Girl Rising: Changing the World one Girl at a Time

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Detention Center, South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 9, 2017

Review

From cover to cover this book will educate, influence and delight readers. The many photographers who contributed to this work have offered wonderful photo which show and share the brilliance of each girl. The set-up is simple yet pleasing with a slight use of highlight color on the headings. But most important is the content which speaks to women of all ages. This book does not suffer from the after movie syndrome; it stands on its own and is bound to bring the 2013 documentary back into circulation.

Working with the producers of the documentary by the same title, Stone has included more than thirty girls to research the ways that societies all over the world prevent girls from getting educated. It is the voice of each girl that reveals their individual stress, challenges and success. Cultural norms like child marriage and horrific realities including slavery and human trafficking are some of the situations that girls suffered. This book is a portrayal of the global abuse that powerful men, governments and even families inflict upon young girls. The point is well made that freedom of education is pivotal to improving the plight of girls in many countries. Backpages continue to educate and expand the storyline. A lengthy bibliography is useful for future readings and shows the depth of research.

Add this book to all public libraries and place into intermediate and middle schools everywhere. Girl Rising is a perfect book for organizations working with girls (Girls Scouts) and would make a great gift to boys and girls.

CREAM

Overall Book Score: excellent