Barbie is a strong, independent doll. But is she a feminist icon? It’s complicated. Since her introduction in 1959, Barbie’s impact has been revolutionary. Far from being a toy designed by men to oppress women, she was a toy invented by women to teach women what was expected of them, for better or for worse. Whether tarred-and-glittered as antifeminist puffery or celebrated as a feminist icon (or, at any rate, an important cultural touchstone in understanding feminism) Barbie has undeniably influenced generations of girls. In Forever Barbie, cultural critic, investigative journalist, and first-generation Barbie owner M. G. Lord uncovers the surprising story behind Barbie’s smash success. Revealing her low origins as “Bild Lilli,” a risqué doll for adults sold as a gag gift in postwar Germany, Forever Barbie traces Barbie’s development and transformation, through countless makeovers and career changes, into an international pop culture icon and now “traditional toy.” Though not every doll in the line has been a hit—with pregnant Midge and Growing up Skipper among the more intriguing disasters—Barbie’s endurance, Lord writes, speaks as much to Mattel’s successful marketing as it does to our society’s overall ambivalence toward femininity. With new accessories, including a preface on the latest developments in the Barbieverse, Forever Barbie “will make you think of America’s most celebrated plastic doll in ways you never have before” (Susan Faludi).

The Barbie™ I Can Be . . . Story Collection includes five Step into Reading early readers: I Can Be . . . A Baby Doctor, I Can Be . . . A Horse Rider, I Can Be . . . A Teacher, I Can Be . . . A Pet Vet, and I Can Be . . . A Ballerina. Girls ages 4–6 won't be able to resist!

Barbie wants to be a pet doctor! Join her as she helps a vet take care of puppies, kittens, horses, and many other lovable pets in this original Step 1 book in the Step into Reading series. From the Trade Paperback edition.

Provides comprehensive coverage of the history and manufacture of the popular dolls, describing and photographing numerous dolls in the Barbie collection

Girls ages 3 to 7 will love to join Barbie®'s sisters as they plan the perfect birthday party for Barbie® in this full-color storybook—with over 30 stickers, press-out tiaras, invitations, and a birthday banner! From the Trade Paperback edition.

A beautifully illustrated picture book about Barbie--the most famous doll in the world--and her visionary creator, Ruth Handler. Ruth Handler wanted to create a doll that would inspire little girls to use their huge imaginations and big dreams about their futures. When told it wasn't possible, Ruth Handler proved them wrong by creating the most famous doll ever. This beautiful picture book will inspire children ages 3 to 7 to believe that anything is possible-especially with Barbie!

"Six stories about Barbie trying out careers as a chef, an ice skater, a soccer player, a doctor, a ballerina and a horse rider. Each story can be read aloud in about five minutes, making them ideal for bedtime"--Back cover.