Claire: Middle School Sucks

Just Girls, by Margaret J. Finders, goes over the differences between the popular “social queens” and the nerdy “tough cookies” middle school girls. It talks about their different literacy practices and how those define who they are as girls. The “social queens” are very group oriented and are more focused on literacy practices that are not associated with school and learning. They read magazines for a group activity, not for the literacy aspect. As well, they write notes to each other that way they can all be on the same page about everything and unified through the entire group. Basically they’re stupid kids who care too much about fitting into societal norms. On the other hand, the “tough cookies” are very individualized and independent girls. They read books to further their education because they have that goal. They tend to be more responsible as people, which to me was way more relatable.

I feel like this book really helps the understanding of literacy studies because the girls are at a developing age and this is what’s going to affect them in the future. For instance, the “social queens” and their non-interest in academics is going to hinder their chances at furthering their education, unlike the “tough cookies.”