What Girls Are Made Of
By Elana K. Arnold
"This is not a story of sugar and spice and everything nice. When Nina Faye was fourteen, her mother told her there was no such thing as unconditional love. Nina believed her. Now Nina is sixteen. And she'll do anything for the boy she loves, just to prove she's worthy of him. But when he breaks up with her, Nina is lost. What if she is not a girlfriend? What is she made of? Broken-hearted, Nina tries to figure out what the conditions of love are. She's been volunteering at a high-kill animal shelter where she realizes that for dogs waiting to be adopted, love comes only to those with youth, symmetry, and quietness. She also ruminates on the strange, dark time her mother took her to Italy to see statues of saints who endured unspeakable torture because of their unquestioning devotion to the divine. Is this what love is?" - Goodreads
Why was this book challenged?
Banned book element tile
Reasons: Sexual Content
This young adult novel, a National Book Award finalist, includes descriptions of sex and discusses abortion. It has been described as a feminist work that “invites readers to look within themselves and explore their own identities and imperfections,” but it has also been challenged by parents in Texas.
Ways to read this book at STCC!
Members of the STCC community have full borrowing privileges at the STCC Library, located in Building 19, 2nd Floor, provided they are actively registered in the college system and their records are in good standing.
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Additional Resources and Accessibility
If you prefer to listen to your books, or if the print or EBook versions of this book are checked out at STCC, you have additional checkout options through Massachusetts public libraries. CW/MARS and Boston Public Library eCards will give you access to EBook and Audiobook versions of this book. You can also download the Libby app to listen to audiobooks on your smartphone. These resources are outside of STCC Library, please consult your local public library for any questions regarding these outside resources.
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