About Us: the Girls Voices Literature Database
How were books selected?
Literature
included in the Girls Voices Literature Database was selected based
on the story and quality of writing. Librarians, teachers, and university
students chose books in which the female characters worked through issues
and problems in a constructive, healthy way. Although independence is
an admirable quality, we welcomed characters who received assistance
from others as appropriate. We also sought to include stories in which
characters strived for positive peer interactions and family relations,
who had concern for social justice and involvement in community, and
who placed importance on education and improving oneself. Fiction and
non-fiction selected for inclusion have situations with conflicts that
are resolved with a reasoned approach, that highlight finding and using
one's talents and strengths, empowering oneself and helping to empower
others, and having a positive impact on the world in which one lives.
Diverse genres are represented, including historical fiction, realistic
novels, and biographies. Characters are from varied cultures and represent
a variety of lifestyles and family situations. NOT included are female
characters depicted with negative stereotypes, who emphasize physical
appearances, or where females rely on the affirmation of the opposite
gender to enhance one's self-esteem.
