
Reach for this book when your teen is beginning to use fashion, music, or social media as a form of rebellion and is searching for their own identity apart from family expectations. It provides a fascinating historical mirror for the modern struggle for independence, showing how young women a century ago used similar tools to claim their place in the world. Gourley explores the birth of the flapper through the lens of social change, technological advancement, and shifting gender roles. It is an excellent choice for parents of middle and high schoolers who want to ground their child's desire for self-expression in a larger historical context. By understanding the 'New Woman' of the 1920s, teens can better navigate the pressures of peer influence and the thrill of breaking societal norms today.
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Sign in to write a reviewThe book discusses substance use (alcohol and cigarettes) and changing attitudes toward dating and sexuality in a direct, historical, and secular manner. It is realistic about the social pushback these women faced.
A 13 or 14-year-old girl who feels stifled by traditional expectations or who is fascinated by the history of fashion and feminism. It’s for the teen who wants to know why things are the way they are now.
Parents should be aware of the sections on 'casual' treatment of sex and substance use (Prohibition-era drinking). These are handled as historical facts, but may require a follow-up conversation about modern safety. A parent might see their teen radically changing their appearance or expressing a sudden, sharp disdain for family traditions in favor of 'modern' trends.
Younger readers (11-12) will focus on the 'cool factor' of the fashion and cars. Older readers (15-17) will grasp the political implications of bodily autonomy and the radical shift in the female domestic role.
Unlike standard history textbooks that treat the 1920s as a series of economic dates, Gourley focuses on the visceral, lived experience of young women, making the 'New Woman' feel like a contemporary peer rather than a museum exhibit.
This nonfiction work explores the social revolution of the 1920s through the figure of the flapper. It covers the end of WWI, the rise of the automobile, the emergence of jazz culture, and the legislative changes like suffrage that empowered women to reject Victorian constraints.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.