Girls on the Rise

by Amanda Gorman, Loveis Wise (illustrator)

An electrifying picture book by #1 New York Times bestselling author and presidential inaugural poet Amanda Gorman

Who are we? We are a billion voices, bright and brave; we are light, standing together in the fight.

Girls are strong and powerful alone, but even stronger when they work to uplift one another. In this galvanizing original poem by presidential inaugural poet Amanda Gorman, girls and girlhood are celebrated in their many forms, all beautiful, not for how they look but for how they look into the face of fear. Creating a rousing rallying cry with vivid illustrations by Loveis Wise, Gorman reminds us how girls have shaped our history while marching boldly into the future.

Genres: Picture Books, Poetry, Childrens, Feminism, Activism, Inspirational, LGBT

Kindle Edition

Published January 7, 2025

About the author

Amanda Gorman was the first Youth Poet Laureate of the United States. She is also an activist. Gorman's work focuses on issues of oppression, feminism, race, and marginalization, as well as the African diaspora. In January 2021, she became the youngest poet to read at a presidential inauguration, reading her poem "The Hill We Climb" at the inauguration of Joe Biden.

Reviews

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Liberation. Freedom. Respect.”

When Amanda Gorman stood at the inauguration of Joe Biden and read “The Hill We Climb,” she offered a message of unity and hope to a divided nation. In this beautifully illustrated children’s book, she carries that same light forward—this time placing it directly into the hands of young girls.

Gorman empowers girls to recognize their own voices, their own strength, and their ability to shape the world around them. She honors the courage of those who came before while encouraging a new generation to rise, speak, and lead.

“We are girls like never before,
Speaking out more and more,
Because when our quiet is broken,
The world must hear us roar.”

Her words celebrate diversity and differences, reminding readers that change does not happen alone—it happens together. This book is both a rallying cry and a gentle affirmation: your voice matters. Your dreams matter. You matter.

An inspiring, confidence-building read for young activists in the making—and for anyone who believes in the power of believing in oneself.

Age Level: 4 – 8 years+ Grade Level: Preschool – 3rd Grade+

[Angela Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading this to my 3 yr old, she said, 'I'm brave! I'm a rocketship!'

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

A timely, inspiring ode to the power of girls. Strong words from Amanda Gorman combine with exuberant illustrations from Loveis Wise for a knockout picture book.

We are beautiful,
Not because of how we may appear,
But how we look
Straight into the face of fear.

[Ileana (The Tiniest Book Club) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Die tolle Regina Feldmann hat gemeinsam mit Isabel Abedi diesen Text der US-amerikanischen Lyrikerin Amanda Gorman (bekannt geworden durch ihren Vortrag von „The Hill We Climb“ bei der Amtseinführung von Joe Biden) ins Deutsche übersetzt. Die verspielten, farbenprächtigen Illustrationen stammen von Loveis Wise.

„Girls on the Rise“ ist ein empowernder Aufruf an alle Mädchen*, ihre Stimmen zu erheben und füreinander einzutreten. Ein tröstliches Buch, das Freundschaft und Zusammenhalt, Mut, Stärke und Diversität fördert und dessen kraftvolle Botschaft schon die jüngsten FLINTA* erreicht. Mit älteren Kindern können großartige Persönlichkeiten wie Angela Davis, Audre Lorde, Martha P. Johnson uvm. in den Illustrationen entdeckt werden.

[Natalie T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful rallying cry to lift the spirits of our youngest girls, who face an America that openly embraces blatant misogyny--a world more cruel and limiting that the one their mothers and grandmothers grew up in. Buy this book and read it to your young ones, donate it to your library, put its splendid artwork (by Loveis Wise) on your walls. Here is the way forward: we can all be brave together, "Lifting each other up,/ Making each other strong."

Amanda Gorman always knows just what the historical moment needs. Many thanks, once again, for blessing us with hope and energy.

[Maria Caplin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The power in these poems are something that I want my daughter and granddaughter to hear. Perfect gift for them as well as a baby shower. Such strength in the power of her words!! Teach our girls young to be strong and find their voice!

[Kevin Dhaese · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple, obvious, and inspiring.

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Empowering message for the next generation of girls.

[Peacegal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a powerful and lyrical picture book that celebrates girls across the world--and their determination to stand up for themselves and each other.

[Shanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always have liked Amanda Gorman’s poetry. This one is no exception. Loveis Wise has illustrated a wonderful book. Their illustrations really capture Amanda’s words. If you’re looking for something inspiring, I would look at this book!

Mia’s Year of Books: Day 315

[Leslie Basney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read an ARC via Edelweiss and I must say, Amanda Gorman is brilliant on so many levels.

[Candice Hale · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨𝐊𝐢𝐝 𝐋𝐢𝐭 𝐀𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐨/B𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰✨

🌟Big thanks to @prhaudio and @penguinkids #VikingBooksForYoungReaders for the ALC! Check your local library for a copy!🌟

🌺 𝓖𝓲𝓻𝓵𝓼 𝓸𝓷 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓡𝓲𝓼𝓮 by Amanda Gorman 🌺

𝗔𝗴𝗲 𝗥𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲: 6–8
𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗺𝗲𝘀: Courage, Sisterhood, Leadership, Community, Identity
𝗧𝗼𝗻𝗲: Uplifting | Brave | Warm | Hopeful

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀?
This poem-turned-picture book reminds young listeners that girlhood is powerful, brave, and shapes the world. Using language that even young children can understand, Gorman honors girls not for their appearance but for their courage to stand, dream, and rise together. For adults, it’s a reminder of the long legacy of strength, creativity, and resistance carried by girls everywhere—past, present, and future.

𝗪𝗵𝗼 𝗜𝘀 𝗡𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴?
Gorman’s narration feels as if she’s speaking directly to young listeners, encouraging them to recognize their worth and potential. Her poetic cadence makes the poem powerful and purposeful. I’m glad she narrated the book for children and other audiences. It was a genuine pleasure.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗞𝗶𝗱𝘀 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻?
* That “being strong” can mean being kind, brave, curious, or determined
* That girls make history by working together, not alone
* That everyone has a voice worth using

FYI: (And grown-ups will feel the message just as deeply.)

𝗙𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗿 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗲?
- “When a girl rights what’s wrong, she brings others along. We might have our own voices, but we're singing the same songs.”

𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗙𝗼𝗿…
* Bedtime inspiration
* Morning affirmations
* Classroom community time
* Girls’ empowerment events

𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀:
𝓖𝓲𝓻𝓵𝓼 𝓸𝓷 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓡𝓲𝓼𝓮 is only four minutes long, but its impact endures well beyond those final words. Gorman’s narration surrounds young listeners with pride and hope while giving adults a moment to reflect on the strength of girlhood as a collective force. It’s a luminous, vital addition to any home or classroom library. It serves as a clear reminder that when girls rise, everyone rises.

𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🏷 #AmandaGorman #VikingBooksForYoungReaders #ListeningLibrary #PictureBooks #AudioBooks #bookreviews #CandiceReads #CandiceReviews #HaleYeahBooks #bookstagram #bookreview #wellreadblackgirl

[Thompson McLeod · Rating 5 out of 5]

A much needed book for troubled times, Girls on the Rise celebrates the power of having a voice and speaking up for change. When girls get together, there is nothing they can not accomplish and even though they may have differences, Gorman writes, "we might have our own voices, but we're singing the same song." If they work together, they are too powerful to ignore.

Illustrations are inclusive and multicultural. Girls on the Rise embraces change and the spirit of a strong sisterhood. Girls, "are gutsy...gorgeous, gleaming, giving and gifted, glorious glitter and grit."

Artwork is digital using Adobe Photoshop and collage art. Highly recommended ages 2 and up.

[Calista · Rating 3 out of 5]

A poem dedicated to the diversity of girls and how together we can rise up. This book is needed at this very time with such a repressionist government attacking everyone. The poem is good and the sentiment is empowering. It’s nothing new either. If only we could stick together more.

The artwork is done digitally. There is plenty of diversity and different types of girls. Most likely a girl can find herself in her for certain. The artwork is fine.

Girls will enjoy this book. Together we rise.

[Donna Huber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great encouragement

This is very motivational for females of all ages. I loved the artwork. I could see the pages being printed as posters as they are beautiful, and the stanzas on each page can work alone.

I don't recommend the ebook unless you have a tablet. I had to read it on my phone. The print is so tiny (like 6 point font). I couldn't zoom in on the text to make it bigger.

[Bonnie Westmark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes! I needed this probably more than my students will! Reading it to my teens tomorrow! I will rejoice in reading it to each class! What a hopeful testament to the strength we are all capable of showing together! Keep writing, Amanda! We need your hope for a future we can look forward to, one we can aspire to bring needed change to, one worthy of celebrating. This book is an affirmation to making a difference.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

there are several stand out moments for this inspirational book; one of my favorites is thanks to the illustrator and who was chosen as a collection of women to look-up to. I also love the facing of fear means confronting all those watching eyes.

I don't have the book with me to pull quotes, but this one sings.

[Babs the Owl · Rating 1 out of 5]

Why does one of the girls have on a They/She pronoun pin? Couldn't we even have a book celebrating girlhood without one of the characters rejecting being female? The illustrator is Loveis Wise (they/he). Could a proudly female person not have done the artwork? Could one not be found? Or has one been pushed aside, perchance?

[Presley Steele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Girls on the Rise is an inspiring story that celebrates confidence, courage, and the power of believing in yourself. The book highlights young girls overcoming challenges, supporting one another, and discovering their strengths. Its message encourages perseverance and empowerment—important lessons for elementary students learning about self-worth and kindness.

[Nicole Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book for my honest opinion.

Amanda Gorman is back with a new poem about girls rising up. I love the community throughout this book and the powerful message that no matter what, you are not alone in your fight.

[Kathrynz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uplifting

I read this when I was was feeling down and frustrated, and it lifted my spirits and I took a hopeful breath. Thank you again, Amanda.
The illustrations are magnificent too!

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has a great message and beautiful illustrations. I don't think it's a good fit for a storybook walk. It could come across as controversial, and I think boys will feel excluded from the activity.

[TheNextGenLibrarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'll read anything Amanda Gorman writes. She's such a gifted wordsmith that is doing amazing things at such a young age. I can't wait to see what she does next. This book had me all fired up to be a woman and is perfect for Women's History Month in March!

[Roben · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a rallying cry for girl power delivered by the incomparable Amanda Gorman and accompanied by stunning illustrations. Gift it to your favorite girls. Make sure your library has a copy - both public and school.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the diversity of women shown in this beautiful, inspiring book - including trans women, women who use nonbinary pronouns, disabled women, etc. This is the perfect anthem for Women's History Month.

[delilah montemayor · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I don't usually love rhyming books, I really enjoyed "Girl on the Rise" by Amanda Gorman. It's beautifully written and the illustrations are gorgeous. I can see it being very inspiring for young girls. Recommended for ages 7-10 by the SEPA School Library Book Reviewers.

[Danica is Booked · Rating 5 out of 5]

If Amanda Gorman writes it, I'm buying it and reading it. I love her writing so much, how she views the world, and articulates her thoughts about the world. I loved the inspiring, empowering, inclusive message in this one.

[Melanie Gaum · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC from Edelweiss.

[Carol Youssif · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do yourself a favor and listen to this book read by Amanda Gorman herself. It's *chef's kiss

[Abbigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fine girl power poem book.