Middle school is a time of many changes for young adolescents. They are "searching for individual identity, struggling with society's norms, and grappling with moral issues." They are changing and maturing physically, cognitively, socially, and psychologically as they develop their identities; establish, maintain, and end friendships and social…

States that in order to provide an empowering and liberating education for students, especially for young women, it is essential that the history curriculum describe, understand, and value women's contributions. Provides examples of two diaries that can be used in history classes to teach about young women from the past. (LS)