Women without Class: Girls, Race, and Identity

Book Description

In this examination of white and Mexican-American girls coming of age in California's Central Valley, Julie Bettie turns class theory on its head and offers new tools for understanding the ways in which class identity is constructed and, at times, fails to be constructed in relationship to color, ethnicity, gender, and sexuality. Documenting the categories of subculture and style that high school students use to explain class and racial/ethnic differences among themselves, Bettie depicts the complex identity performances of contemporary girls. The title, Women Without Class, refers at once to young working-class women who have little cultural capital to enable class mobility, to the fact that class analysis and social theory has remained insufficiently transformed by feminist and ethnic studies, and to the fact that some feminist analysis has itself been complicit in the failure to theorize women as class subjects. Bettie's research and analysis make a case for analytical and political attention to class, but not at the expense of attention to other axes of identity and social formations.

Customer Reviews:

Good Point, Painful Read.......2005-03-03

What really endangered the success of Bettie's message was not humanly bias, but her writing style. Bettie tries so hard to convince the reader that her study is important that she becomes verbose; she spends so much time telling us everyone else has it wrong (except for her) that her tone goes from conviction and pleasantly tenacious to grating. The complexity of the issue need not result in literary inaccessibility. Bettie's sentences stretch into several lines and her chapters become bloated when they could easily be summed up by what most people already know: we're missing the rest of the picture if we just focus on gender--it's a more complex issue...otherwise known as: you can't see the forest for the trees.

best book I've read all year.......2003-07-10

"Women without Class" is a tour de force of exceptional scholarly research and keen social observation. Bettie does a tremendous job exploring how class operates in many powerful, yet subtle ways in the lives of young women in one California high school. She highlights the role of economics, but also addresses issues of race/ethnicity, gender, and sexuality. Through sustained, in-depth ethnographic research, Bettie illuminates the complex social dynamics of a community and brings the personalities, experiences and worries of these young women to life. The book is honest and sharp, reading almost like a novel. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in sociology, education, youth, race/ethnic relations, or gender.

Great Read for those working with Teens.......2003-07-03

As a person who works daily with young people both in and out of academic settings, I found this book gave a fresh perspective on how we view teenagers (both men and women) and the influence we have on their lives; especially those influences that are unconcious on our part. It changed the way I perceive my students and gave me new tools for communication. I also thought it was a terrific read; often dramatic and moving. I highly reccomend this book to anyone whose work or lives are connected with young people in America.

Welcome to Felicity's World, 1774: Growing Up in Colonial America (American Girls Collection)

Average customer rating:

Wonderful!
Rachel, mum to 8 year old Elise, New Zealand
History that's fun
Homeschooling family loves this history book!
Colonial Life Becomes "Real" in Felicity's World/1774

Welcome to Felicity's World, 1774: Growing Up in Colonial America (American Girls Collection)
Camela Decaire , and Jodi Evert
Manufacturer: American Girl
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Welcome to Samantha's World-1904: Growing Up in America's New Century (American Girls Collection)
Welcome to Kirsten's World, 1854: Growing Up in Pioneer America (American Girls Collection)
Welcome to Josefina's World 1824: Growing Up on America's Southwest Frontier (American Girls Collection)
Welcome to Kaya's World 1764: Growing Up in a Native American Homeland (The American Girls Collection)
Welcome to Molly's World,1944: Growing Up in World War Two America (American Girls Collection)

ASIN: 1562477684

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful!.......2007-09-13

I also use this book for homeschooling and it is wonderful! My dd is a 3rd grader and this is perfect for her. It has many interesting topics that it covers with lots of pictures. It talks about what school was like, how people lived and work back in 1774. It is all very facinating and it is not too much information at once. The American Girls have been great at making American History fun for us!

Rachel, mum to 8 year old Elise, New Zealand.......2007-03-28

My 8 year old little girl is a huge fan of the American Girls Collection, and we are not even Americans. I read them too as I enjoy them so much and also to help me understand what she is reading. The pictures and the writing in this book are superb, I couldn't put it down and read it in one day. Having read the Felicity stories first helped a lot I think and I would encourage anyone who loves the Felicity stories to buy this book. Elise has started a huge new trend at her New Zealand school, the girls in her class now play American Girls games and choose their favourite character. Elise is a huge Felicity fan and can't wait for Christmas as I have told her she can have the Felicity and Elizabeth dolls.

History that's fun.......2005-09-13

We have loved this book. It tells about the daily life in a very fun way. It's kind of like and Usborne book for girls.
You'll love it!

Homeschooling family loves this history book!.......2003-12-27

We are a homeschooling family and use this book as an early American history book! The illustrations are excellent, and the information is extremely interesting! It is about growing up in Colonial America, from the beginning to the end of the Revolutionary War. It covers how the war began, the Boston Tea Party, the birth of babies, fashion, education, slavery, sickness & doctors, and finally the American Victory! It also includes famous people from this time period, such as Americans Benjamin Franklin and George Washington, and British General John Burgoyne and Lord Cornwallis. Also included are famous American women like Sybil Ludington and Phillis Wheatley, who as a black slave was educated in classical literature and began writing poetry at age 14. With full color pictures and real photography this book keeps the American Revolution interesting!

Colonial Life Becomes "Real" in Felicity's World/1774.......2000-04-18

I was amazed to find this title at the Texas Library Association Conference in Houston, Texas last week. The book jumped out at me when I passed the American Girls exhitbit booth. The colorful cover conveys a realistic scene from Felicity's time in U. S. History that took me back over 200 years. From the first page to the last, I was riveted to find out more details. The paintings, maps, and drawings help to tie together how colonists lived and carried out their daily chores in their families and in their communities. Cutaways and aerial scenes take the reader into the action of the time, especially those where girls and women were active in the Revolutionary War: Sybil Ludington who was a Patriot soldier and Eliza Wilkinson who refused to play her guitar for a British soldier. I give this book 5 gold stars and hope to read the other Welcome to the American Girl books soon.

Songs from the Loom: A Navajo Girl Learns to Weave (We Are Still Here : Native Americans Today)

Average customer rating:

Author Brings Honor to his Subjects

Songs from the Loom: A Navajo Girl Learns to Weave (We Are Still Here : Native Americans Today)
Monty Roessel
Manufacturer: Lerner Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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The Goat in the Rug
Kinaalda: A Navajo Girl Grows Up (We Are Still Here : Native Americans Today)
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Weaving the Rainbow

ASIN: 0822597128

Customer Reviews:

Author Brings Honor to his Subjects.......2002-06-27

"Songs from the Loom: A Navajo Girl Learns to Weave" is the BEST, most sensitive and comprehensive children's book on the subject. Photographer and writer, Monty Roessel, took a personal approach to creating this book when he chose his daughter and his mother as subjects. He documented his ten year old daughter, Jaclyn, as her grandmother taught her to weave. The fifth grader learned about the practical aspects of weaving; like shearing sheep, carding and spinning wool, natural dyes, and weaving techniques. Nali Ruth (Grandmother) also taught Jaclyn about important Navajo stories related to weaving and the significance of each tool.

This book has an informative, well written text and wonderful graphics. It has many photographs and informative diagrams. Small samples of different rug patterns appear in the margins every few pages, leading to a full page map of the regions associated with the patterns. The wooden Navajo loom is shown in a labeled drawing. The traditional stories of how weaving originated for the Navajo people are on separate pages from the rest of the text, bordered by a rug-type design. I would recommend this book for both adults and children over 8 as a delightful way to learn about this subject. He honors his mother, his daughter, and Navajo weaving with this book.

If you are buying this book for a child, "Navajo Rugs and Blankets: A Coloring Book" by Chuck and Andrea Mobley, with Sam Mike as illustrator, is a must have supplement. Children interested in "Songs From the Loom" will find themselves inspired to experience Navajo rugs and this coloring book is a great way to extend the story!

Welcome to Josefina's World 1824: Growing Up on America's Southwest Frontier (American Girls Collection)
Average customer rating:

What a World!

My 9 year old daughter loves it!

Welcome to Josefina's World 1824: Growing Up on America's Southwest Frontier (American Girls Collection)
Yvette Lapierre , Peg Ross , Jodi Evert , and Yvette La Pierre
Manufacturer: American Girl
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Welcome to Felicity's World, 1774: Growing Up in Colonial America (American Girls Collection)

Welcome to Samantha's World-1904: Growing Up in America's New Century (American Girls Collection)

ASIN: 1562477692

Customer Reviews:

What a World!.......2002-06-07

"Josefina's World" is an excellent supplement to the Josefina chapter books and short stories. Although each chapter book and short story has a section in the back with historical information that is relevant to the story in the book, "Josefina's World" is a colorful, informative historical overview with the kinds of information that readers will most want to know. There are wonderful cut-away pictures of Josefina's rancho and of a pueblo, which many children will find appealing. The experiences of birth, childhood, and marriage are covered along with fashion, cleanliness, faith, health and medicine, and the importance of the role of the community. Stories of real people of the time and the retelling of the folk tale of "La Llorona" supplement the text. Historical information slips in with the coming of the Spanish, the blending of Pueblo and Spanish cultures, the significance of trade from Mexico City and the Santa Fe Trail, and the coming of the Americans in the mid-nineteenth century. The text is divided into short sections that are easy to read and full of accurate, important historical information. The pictures show delightful representations of colonial New Mexico and even someone who does not read the text will get a comprehensive view of Josefina's World.

My 9 year old daughter loves it!.......2000-03-30

Great book full of wonderful pictures and great historic information. My daughter can spend hours exploring the book time and time again.

Welcome to Molly's World,1944: Growing Up in World War Two America (American Girls Collection)

Average customer rating:

WWII overload!
Really Good
Classroom Helper
a good glance at Molly's world in 1944...
An icon-filled bridge to a time that was.

Welcome to Molly's World,1944: Growing Up in World War Two America (American Girls Collection)
Catherine Gourley , and Camela Decaire
Manufacturer: American Girl
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Welcome to Kit's World, 1934 : Growing Up During America's Great Depression (The American Girls Collection)
Welcome to Samantha's World-1904: Growing Up in America's New Century (American Girls Collection)
Welcome to Kirsten's World, 1854: Growing Up in Pioneer America (American Girls Collection)
Welcome to Josefina's World 1824: Growing Up on America's Southwest Frontier (American Girls Collection)
Welcome to Felicity's World, 1774: Growing Up in Colonial America (American Girls Collection)

ASIN: 1562477730

Customer Reviews:

WWII overload!.......2007-01-01

Molly is my favorite character in the American Girls Series, however I was a bit disappointed in the non-fiction addition to the series. Welcome to Molly's World has a wonderful layout, and I did learn a bit from people living in the 1940's, however the book is very heavy on WWII...maybe a little too much. Although the 1940's were influenced by WWII, that is not all that is indictative of the decade. Therefore, I give this book about 3 stars, because I think the book had WWII overload and not much else.

Really Good.......2006-03-30

This book does a good job of recreating life, the hardships, deprivations and overall changes required of society on the American homefront during the years of the Second World War. It also shows the lives lived by Red Cross Volunteers, troops as they were transported overseas, nurses, WAV's and WAC's, factory laborers and children. It uses great illustrations and descriptions to personalize the age and show what our forebears endured. I especially liked the effort invested by the author(s) in pointing out how virtually everyone contributed something toward winning the war. This book leaves few stones unturned and I think a brilliant job is done in demonstrating a 360-degree view of what life during this time of struggle was like for millions of Americans.

Classroom Helper.......2004-10-18

This is a great book to use in the classroom while teaching children about WWII. The children learned much more from this book than their text book. It shows how children and adults lived during the war. There is a lot of useful information to get the childrens attention for future lessons. I recommend that all children read this book if they are studying WWII. It's not really a story just a lot of information about clothes, toys, sports, food, etc....
It is by far the best resource I have found.

a good glance at Molly's world in 1944..........2001-10-19

I found this book to be a great read about the 1940's, as did my grandparents, who were teenagers back then. However, I felt that it muted things a little...such as the war, the nazis, and what was really going on. The actual Molly books do a better job of bluntly protraying Molly's world by pointing out the hardships faced during the war. Out of all the books I read about the second world war, this one only skims the surface. But it is perfect for the person who is just learning about the war. And it did bring back many a memory to my grandparents, who remember many of the things described in the book.

An icon-filled bridge to a time that was........2001-07-26

Culled from the diaries, letters, advertisements, newsreels & newspapers of those years, you will read what it was like growing up in the 1940s in a world at war & what the family & the nation did to ensure there was enough to eat & enough to fight with.

I was a little girl "over there" during these years, so I picked up this bright history book with a certain degree of remembrances of things past.

This is an interesting way of looking at history - from a girl's point of view of how a world war affected her childhood. While Molly is a fictional character, there are enough women still alive who can attest to the veracity of Molly's experiences because the places & the times of her story are real.

One glaring omission is any reference to the daughters of Japanese-American families incarcerated in camps in the wilds of the American West for the duration.

Molly's World of 1944 is filled with nostalgic icons & while it contains magazine-like sidebars, photos & articles on everything from clothes to factory work to dogs to changing from war time to peace, it is couched in bland, politically correct language.

Book Description

In this shocking novel of a young girl alone on the streets, Goines delves into yet another facet of the ghetto experience- the dark, despair-ridden world of a black girl's soul! Sandra took to the streets when she was eight years old and tried to fight off the hunger pangs by shoplifting, moving into the profits of drug pushing. Then she met Chink and discovered love and affection.... and rape and murder.

Customer Reviews:

The Father of it all.......2006-08-05

Donald Goines hits the nail on the head with this book. I was reluctant to read it because it is so old. I thought the language would be so hard to follow but it wasn't at all. The story of Sandy and Chink is incredible. I was desperately rooting for them to be together in the end. I loved it! Those are the only words to describe how much I enjoyed reading his work. I am a fan now and will be going to purchase the entire collection. I truly see why he is called the best. If you dont have it, which I'm sure you already do, go get it because you are missing out.

BEST EVER!.......2006-06-15

My sister brought this book home from a friend when she was in high school...when she began to read it, she was wrapped up in it and read it in two days! I had to know what the fuss was about so I read it also...this book was so compelling and a fast read- everything is happening so fast in this young girl's life you get caught up in it with her! I definitely recommend this! yound and old!

A Must Read!.......2006-01-11

This book was excellent, the whole tone of the book was very sad, but that's what made the book. Sandra was a fighter and so was her man, Chink. They only had each other, and they stuck by each other to the very end! Literally! He wanted to die in his baby's arms, and she never left his side. Sadly, this reflects the lives of black youths everywhere. Get this book, it is well worth the money.
Donald Goines is superb, and this was actually one of the first books I've read by him, and I can easily see him becoming one of my favorite.

Black Girl Lost.......2005-07-21

Black Girl Lost is a story about a young girl named Sandra. Sandra's mother name is Sandra but people call her Sandie to seperate there names. Sandie is a drunk and she doesn't take care of her daughter. Sandra basicly raised herself, feed herself,and dressed herself. Sandra got her food and clothes by stealing them. Until Sandra was thirteen and she was offered a job and then she stop stealing. Sandra starting dating a boy name Chink and they were living together. Chink sold drugs to take care of Sandra and him.
I recommand people to read the book Black Girl Lost because it is a very good book. And people also don't realize what they have. People need to remember that there is always somebody in a worst situation then you. I think that if others read this book they will have a much better understanding of life

black girl lost review.......2005-06-30

I think this book was really good because it talks about tipical life as a black child growing in the ghetto with a alcholoc mother and a dead beat father. overall the book is good and i recommend anybody to read it.

Welcome to Samantha's World-1904: Growing Up in America's New Century (American Girls Collection)

Average customer rating:

well done!
Very well done!
Welcome to Samantha's World - 1904

Welcome to Samantha's World-1904: Growing Up in America's New Century (American Girls Collection)
Catherine Gourley
Manufacturer: American Girl
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Welcome to Molly's World,1944: Growing Up in World War Two America (American Girls Collection)
Welcome to Felicity's World, 1774: Growing Up in Colonial America (American Girls Collection)
Welcome to Kirsten's World, 1854: Growing Up in Pioneer America (American Girls Collection)
Welcome to Kit's World, 1934 : Growing Up During America's Great Depression (The American Girls Collection)
Welcome to Addy's World, 1864: Growing Up During America's Civil War (American Girls Collection)

ASIN: 1562477722

Customer Reviews:

well done!.......2007-01-01

Definately one of the best in the series. My favorite part of the book was the focus on child labor. It was quite appalling to see how children were abused as factory laborors (however it was tastefully done). A great addition to any children's l;brary.

Very well done!.......2001-10-19

I absolutely loved this book after I checked it out from the local library and was determined to get my own! The book gives a good look at all sorts of things like toys, clothes, games, technology, as well as all other aspects of Victorian life! A very nicely written book about growing up in the Victorian era, I'd recommend this to anyone wanting to see what life was like back in 1904!

Welcome to Samantha's World - 1904.......2000-07-16

I use this book in my classroom as a reference book. It contains plenty of information about toys, dolls, games, and the things that children do at different stages of American History. The students enjoy this series, as most history text books do not focus on children's activities of a time period.

Welcome to Kirsten's World, 1854: Growing Up in Pioneer America (American Girls Collection)

Average customer rating:

Highly recommended
ONE STAR IS TOO MUCH!
An Historical Scrapbook

Welcome to Kirsten's World, 1854: Growing Up in Pioneer America (American Girls Collection)
Susan Sinnott
Manufacturer: American Girl
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

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Welcome to Felicity's World, 1774: Growing Up in Colonial America (American Girls Collection)
Welcome to Samantha's World-1904: Growing Up in America's New Century (American Girls Collection)
Welcome to Josefina's World 1824: Growing Up on America's Southwest Frontier (American Girls Collection)
Welcome to Addy's World, 1864: Growing Up During America's Civil War (American Girls Collection)
Welcome to Molly's World,1944: Growing Up in World War Two America (American Girls Collection)

ASIN: 1562477706

Customer Reviews:

Highly recommended.......2003-07-11

This is a wonderful book that introduces children to history in a simple and interesting way. As a teacher, I would highly recommend it. It offers a mixture of photographs, drawings and text. I personally liked the back and forth style of the book. I think the point is to show how that the lives of the pioneers and Native Americans were definitely connected as well as to illustrate how their lives compared and contrasted. The format makes it very user friendly.

ONE STAR IS TOO MUCH!.......2001-10-19

I absolutely loathed this book out of all of the books in the series. It spends too much time jumping back and forth between the pioneers and the Native Americans! I did not like the setup at all, to the point where I would rather not buy this book, even if it completes my collection of American Girls Collection books. If you want a book that jumps around too much between two worlds and does not give a good idea of either world, feel free to pick it up. But there are plenty of other books out there on Pioneers and Native Americans, many of which probably make more sense!

An Historical Scrapbook.......2000-05-18

Whether you are a fan of the American Girls Collection or not, this book is historically accurate and delightful. The story tracks Kirsten's family's journey from Sweeden to the New World using primary source documents like photographs, newspaper articles, letters, and artifacts. Gathered together like a museum exhibit, the information is layered so that readers of different ages and interest levels can engage in Kirsten's life on the prairie, where she lives in a sod dugout and interacts with the local Native Americans and settlers from all over the world. This is a great book for in the classroom or in the home!

Welcome to Addy's World, 1864: Growing Up During America's Civil War (American Girls Collection)

Average customer rating:

Wonderful Book
Of Course It's about Slavery
Great Book!
Worst book in the series

Welcome to Addy's World, 1864: Growing Up During America's Civil War (American Girls Collection)
Susan Sinnott
Manufacturer: American Girl
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Welcome to Kirsten's World, 1854: Growing Up in Pioneer America (American Girls Collection)
Welcome to Josefina's World 1824: Growing Up on America's Southwest Frontier (American Girls Collection)
Welcome to Samantha's World-1904: Growing Up in America's New Century (American Girls Collection)
Welcome to Felicity's World, 1774: Growing Up in Colonial America (American Girls Collection)
Welcome to Molly's World,1944: Growing Up in World War Two America (American Girls Collection)

ASIN: 1562477714

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful Book.......2006-12-21

I purchased this book for my grandaughter and we have enjoyed reading it together. Since I am a civil war buff, I can commend this book for its historical accuracy and relevance. It has been great to share my favorite historical period with my grandaughter in a format that is easy for her to understand. The drawings and pictures are excellent. I agree with the previous reviewer. Yes, this book deals with slavery, because that was THE issue during the civil war. All of our children, regardless of race, need to be educated about the Civil War. And that would be impossible to accomplish by limiting or eliminating information on slavery and the major role it played before, during, and after America's Civil War.

Of Course It's about Slavery.......2006-07-22

This book is a great introduction to children about a difficult subject. It is well-written without being too heavy for a youngster. I am somewhat irritated at a previous review, stating that the book focuses too much on slavery and "not enough time spent on life during the Civil War." I hope others reading this book with their children realize that it is about a young black girl who is growing up in the institution of slavery. For her and actual slaves like her, this was "life during the Civil War."

Great Book!.......2000-07-03

This is really good! I felt like I was there!

Worst book in the series.......2000-05-04

There was too much time spent in the book on slavery and not enough time spent on life during the Civil War.

Kinaalda: A Navajo Girl Grows Up (We Are Still Here : Native Americans Today)

Average customer rating:

Talking About It

Kinaalda: A Navajo Girl Grows Up (We Are Still Here : Native Americans Today)
Monty Roessel
Manufacturer: Lerner Publishing Group
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0822596415

Customer Reviews:

Talking About It.......2002-06-27

It is a topic that many use slang and euphemisms to describe,or avoid talking about at all. Mother's pass along factual books and try to bravely discuss it with their daughters, who approach it with mixed feelings. "It" has been called many things in American culture, but in Navajo culture, it is celebrated at a Kinaalda.

A young woman's Kinaalda is celebrated around the time of her first menstrual cycle. She celebrates the time when she is being shaped into a woman in a ceremony that lasts two to four days. Photographer and writer, Monty Roessel, allows us to be privledged viewers of 13 year old Celinda McKelvey's Kinaalda. During the ceremony, Celinda wears a traditional blanket dress, takes on the adult role of grinding corn to make a huge corn cake, is literally molded into a woman by the hands of others, and runs a race for blessings of health and longevity. It is a trial of endurance, as growing up often is.

This book presents a view of menstruation that can be difficult to convey to the newly initiated and to those who are still waiting. This book tells us that it is a time to celebrate. It is a time to acknowledge becoming a woman. Celinda is both honored and validated in her new status. She finds support and positive attention during her Kinaalda. Even though many young women outside of the Navajo culture may not want a ceremony for their special time, this book is an asset to own. It is a wonderful way to see this experience across cultural beliefs.

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