. But working in a school and making sure this book goes into the many hands of my students will be my part. All girls need this book out there, it’s rife with power and fighting for your own voice. Cracking read! -- Never Judge A Book by it’s Cover
It was a short, simple read better suited to younger end of the YA audience. Whilst the straightforward style was perfect for getting the message across it felt a bit too simplistic for me at times but I would still say Rules for Being a Girl is a worthwhile, thought provoking read -- Sereadipity
I would definitely recommend Rules for Being a Girl to young teen readers who are looking for a novel similar to Moxie as a light hearted starting point. It’s a very quick, easy read which will enlighten readers on the simple and subtle injustices we grow up not noticing. And if anyone is inspired to set up a feminist book club I will rejoice -- Library Looter
I really loved how this book ended. It definitely could have gone a different way but I am so glad it didn’t. It left things open to the reader. It was realistic and showed how just one small moment can change everything – especially if you’re the victim. This is such an amazing and strong novel and I urge you all to go out and read it if you haven’t already. You will not regret reading this strong, heart-pounding, feminist read -- Day Dreamers Thoughts (5 stars)
It speaks volumes and is a valuable lesson learnt that all young girls should read -- Reading with Nessie - Instagram
