Living the Confidence Code: Real Girls. Real Stories. Real Confidence

Gr 5-7–This title profiles 30 girls who built confidence while overcoming obstacles and pursuing their dreams. The foreword is written by gold medal-winning gymnast Laurie Hernandez. A quick introduction defines confidence and explains how to be more confident. The beginning of the text contains a glossary of “confidence building blocks” and “confidence quicksand,” terms which are used throughout the book. The stories highlight a diverse group of girls from all over the world, including Bali, the United States, and Afghanistan. Topics discussed include advocating against child marriage, cleaning up the oceans, and creating a space for girls in sports. Narratives, graphic novel strips, and interviews are used to tell the stories, which follow a general format of sharing their inspiration, a failure, and finally success. Photos and illustrations are featured throughout. Back matter features resources for each chapter, with websites and information about organizations supporting each girl’s cause. A final chapter offers space for the reader to write their own story.