As someone with an intense interest in both social history and toys, I found this book a fascinating read. Girls are often included as side-notes to history, if they’re included at all. By examining their possessions a lot can be learned about their lives. Highly recommended for social historians.

I have mixed feelings about this one. The objects themselves were not always the most interesting part, but I always enjoy reading about women who were doing things that went against societal expectations. These stories are the book's strongpoint.

The history of America is easily found in books, the internet, journals, etc. The history of American girls, however, is usually overlooked. This book challenges that, with a list (and details) about important historic items or assets left behind by girls.

From the first black baby doll to the queen Barbie herself, these object were loved. What I found most interesting were the photos and letters. This shows the girls voice and the power that they had, even at a young age. The chapter on Japanese Internment was particular a standout for me.

I do think that the children of the 80's and 90's were left out a bit - why mention Seventeen Magazine and not mention Sassy. Sassy was the anti-Seventeen and was such a force for so many young girls.

Still - this is an excellent book/list/future textbook? I can only hope that another young girl can pick this up and make it into a documentary. :)

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.

3. 5 Although I think the title is a little misleading, this book does trace women's status and accomplishments throughout many years. Starting with the Cahokia mounds to our present days, the book mentions women who accomplished much at times when it was thought they had little power. Some I had heard of, many I didn't.

In 1777 Sybil Ludington completed a dirty mile midnight ride to muster troops to fight against the encroaching British army. Most of us have heard about Paul Revere but Sylvia who actually accomplished a greater rest was buried in history.

Ida Lewis, lighthouse keeper in 1842, barely a hundred pounds, would rescue men, twice her weight, from drowning. President Grant would visit her lighthouse in Rhode Island. She saved between 23 and 40 people, though her rescues were never recorded.

The sections are divided into sections, brief histories of the time period and then women who exceeded or carved out their own futures. Dominique Dawes, the black gymnast who became the first to win a bronze metal in the Olympics. Her leotard now on display at the Smithsonian.

Colored illustrations begin each section. A fantastic book for reading during Women's Month. I think it's just wonderful that more and more the long forgotten or buried accomplishments of women are being discovered and written for the world to acknowledge.

ARC from Netgalley.

A eclectic collection of artifacts, clothing, and statues, this book embarks on preserving the story of young girls throughout American history. The authors assert the girlhood era in US history has long been overlooked. It was an interesting selection. I didn't agree with some of their interpretations of the stories behind the choices, but I think it provides introductory information for people who don't have substantive knowledge on the subject. Some of the items chosen to represent the era I grew up in were unknown to me so it was a nice nostalgic trip while also Learning.

Material history so often gets left out of a lot of historiography; this book does an excellent job of situating artifacts back into their proper importance. There were some sources here that I was familiar with, others not. This is a book that can be read from cover to cover or non-sequentially. I can imagine many undergrad classes using this volume to shed light on the changing nature of girlhood within the wider context of American history. I teach at an all girls' school and would definitely use some of this as an entry point into some of the historical developments of the time. The entries are tightly written, containing good background and explanation, but leave room for readers to do a little more exploring or investigate the context surrounding these objects. The book also does a great job of being inclusive of all American girls, not just middle class white culture.

A fun, worthwhile read

Interesting topic. Very good selection of treasures to discuss. It was a very fun read and I would recommend it to those who love girl type stories.

As a huge fan of historical items, I was excited to read this new book that focused on American girlhood. However, I was slightly disappointed that many of the objects described were simply memorials to people who defined that era. I would have liked to see more “things” than artistic representations. I also felt in earlier chapters that “girlhood” was loosely defined and many of the gurls described had the majority of their known accomplishments completed well past what is traditionally thought of as girlhood.

Overall, the book was well written and full of interesting information, even if I felt it veered slightly off the girlhood/objects path. I would definitely recommend it for ages 12+. Even though it is written for adults, I think girls on the cusp of leaving childhood behind and entering the teen years would greatly benefit from this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Rowman and Littlefield for this advanced electronic copy in exchange for an honest review.