Title: Rookie Yearbook One
Author: Tavi Gevinson
First published September 4, 2012
352 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781770461123 (ISBN10: 1770461124)
Rating: 4.39
Overview
Rookie Yearbook One is the printed version of the online magazine created by Tavi Gevinson, the editor in chief of Rookie, a website for teenage girls. Tavi started her blog Style Rookie when she was just eleven years old, where she wrote about personal style and chronicled her development in the fashion industry.
She soon became interested in culture, art, and feminism, leading her to launch Rookie in September 2011. The website quickly gained popularity, collecting articles, interviews, photo editorials, and illustrations from a talented group of writers, photographers, and illustrators.
In its first year, Rookie Yearbook One established a large and inclusive international community of avid readers. The contributors and interviewees included prominent makers of popular culture such as Lena Dunham, Miranda July, Joss Whedon, Jon Hamm, and more.
Tavi writes with a humble but keen authority on serious topics such as body image, self-esteem, and first encounters with street harassment. The magazine has a passionate staff and faithful readers that have helped create a strong community.
With her intellect and talent, Tavi has been profiled in various magazines and has been on the cover of several. Lady Gaga even called her “the future of journalism.”
About the Author
Tavi Gevinson is a multi-talented American who dabbles in writing, editing, acting, and singing. She grew up in Oak Park, Illinois, and first gained fame at the young age of twelve with her fashion blog, Style Rookie.
However, by the time Gevinson turned fifteen, she had pivoted to focus on pop culture and feminist issues. Today, she is the founder and editor-in-chief of Rookie Magazine, an online publication geared towards teenage girls.
Her talents have not gone unnoticed, as she has been listed on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 in Media for both 2011 and 2012.
Editoral Review
Rookie Yearbook One by Tavi Gevinson is a playful and insightful exploration of teen culture, fashion, and creativity. Gevinson, a former fashion blogger and founder of Rookie Magazine, presents her collection of articles, essays, interviews, and photos in a delightful scrapbook format that captures the messy, eclectic, and energizing spirit of adolescence.
Published in 2012, the book reflects the DIY aesthetics and feminist perspectives of the so-called “Tumblr Generation” who grew up on the internet and wanted to express themselves beyond the mainstream media. The book’s cover features an endearing drawing of Gevinson herself, done by illustrator Ana Benaroya, with a speech bubble that says, “HELLO AMERICA.” This greeting sets the tone for the book’s irreverent and inclusive vibe, as Gevinson welcomes readers to her world of zines, playlists, comics, and confessions.
The book is not a novel with a linear plot but a collage of voices and visions that celebrate individuality and creativity. The sections of the book include “Make It,” “Own It,” “Love It,” “Talk About It,” and “Feel It,” and they cover a range of topics from DIY fashion tips to mental health issues, from feminist critiques of pop culture to interviews with inspiring artists, activists, and celebrities.
Some of the standout pieces include a satirical fashion spread called “The Overhead Projector Look,” an essay on the politics of “Glee” by writer Hazel Cills, a DIY tutorial on how to make a flower crown, an interview with actress Emma Watson, and a comic strip about body image by artist and writer Dylan Marron. The book’s strengths lie in its diversity, honesty, and humor.
Gevinson and her team of contributors represent a variety of identities and experiences, from queer and trans voices to voices of color and disability. They also address the challenges and contradictions of being a teenager in a capitalist, sexist, and racist society, while still finding joy and creativity in everyday life.
The book’s aesthetics are also impressive, as Gevinson and her design team use a mix of fonts, illustrations, and photographs to create a dynamic and visually appealing reading experience. However, the book may also have some limitations, depending on the readers’ taste and expectations.
The book’s non-linear structure and eclectic content may not appeal to those who prefer more traditional narratives or themes. Some readers may find some of the pieces too self-indulgent or superficial, while others may find the humor too trivial or the imagery too busy.
Overall, Rookie Yearbook One is a delightful and empowering read that celebrates the art of self-expression and the power of community. It is a book that can inspire and inform teens (and adults) who are interested in fashion, media, activism, or just finding their own voice in a world that often silences or stereotypes them.
It is a book that reminds us that creativity can be a form of resistance and that diversity is a strength. Therefore, I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to have a good time while learning something new and challenging.
I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars, based on its originality, relevance, and impact.
