This secondary textbook analyzes the role of women in the United States from 1620 to the present. Part One, "Growing Up a Girl," discusses the role of the family, messages from the media, the schools, and decision making. Childhood games, early children's literature, early and modern textbooks, and traditional values are discussed. Part Two, "Following Tradition," looks at choices between marriage and a single life, the "proper sphere" of the woman, bringing up children, and growing old. Legislation, the birth control movement, Dr. Spock, day care, divorce, and images of aging are discussed. Part Three, "Leaving Home," examines volunteerism, earning a living, and past and present career choices. Topics include community work in the fifties, the NOW statement on volunteerism, militants, colonial businesswomen, slave women, milltowns and factories, protection for women, "Womanpower," and "Womanagement." Questions and suggested activities follow each selection. Activities include analyzing comic strips, teen magazines, and popular songs, role playing family discussions, interviewing, examining newspapers to determine the type of work women do, and writing "future" autobiographies. An index is provided for teachers who prefer to organize their classes on a chronological basis. (KC)