Odd Girl Out: The Hidden Culture of Aggression in Girls, by Rachel Simmons (HC, 2002, $2.75)
Most of the time when people talk about bullies, they mean boys. Simmons' book explores the seldom talked about problem of female bullies. Since girls are taught not to show anger, their aggression goes underground. This more subtle behavior goes undetected except by those whom it is meant to hurt.
"Within the hidden culture of aggression, girls fight with body language and relationships instead of fists and knives. In this world, friendship is a weapon, and the sting of a shout pales in comparison to a day of someone's silence. There is no gesture more devastating than the back turned away."
Simmons reports the results of her studies, but she also talks about her own childhood experiences with bullying, both as the victim and the bullier. This is an amazingly honest book. Look for it on the new non-fiction table. (Avail. on 11/29th.)
