Meet Sally McGraw!

 

From Domenica, TFCB’s editorial director: I asked Sally McGraw (above) to share her thoughts about writing Find Your Style: Boost Your Body Image through Fashion Confidence, her new Spring 2017 YA title for TFCB. This a great addition to any collection. In its December 1, 2016, review of the book, School Library Journal said, “The colorful photos portray a diverse set of teen girls….Consider this selection for teen collections for its positive tone and outlook on fashion and style.“

 

Sally says:

My own lifelong struggles with body image are what inspired me to create my blog, Already Pretty, in 2007. The blog mainly focuses on an adult audience. Yet over the years, I’ve received many pleas for posts and resources that speak to younger women. Which is why I was honored and delighted to have the chance to write Find Your Style, a body-positive guidebook to fashion, personal style, and figure flattery for teen girls. 

 

 I wanted to re-cast the mission of Already Pretty—which shows that body knowledge gained through explorations of personal style can foster self-love and self-respect—in terms that would resonate with a YA audience. And since young women have access to more sartorial options than ever before, I knew this message would be welcome.

 

 

In Find Your Style, my goal is to be inclusive of a wide range of body shapes and sizes, gender identities, and cultural dressing needs. I know that real diversity not only supports those who feel and are marginalized, but also reminds us all to think beyond ourselves. In the book, I focus on presenting options. Instead of handing down maxims about the “right” way to dress, I talk about a variety of figure flattery techniques. I talk about how we can use color, shape, balance and accessorization to highlight or downplay whatever we want. The book is a great resource for all style-curious teens, and especially for those who worry about “doing it wrong.” I feel strongly that there is absolutely no wrong way to be stylish! And I encourage teens to explore styles they love and embrace what makes them feel good.

 

Exploring personal style is no cure-all for how we may feel about our bodies. It isn’t a message that resonates with everybody, and some body issues do require professional help. However, personal style can be a tool for changing how we feel about and present our bodies—and it doesn’t require that we change our bodies. It is a gentle, accepting means of shifting self-image. Which may be just right for teen girls who want support to feel less discouraged as they seek ways to love themselves and their bodies. I think this is a book that every school will want to include in their collections!