I have read many books in this style, but each one is so different from the last and I always want more of them. I really liked the diversity represented in this book. Each girl is unique from hair type to skin color to interests to different ability levels. For example, there is a girl in a wheelchair and a girl with a prosthetic leg. Girls with long hair, girls with short hair, a girl with no hair. The illustrations work as a great way to explore the message that everyone in the world is different.

I also think Hart did a good job empowering girls without discrediting “traditional” feminine things like dresses or being a dancer or teacher. A multitude of interests are represented from gymnastics to skateboarding, being an astronaut or a violinist. The girls are dressed in different ways, such as tutus, skirts, pants, board shorts. The book really shows that there is no “right” way to be a girl as long as you are yourself.

With the refrain, “Girls are amazing. So shout it out loud- I’m a girl! I’m fantastic! I’m strong, brave, and proud!”, this is a wonderful book to emphasize how girls can be anything and do anything.

At the end of the book, there are portraits of a few female role models such as Claudia Gordon, Arunima Sinha, and Peng Lei as well as more well-known ones likes Jane Goodall, Serena Williams, and Malala Yousafzai.

Magnificent and empowering book. A perfect gift for a young reader in your life.

Goodreads