For the Parents: Cinderella Ate My Daughter by Peggy Orenstein

Orenstein balances humor, insight and empathy with apparent ease in this treatise on all things pink. Starting with (but not limiting herself to) the Disney Princess brand, (which began only in 2000) Orenstein critically examines the girlie marketing phenomenon, from the seemingly innocuous Dora the Explorer to the controversial nude Miley Cyrus photo shoot. Written with the practical and loving eye of a parent, Orenstein explores the possible ramifications of heavily gendered media in both the short and long term. After reading this book, you'll never look at an American Girl doll or Bratz doll the same way again. As compelling as it is hilarious, Cinderella Ate My Daughter is essential reading for all parents of girls, people who used to be girls and even people who were never girls at all. And written by a Bay Area (Berkeley!) Native to boot!