What to read this winter, based on your favorite Barbie

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If the Barbie movie taught us anything it is that Barbie has a great day everyday. But, as Bookworm Barbie, it’s especially great if she has a really good book to read.

Our CityMom Bookworm Barbies have rounded up our favorite newly released books for any and every Barbie. So, no matter if you love escaping to Barbie Land or exploring the Real World, stilettos or pink Birkenstocks, come on Barbie, let’s go party– at the bookstore!

barbie reading list

What to read this winter, based on your favorite Barbie:

 

Stereotypical Barbie

“Woman in Me”

by Britney Spears

It doesn’t get more Stereotypical Barbie than Britney. The pop icon is finally sharing her story of fame, motherhood, and strength in her highly anticipated memoir. Fans of the star will delight in the nostalgia and be moved as they hear the story from Britney herself.

More Stereotypical Barbie Books:


Journalist Barbie

“Extremely Online”

by Taylor Lorenz

Taylor Lorenz has been the go-to expert on internet culture for over a decade. In the journalist’s debut book, she explores the lives we create online and what it has done to and for us, the economy, connection, and modern life as we know it.

More Journalist Barbie Books:


Doctor Barbie

“Your Brain on Art”

by Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross

So often art is seen as fun and entertaining, but superfluous. Authors Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross make the case for the essentialism of art in “Your Brain on Art.” Learn how art has been proven to reduce stress and even extend our lives and what that looks like for both art and traditional medicine moving forward.

More Doctor Barbie Books:


Judge Barbie

Bright Young Women”

by Jessica Knoll

Ted Bundy’s charm, good looks, and famous murders has fueled media and content for decades, but so much has always just been about him. “Bright Young Women” flips the script and tells the story of the female victims, reminding the reader that their lives were just as bright and brilliant as the man who cut them short.

More Judge Barbie Books:



Mermaid Barbie

American Mermaid”

by Julia Langbein

A constantly broke teacher receives the offer to adapt her feminist mermaid novel into a big-budget Hollywood film. The catch? Her fierce, androgynous main character will be transformed into a teenage sex-pot for the screen. In what can only be described as a hybrid genre of realistic fiction and dystopian fantasy, the mermaid novel plays out amid the chaos in real life and the two main characters find their voice.

More Mermaid Barbie Books:


Midge

Never Enough: When Achievement Becomes Toxic- and What We Can Do About It”

by Jennifer Wallace

Even if you have a child in elementary school, you likely are already feeling the pressure to make sure they succeed. You may even already fill their schedules and fight for spots in advanced courses to “get ahead.” Jennifer Wallace is a mother and a journalist and she explores the negative effects of the high-achievement rat race such as anxiety and depression, while asking “How can we help our kids strive for excellence without crushing them?” This is a great tool for any parent or educator guiding young people to understand their own mattering and value beyond what they “do.”

More Midge Books: 


Teen Talk Barbie

Your Plantation Prom is Not Okay”

by Kelly McWilliams

A sharp and witty YA book, “Your Plantation Prom is Not Okay” explores Cancel Culture, anger, and challenges with racism as the main character Harriott fights her neighbors when they turn the property next door into an Antebellum-themed wedding venue. The venue is set to host not just a celebrity wedding, but also Harriott’s school’s prom. Can Harriott find her voice and use social media to bridge the difficult conversations of friendship, racism, and anger?

More Teen Talk Barbie:


Madame President Barbie

On Our Best Behavior: The Seven Deadly Sins and the Price Women Pay to Be Good”

by Elise Loehnen

Author Elise Loehnen makes women take a close look at the internalized patriarchy in the desire to be “good” arguing this is a distinctly female impulse. Using the Seven Deadly Sins– sloth, lust, greed, etc.-- to make her case, she shows how society reaps the benefits when followed; but also, how we can break free and discover our whole, truly best selves.

More Madame President Books:


Weird Barbie

“Jolliest Bunch”

by Danny Pelligrino

From the hilarious host of the “Everything Iconic” podcast comes a collection of “unhinged” Holiday stories. Danny shares nostalgic tales of chaos and holiday mayhem, but also plenty of merriment. Help yourself prepare for the wild and yet still magical holiday season to come as you take comfort in his true, wacky stories.

More Weird Barbie Books:


barbie reading list

As Barbie creator, Ruth Handler says, “Humans only have one ending. Ideas live forever.” This is especially true for books. So grab one (or five) new books, explore new ideas, and have a really great day. 

Bye, Barbie!


Claire Trost

Claire is a writer in rural Indiana and can almost always be found in the kitchen paging a worn cookbook, listening to a podcast, chasing her two kids, cooking alongside her husband or chatting with friends around the island (and many snacks!). Her words on food, love, and life have been featured in Today Parents, Cherry Bombe Magazine, Edible Indy, Coffee+Crumbs and her own personal blog, Bloom.

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