Letters.

WE'VE GOT MAIL!

Three Cheers

Thanks for "She's Got Spirit" [Short Stuff J/J '02]. I think it's really cool Nicole started a special needs cheerleading squad. She's absolutely right when she says, "There's a stigma that special needs kids can't learn past a certain amount." I think Nicole deserves three cheers. Hip-hip-hip hooray!

--Adele

Later, Gator

I usually love the Cool Woman column, but I was shocked to read "Beauty and the Beast" [Short Stuff, J/J '02] about Babs Steorts, the alligator wrestler. How is it "cool" to abuse animals? Even if her job is "cool" and fun for her, I doubt the alligators she beats up like it. Next time, please put a cool job that doesn't involve animal abuse.

--A reader

Peace Out

"Friends Far And Away" [GL Friends, J/J '02] is a great idea. The Art for Peace organization shows that we can solve our problems and differences with words and pictures, rather than bullets. Keep up the good work, and thanks for promoting a peaceful project.

--Brittney

Reunited and It Feels So Good

I don't fully agree with "Summer Split" [GL Friends, J/J '02]. The saying, "Absence makes the heart grow fonder," applies here. Not seeing your friends for the whole summer and then reuniting with them on the first day of school can be a great feeling.

--Lauren

Moving On

I showed my BFF, who's moving, "Movin' 'n' Groovin"' [GL Life, J/J '02]. We read it together and promised to stay in touch no matter what. It's going to be hard but, thanks to your article, I know we'll be friends forever.

--A reader

Not Suited for Summer

My J/J '02 issue just arrived. I love the articles, but I'm disappointed that the only swimsuits you feature in Fashion Blast are bikinis. I can't wear bikinis. You make it out like the only suits girls will wear this season involve a lot of belly showing and, if you aren't a bikini-wearing babe, you should stay outta the pool.

--Amy

Steppin' Up

Thanks for "Fancy Feet" [Beauty Blast, J/J '02]. I followed the steps and gave my mom an awesome pink pedi. She's definitely keeping up my subscription!

--Kimberly

Shhh!

"I've Got a Secret!" [J/J '02] is an awesome article. I tried to guess who was who on the first page and, surprisingly, I got every single one wrong. It made me realize that a beauty queen, who loves dressing up and putting on makeup, can also be a smart student.

--Clair

I really like "I've Got a Secret!" It's great how these girls strive to reach their goals. It shows that you can never judge a person by looks alone.

--A reader

M.I.A. Mom

I was disappointed with "Giving Up On Mom" [The View From Here, J/J '02]. I can understand why Valerie is upset (I would be, too), but it doesn't give her the right to not see her mom. She obviously cares about Valerie and her sibs to come back in their lives and deserves a chance.

--Molly

I think "Giving Up On Mom" is so sad, but I am also happy that Valerie accepts her stepmother. Sometimes you have to give up on someone who, no matter what, you love deep down. It's sad her mom stopped trying to see her. A mom is someone who is always there and loves her children with all her heart.

--Jillia

Last Laugh On Us

In No. 17 of "GL's Top 34 Ways to Get Kicked Out of An Amusement Park This Summer" [Last Laugh, J/J '02], you use the word "subpoena." A subpoena requires a person to appear in court. An "indictment" is a formal charge or accusation of criminal action. I think you meant to use the word "indictment." Just a friendly reminder from the legal terms police! Thanks for helping me study for my vocab test.

GL READER LETTER OF THE MONTH

Flipping through the J/J '02 issue, I noticed something that bothers me. All of your models are incredibly skinny. Some of them look, well, unhealthy. They are all very pretty, but they do not depict the way real girls look. Why do you choose to put them in your magazine?

--Stephanie

Dear Stephanie, You're not alone--many readers complain that our models are too thin. While we don't want to be responsible for setting up a prototype for what girls are "supposed" to look like, here's the thing: The models we hire need to be size 4 or 6 to fit into the clothing samples we're given, When flipping through any magazine, it's important to remember that real girls come in all shapes and sizes. Even more important? Being comfortable with the skin you're in.

We want to hear from you! Snail mail your letters and drawings to Letters to the Editor, Girls' Life, 45l7 Harford Road, Baltimore, MD 21214. Or you can shoot us an e-mail to [e-mail].