Girl Rising: Changing the World One Girl at a Time

by Tanya Lee Stone

A gorgeous, full-color oversized book about educating girls across the world inspired by the documentary that Entertainment Weekly says “every mother, sister, daughter, should see, as well as the men who love and support them.” This is the right book for the present moment and perfect for fans of inspirational nonfiction such as I Am Malala and anyone who believes that one girl can change the world.Worldwide, over 130 million girls are not in school.But one girl with courage is a revolution. Girl Rising, a global campaign for girls’ education, created a film that chronicled the stories of nine girls in the developing world, allowing viewers the opportunity to witness how education can break the cycle of poverty.Now, award-winning author Tanya Lee Stone deftly uses new research to illuminate the dramatic facts behind the film, focusing both on the girls captured on camera and many others. She examines barriers to education in depth—early child marriage and childbearing, slavery, sexual trafficking, gender discrimination, and poverty—and shows how removing these barriers means not only a better life for girls, but safer, healthier, and more prosperous communities. With full-color photos from the film, infographics, and a compelling narrative, Girl Rising will inspire readers of all ages to join together in a growing movement to help change the world.A Junior Library Guild Selection Bank Street Best Children’s Books of the Year “A moving account of hardships and triumphs that is bound to inspire future activists, this is a devastating but crucial read.” —Kirkus Reviews, Starred Additional Praise for the  “Delivers . . . tangible hope that the world can be healed in a better future.” —Meryl Streep“Girl Rising stands as a testament to the power of information.” —The Los Angeles Times

Genres: Nonfiction, Feminism, Social Justice, Womens, Teen, Social Issues, Biography

193 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 2017

About the author

Tanya Lee Stone is an award-winning author of books for kids and teens. Her work, which includes YA fiction (A Bad Boy Can Be Good for a Girl), picture books (Elizabeth Leads the Way and Sandy's Circus), and nonfiction (Almost Astronauts and The Good, the Bad, and the Barbie) has won national awards such as the ALA's Sibert Medal, SCBWI's Golden Kite Award, YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction, Jane Addams Book Award Honor, Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor, NCTE's Orbus Pictus, and Bank Street's Flora Steiglitz Award. Forthcoming titles include Who Says Women Can't Be Doctors?! and The House that Jane Built (Holt 2013) and Courage Has No Color (Candlewick 2013).

Reviews

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, Girl Rising serves as a solid introduction to education issues for girls in developing countries. This is an important matter that desperately needs more discussion, and more work done.

I appreciated that the contextual information was shared, stories about real girls fighting for their education was shared, and in the end they provided more information about what people reading the book could do to help contribute to solutions for the issues in a meaningful way. The writing isn't always consistent, and a couple of the sections were divided strangely at times, but the writing quality is mostly positive.

The tone was occasionally on the uncomfortable side, and made it hard for me to appreciate at times. Many of the stories are phrased in such a way that it feels as though we are supposed to be in awe of anyone who is capable of any sort of happiness after going through tragedy. The same sort of dialog often happens around people who have experienced circumstances outside the "standard" in developed countries, and it's always uncomfortable to read. While the personality of the girls is a vital part of the story, I just wish it weren't so "how could anyone ever be happy again, isn't this amazing." I also wish some of the stories had gone more in depth.

This is a decent starting place for anyone looking to learn about barriers to education for girls around the world. It doesn't cover everything (how could it?) but it serves as a good basis. Don't read it uncritically, but still give it a read. I haven't seen the documentary that inspired it, but I have put it on hold with my local library.

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars!

Thank you so much to the publisher for giving me access to the earc on Netgalley! This in no way influenced my review.

Girl Rising is an inspiring and relevant collection of stories about girls who have overcome barriers that I have never dreamed of having to overcome. It is so important that people are aware of the fact that millions of girls aren’t in school just because they are girls. I am so impressed by the strength of these girls and their will to be educated. I learned so much by reading this, and it makes me interested in seeing the Girl Rising film. While I find it hard to rate non-fiction and people’s lives, the author’s writing itself is more of a 3.5-4 star read.

The knowledge garnered from Girl Rising is invaluable and motivating. I did feel the book was a little choppy and could be organized better. At some points, I felt like the author was talking a bit too much with language best suited for a ten-year-old rather than a teenager, who I believe should be the audience for this book. The author sometimes needed to be more real with the reader about these girls stories. The photos, art, and writing included with the personal stories were striking and one of the most influential parts of the book. I am sure the final version of the book is beautiful. Overall, I was inspired and motivated by Girl Rising, and I will hopefully be watching the film soon.

[Amber Scharenbroch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everyone should read this book! My eyes have been opened to how much of a privilege it is to grow up with an education—especially as a female. This book does a wonderful job taking true stories from girls around the world who have faced significant barriers in their lives and how education is a means to change their situation. I am horrified by girls not being allowed to gain an education and being sold to slavery, marriage, etc. at such an early age. This book reminded me of how lucky I am in my position and lit a fire under me to help girls around the world ensure access to education.

[C · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're not planning on reading this, you should watch the documentary! If you're not planning on watching, then this is a great summary of it.

Since this is like a summary of the documentary "Girl Rising" I found it super simple and repetitive at times. I wasn't expecting anything much for the writing because I just wanted to learn about these girls. I think watching the documentary will be enough because observing photos is not enough, I need to hear their voices, watch their faces... Anyways, this book was a great chance to make empathy with these girls. They are desperate for knowledge! While most of us ignore our daily privilege. We complain about homework while some children want to have it.

[Robyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I do think the documentary features better storytelling, and while I do understand the critiques of GIRL RISING’s narrative style, I appreciate that it is written with audience accessibility in mind. It is clear that adults will benefit from this information, but adults are not the targeted audience; children are. When I was a child, I would have greatly appreciated any adult writer who took me seriously enough as a thinker and doer to not only address heavy issues with leveled sentence structures but also to cater each call-to-action to my age group. This book argues for the empowerment of girls around the globe, and in doing so, it empowers young readers.

[Stella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Both the DVD and the book were available at my local public library. I watched the documentary and then read the book, which expands upon the film with stories of other girls and continuations of the girls' stories. I highly recommend this film and book. If you liked I am Malala, Half the Sky, or It's Your World: Get Informed, Get Inspired & Get Going! this is in a similar vein -- real world problem that you can actually do something about. The book is geared toward an older adolescent audience, but would be perfect for a family discussion or youth group project.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of stories of girls around the world being strong and amazing in seeking education in places where intense poverty, incredibly young child marriages and outright violence seek to prevent girls from learning and growing.

It makes a LOT of references to the material from the Girls Rising film though so readers who haven't seen the film will be missing quite a few of these.

[Mary Bronson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this such a great book. I love the idea of how Tanya Lee Stone took the documentary movie under the same title and wrote about all the girls from around the world who want to change their lives and all girls in their country. Their stories were so powerful, heartbreaking, and life-changing. All these girls want is an education and a chance to prove they can do more.

[Andrea Lackman · Rating 5 out of 5]

beautiful!

A beautiful book that takes on some of the challenges girls face and how education lifts them up. Inspiring and amazing

[mary kosmoski · Rating 5 out of 5]

for those teachers looking for short pieces of text to inspire kids (or teach a reading strategy or two), this book is an awesome place to get some ideas. It celebrates the unsung heroine's of our time. It is a quick read for us---great non-fiction for sixth graders. If you use Cambell's Less is More strategies, these work amazingly well. Now-the downside is that you have to type them all!

[Pammycats · Rating 5 out of 5]

Girl Rising
By: Tanya Lee Stone

I received an e-ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

"When she learned her newborn was a girl, she cried."

I wanted to read this book as it is a companion piece to the movie, "Girl Rising". My daughter's class (7th grade) read "Malala" over the summer and then, during the fall semester, watched this movie. It was revolutionary for her. She was shocked to discover how different life is for girls across the world. It's hard to feel fussy about Pre-Algebra homework when your eyes are open to the idea that in some places girls are outlawed (or kept by circumstances) from learning.

I checked online and you can screen the movie on Netflix. It looks like too that through March 10 of this year Amazon will waive the license fee ($350) if you apply to show a group.

After seeing this movie, Ms. Stone was more than moved, she was determined to continue the story. She contacted the movie producers and was given access to their footage and interviews. Apparently there was a lot of material to explore. Anyway, this book is a continuation of the movie. There are lots of pictures from girls all over the globe I think they must be very brave to share their experiences. They also must be very brave to grasp their future with so must enthusiasm after their horrific experiences. The pictures of the girls weren't sad though, they were beautiful and radiant. I loved getting to hear about the current life of the girls we met (part 3).

The beginning of the book is a record of how this book came into being along with lots of statistics about girls, their situations around the world, and how education can change their lives. The meat of the book though is the stories of each girl. I keep popping back and forth form story to story. I loved Suma's song and that she had the chance to sing it in America. Sienna's poetry gave me goosebumps. These girls are so powerful. Part of me is flabbergasted that anyone, let alone innocent children, should be treated this way. Part of me is buoyed up thinking about how they have been able to change their lives and also change the way the world thinks about girls. Obviously, there is still so much work to be done.

Part three has some really great ideas for being involved. They range from writing articles in your school newspaper to becoming an Ambassador. All of these seem doable and made my daughter excited.

In conclusion, read this book with your daughters. It will change your life (and maybe the world).

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunning! Rich stories and amazing photographs, such a powerful look at the lives of girls that calls for action to make changes. Love the connections made to the arts throughout.

[Ms. Kendell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone should read this book!

Heartbreaking.
Infuriating.
Unbelievable.
...yet...
Hopeful.
Beautiful.
Inspiring.

[Kathie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This YA read will open your eyes to the struggles and challenges that face girls around the world as they strive to fulfill their dreams and create better lives for themselves and their families. It’s hard not be deeply impacted by these stories, and they push us to examine our own prejudices, stereotypes, and the roles we play raising the next generation of women. I highly suggest this book as a catalyst for change, both for high school students, as well as adults.

[Stefanie Foard]

The cause of girls' education is near and dear to my heart and after seeing the Girl Rising documentary and being completely moved by it, I was thrilled to see it would be a book. It's as fantastic as I thought it would be, and I can't wait to order it for our library. I hope it makes a big impact. *I read a digital ARC of this title from the publisher via NetGalley.

[Gail · Rating 3 out of 5]

YA nonfiction, I plan to watch the documentary now that I've read this.

[Becky B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspired by the documentary Girl Rising this is the story of the challenges girls around the world have in getting education, why education is important for anyone but especially girls, and interviews with girls from around the globe who have overcome huge hurdles to get an education.

Words cannot express how important this book is and how amazing the stories of these girls are. The book focuses on stories of girls who have been rescued from modern-day slavery or child marriage, or who just didn't have access to education. It's an eye-opening look at very real problems for millions of girls in the world. And it explains how just access to education can give these girls a much higher chance of getting out of poverty and breaking unhealthy cultural cycles. If you have teens who are complaining about their first world problems (especially homework!) or teens looking for a cause to pour into, have them read this. It's great in that it informs but doesn't overwhelm. It presents very real and harsh difficulties, but just enough to motivate without permanently scarring. A very inspirational and important read.

Notes on content: No language issues. It is mentioned that girls were/are raped or sold into prostitution but there's no description at all of what that entails. Physical abuse is also mentioned, but not described in detail.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I heard about the book and movie at the same time, so we watched the movie, then I read the book. Both are good, yet a bit slow to start. The book at first seemed very repetitive from the movie, but it does include more stories, as well as updates on what has happened since the film.

I think this is a great book for making us aware of our privilege to have access to free education (as well as adequate housing, food, water, electricity, etc). But it's also very empowering, and hopefully can excite people to work to support improved education for girls around the world.

While the book doesn't go into details, there is a lot of tough subject matter included, about forced marriages, abuse, etc, so that may limit this as a good resource for younger readers. Otherwise I feel like it is aimed well at young people, but still good for older adults as well.

My favorite part of this book is Part Three: The Solutions, particularly about "what can you do?". It gives a wide variety of suggestions, from posting on social media to raise awareness, to using your skills and passions to inspire change, and suggests some specific organizations like Fair Trade and Girl Up. It also shows how others have used their passion in small ways for big effects.

[Lola · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the beginning of this book it talked about when you educate a girl she is more likely to get a good job and her baby is more likely to stay alive. It also talked about if you don't educate a girl their baby is more likely to die and they're going to be less healthy and get a worse job. Lastly it also talked about the stakes in general and what happens in girl's life around the world. In the middle of the book it talks about all these girls stories and how hard it was for them to live. In the ending it talked about how WE can change the world for them and how WE can help. Also in the ending it talked about how the girls rose and what happened later in their life. IT WAS THE BEST BOOK EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Kim Tyo-Dickerson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Girl Rising campaign for girls’ education and empowerment began in 2012 as a documentary celebrating the lives, hopes, and coming of age of nine young women from all parts of the developing world. Updates to the documentary and commitment to these girls have allowed the organization and we as viewers to support them as they grow up, most recently in Girl Rising: The Fifth Anniversary film. This nonfiction companion book written and expanded by Tanya Lee Stone includes unseen interview stills, original research, and stories from more than twenty-five other girls around the world who are “conquering obstacles, becoming empowered, creating their own possibilities.”

This interview with Ethiopian-Amerian author and writer for Girl Rising, Maaza Mengiste, shares behind the scenes details about her creative process as she discusses her role in choosing the Ethiopian girl Azmera's story for further development.

[Bethany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Girl Rising has three parts: why girls should and need to be educated; vignettes of several dozen girls from various countries in Africa, South America, and Asia who have overcome great difficulties to obtain an education; and how youths in developed countries can help these girls and others like them to get an education.

Girl Rising would be a good text to share in whole or excerpts of in middle school and 9th grade English, humanities, and/or social studies classroom.

Poignant last lines: "'People forget that children are children. Little girls are little girls. They play, they dream, they laugh. And all want the same things. They want a good life, a decent life.... They may wear different bows in their hair, some may wear scarves and some may not, but they are still little girls.... It certainly makes you want to be a sort of warrior for children who don't have the opportunity to go to school because it's so obvious in their enthusiasm, in their passion, in their dreams, that they all deserve a better future."

[Jolene · Rating 3 out of 5]

How can I only rate such a book only 3 stars? I so wanted to get into this book and be inspired and use this to help reading to be better educated about the issues facing young women and girls around the world... I want to advocate for this cause. But his book didn't inspire me.
I hadn't seen the film, so perhaps this made me an outsider and I couldn't access the text in the same way. The language of various stories was very clinical and not emotional. The author repeatedly used phrases like "the girl rising team did this" or "when so and so of the team interviewed her". It was rather impersonal and I feel like you need emotion and connection to make these stories more than just a photograph... But instead a real person that inspires.
Regardless of the lackluster performance in writing, I think the book is worth reading and sharing. I think it would be worth it to view the film. The issues facing the girls of the world are significant and worth our time.

[Laura Gardner · Rating 5 out of 5]

My daughter has access to an education. Girls around the world should all have that opportunity! #girlsrising by @tanya.lee.stone is an essential #nonfiction addition to every middle school and high school library so kids can learn about the obstacles that stand in the way of educating girls around the world like human trafficking, child marriage, and limited access. ~*~*~*~*~*
.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5 for this excellent book. So much information, gorgeous color photographs and a strong call to action with suggested charities to get you started. Now I want to go watch the documentary. Book 28 for #30booksummer ~*~*~*~*~*
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[5by5books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worldwide, more than 62 million girls are not in school.
There are many barriers that prevent girls from attending schools such as poverty, child marriage, gender discrimination, sex trafficking, and slavery. Despite these hardships, some resilient, determined, and empowered girls are using their voice to change the world.

In Girl Rising: Changing the World One Girl at a Time meet over 30 girls on their journey to education and empowerment & discover what you can do to help make a change.

Verdict: This compelling nonfiction narrative is a must read. It will open your eyes to injustices in the world, and inspire you to go out and make a change.

Learn more about this book, the film that inspired it, and the global movement for girls’ education and empowerment by visiting http://girlrising.com/

[RuthAnn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recommended!

Girl Rising is a nonfiction young adult book based on the Girl Rising film, which I now need to see. The book is a compilation of stories of real girls around the world who have persisted in gaining an education despite tremendously difficult odds. The author does a great job setting up the context of the problem: due to human trafficking, child marriage, and desperate poverty, girls are uneducated and vulnerable to exploitation. Modern slavery isn't the only topic covered here, and I think that's a good thing. This book would be a wonderful entry point in a classroom or at home for conversations about endurance and adversity. The photographs are full-color and beautiful, and the short bios of each girl are compelling, especially for readers of the same age.

[Amelia Friess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Girl Rising is about girls around the world fighting for education and opportunities.

About a month ago I watched part of a documentary called Girl Rising. It was really eye opening and heartbreaking. I found this book, inspired by the film! It includes more personal stories, facts and history.

Girl Rising is a good starter for learning about how young women are treated and how blessed we are to go to school. Although the stories are saddening, many of the girls overcome and heal. There are also solutions provided, including organizations and things different communities have done.

[Kaitlyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a nice introduction to women's issues and education around the world. It tells some stories of girls seeking an education and what prevents them from doing so. However, I would have liked to have it go more in depth of the issues, rather than just focus on the surface level. Overall, this would be a great book for schools as a good overview of educational issues for women around the world.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This collection of biographical essays about girls from developing nations who are fighting for their right to education is equal parts heartbreaking and inspiring.

And for a change of pace, the book is based on a documentary of the same name, but with more stories included.

There is an excellent chapter encouraging young people to get involved in activism to make the world a better place. I’m not young, but I’ll be looking for more information about a nonprofit called Room to Read.

[Ava Hawkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book showed me
hardships kids and women had to go through.I can’t even imagine being 8 years old and being married to a 35 year old man.This makes me feel lucky to live in the country i live in and that nothing should be taken for granted.I know i will never understand what these women have gone through but it makes me feel stronger, and i’m glad people are empowered and standing up for what’s right.Because all humans should be treated equally.

[Daydreamer80 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book and as a teacher feel that think it is a great nonfiction book for middle to high schoolers. The stories have just enough details to help you empathize with their plight and motivate you to want to do something to help make things better for girls/women everywhere. I also really liked how Stone provided several organizations for one to look into to help people like the girls mentioned in the book.