There is little sugar but lots of spice in journalist Rachel Simmons's brave and brilliant book that skewers the stereotype of girls as the kinder, gentler gender. Odd Girl Out begins with the premise that girls are socialized to be sweet with a double bind: they must value friendships; but they must not express the anger that might destroy them. Lacking cultural permission to acknowledge conflict, girls develop what Simmons calls "a hidden culture...

Exposes the myth of the "Good Girl," freeing girls from its impossible standards and encouraging them to embrace their real selves.

Rachel Simmons interviews parents, psychologists, teachers, and social workers who are helping nurture girls into capable, resilient adults. Simmons talks with four very special girls who tell their own deeply personal tales of dealing with issues like cyber bullying, body image, and violence. With courage and determination, these girls reveal their hopes and dreams for a powerful future.