Girls Can!: Smash Stereotypes, Defy Expectations, and Make History!

Gr 5-8–In a time when women’s rights seem to be under attack, empowering young women to be self-confident is essential. This title features colorful, explosive layouts and short biographies of many women who defied gender stereotypes and the rules of the patriarchy. The spotlighted women come from different centuries and diverse cultures, including Elizabeth I, Cleopatra, Wu Zetian, Serena Williams, Bessie Coleman, Frida Kahlo, Zaha Hadid, Nina Simone, Malala Yousafzai, Marsha P. Johnson, and Sylvia Rivera. Chapters are divided into topics such as “Leadership,” “Sports & Adventure,” “Literature & Arts,” and “Science & Math.” Interviews with various women ask the same questions and are sprinkled throughout the book. The lively artwork makes this title eye catching, but the color saturation can be hard on the eyes.