What is gender, anyway? What are gender roles, and who defines them? What are gender stereotypes, and why do they make our lives so difficult? What does it really mean to be a boy or a girl? Each day, in countless ways, gender shapes who we are, what we can become, and how we relate to others. BOY V. GIRL? invites young readers to examine the issues, weigh the facts, and overcome gender barriers to make the most of friendships, school, extracurricular activities, and the future. The results of a nationwide survey of nearly 2,000 teens and preteens reveal what gender means in kids' everyday lives. A look at TV, movies, music, and advertising helps make kids more media-savvy. Activities and journaling exercises encourage readers to explore their experiences, notice what influences their feelings, beliefs, and choices, and decide what matters to them. Down-to-earth advice guides them to get past other people's expectations and assumption and find out who they really are. Throughout, the message is simple and clear: The best defense against stereotypes is to know and like yourself.