Teens, ages 13 and up
Summary
Preppie. Techie. Geek. Freak. Goth. Jock.
These are just a few of the labels teens endure every day. Labels limit. They stereotype. And, often, they hurt.
In her first book, 17-year-old author Aisha Muharrar tackles a tough topic—one every teen can relate to. Drawing on her own experiences and insights, she also incorporates first-person stories from teens across America.
More than 1,000 teens ages 13–17 responded to her survey about labels and labeling.
They live in big cities, small towns, suburbs, and rural areas, and they have a lot to say—about how they’re labeled, how it feels, whether they label their peers, where labels come from, and more.
Aisha shows that labels aren’t as simple as they may seem. For example, if you play sports, get good grades, skateboard, and like to wear black, are you a nerdy jock-skater who’s into goth, or a skater goth-jock who’s a bit of a nerd? Are labels always a sign of scorn or sometimes a source of pride?
She goes beyond labels to consider related issues—including cliques, peer pressure, popularity, racism, sexism, and homophobia.
More Than a Label brings the subject of labeling to a new level of awareness and understanding. It empowers students to stand up for themselves, understand others, and consider the power of words.
Reviews
“A label is flat, it has no depth and there is only room for one or two not-so-helpful words. Yet this tool is not only used to describe clothes but to put people in shallow categories. Aisha Muharrar challenges us all to look deeper.” —Los Angeles Times
“Straight-forward and gutsy. A much-needed book (and) a win-win purchase.” —Voice of Youth Advocates
“Top Twenty Books for 2001–2002” —Voice of Youth Advocates
“Provides a unique perspective on the complicated world of social stereotypes and cliques. A powerful resource that encourages individuality, tolerance, and nonconformity.”—Youth Today
“More Than a Label is ambitious (it includes input from more than 1,000 kids)—and helpful (the author gives lots of tips on how to stop hurting others).”—YM magazine
