Includes bibliographical references and index.

From fifteen to speak: challenges facing the adolescent girl in U.S society -- How to use literature to explore adolescent girls' developmental issues -- Contemporary realistic fiction, contemporary issues -- Something old, something new: girls' issues in historical fiction -- Strong girls in fantasy and science fiction -- Discussing the books: the extracurricular girls' book club -- Using the books: in-class activities -- Epilogue: what we hope for our girls.