Beyond the Butterfly: Middle School Girls Speak Out

While being a teenager has never been easy, it may be tougher today than ever before. In this innovative documentary, middle school girls interview other middle school girls, resulting in candid and sometimes heart-wrenching insights. Girls aged 12-16 relate their experiences and attitudes at a quick clip while eye opening, relevant statistics appear onscreen. Topics examined include (take a deep breath): puberty, periods, peer pressure, self-image, shyness, identity, media images, sex, movies, pregnancies, HIV, boundaries, discrimination, sexual harassment in school, friends, rejection, cliques, families, divorce, remarriage, video games, violence, guns, rape, feeling safe at school, equality between the sexes, gossip, cruelty, drugs, smoking, alcohol, sports, grades, homework, the future, depression, stress, physical and sexual abuse, opportunities, dreams, discouragement, and--believe it or not--having fun. Beyond the Butterfly is a thought-provoking, timely program for kids, parents, those who work with kids, and anyone who has forgotten what it's like to be a teenager. Highly recommended. Aud: J, H, C, P. (J. McDaniel)