July 15, 2023
A collection of letters to the next generation. This anthology highlights an inclusive international community of women and girls, including those with disabilities and who are LGBTQ+. A one-to-three-page spread for each entry makes for quick reading. While most are traditional letters, a few take the form of poems. Each includes at least one color photograph of its writer. The contributors are varied in their backgrounds, passions, achievements, and advice; some are well-known names, like Melinda French Gates and Drew Barrymore, while others will be new to most readers. Tegan Vincent-Cooke, a Black British quadriplegic dressage rider, writes about facing discrimination and finding acceptance as a disabled woman. Pranjal Jain, the founder of journalism nonprofit Global Girlhood, shares her story of writing to President Barack Obama in seventh grade, asking him to change the Constitution so that she could run for president one day despite being an Indian immigrant and how that experience shaped her. Some letter writers are still teens themselves, like Japanese Canadian actor Momona Tamada, who discusses breaking stereotypes and gives advice to readers about trying new things and finding support. All the letters highlight women's successes and struggles in both their personal and professional lives, allowing for points of connection with readers. Bright graphics and ample white space contribute to the attractiveness of the volume. Sincere, accessible advice and inspiration. (about Room to Read, Rebel Girls app, photo credits) (Nonfiction. 8-12)
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