Rules for Being a Girl
on Goodreads (8,210)
What’s inside...
It starts before you can even remember: You learn the rules for being a girl. Marin has always excelled at navigating these unspoken guidelines. As a top student and school paper editor, she dreams of attending Brown University. However, her future takes an unexpected turn when her charismatic English teacher, Mr. Beckett, known as 'Bex', makes inappropriate advances towards her. Marin is left shocked and questioning if she was at fault. After no one believes her account, she faces Bex daily at school as he seeks revenge. Determined not to be silenced, Marin uses the school newspaper to retaliate and starts a feminist book club, finding support from unexpected allies like Gray Kendall. As tensions rise at school and personally, Marin learns to reclaim her power and create her own rules.
Age
12-13
Length
304 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Marin
Chloe
Mr. Beckett
Discussion points
What do you think are some rules for being a girl that the book discusses? Do you agree with them?
How does the main character deal with challenges and pressures in her life? What would you have done in her place?
The book portrays various relationships, both healthy and unhealthy. Can you identify these and discuss what makes a relationship healthy?
Gender roles and expectations are central themes in this book. How do you see these playing out in your own experiences at school or with friends?
What is one rule you would create for being a girl, and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Be open and non-judgmental during the discussion, allowing your child to express their thoughts and feelings freely about the book's themes.
Relate the challenges faced by the characters to real-life situations your child might encounter, making the discussion relevant and practical.
Encourage critical thinking by asking your child to think of alternative actions characters might have taken in various situations.
Discuss the impact of societal rules and expectations on personal identity, and ask your child how they define their own identity beyond societal labels.
Highlight empowerment and resilience as takeaways from the book, and discuss ways your child can apply these qualities in their own life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empowerment and self-worth
Explanation: The protagonist of 'Rules for Being a Girl' navigates challenges and societal expectations, learning to assert her self-worth and make her own rules.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value their own opinions and feelings, and assert themselves in situations where they feel pressured by peers or societal norms.
Example Lesson: Gender equality
Explanation: The book addresses issues of sexism and gender roles, encouraging readers to question traditional norms and advocate for equality.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by treating everyone equally regardless of gender, and recognizing and standing against gender-based discrimination.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking
Explanation: The story prompts readers to critically analyze rules and norms that are often taken for granted, fostering independent thinking.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to question the 'why' behind rules and norms in their own lives and educates them to make thoughtful decisions.
Example Lesson: Speaking out against injustice
Explanation: The protagonist learns to speak up against unfair treatment and injustices, particularly those related to gender.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of voicing their concerns and taking action against injustices, be it in school or within their community.