Because I Am a Girl I Can Change the World

Gr 6–10—Most young people are familiar with Malala Yousafzai, advocate for girls' education and Nobel Peace Prize winner. McCarney, founder of Plan International's Because I Am a Girl movement, introduces other girls in developing nations who are striving to overcome the many barriers that prevent them from reaching their full potential, such as poverty, hunger, gender discrimination, slavery, forced marriage, unsafe communities, and violence. The book's framework is based around the organization's empowering eight-point manifesto (which includes statements such as "Because I am a girl…I will share what I know"). The book lets the girls describe their often heartbreaking stories in their own words (Anupa, from Nepal, relates how she was sold into domestic slavery) but emphasizes how, with education and training, young people have become advocates for girls' rights within their communities, speaking to the United Nations and similar organizations to continue raising awareness. The authors underscore that educating girls also benefits their families, communities, and countries, leading to decreased levels of poverty, better health, and stronger communities. Interspersed with the brief profiles of the girls is accessibly presented material on the issues they face. The interviews, personal stories, and photographs lend immediacy to the text. An uplifting book that's as inspiring as it is informative.—Lisa Crandall, formerly at the Capital Area District Library, Holt, MI