Marley Dias Gets It Done: And So Can You!

by Marley Dias

Marley Dias, the powerhouse girl-wonder who started the #1000blackgirlbooks campaign, speaks to kids about her passion for making our world a better place, and how to make their dreams come true! Marley Dias, the powerhouse girl-wonder who started the #1000blackgirlbooks campaign, speaks to kids about her passion for making our world a better place, and how to make their dreams come true!In this accessible guide with an introduction by Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Ava DuVernay, Marley Dias explores activism, social justice, volunteerism, equity and inclusion, and using social media for good. Drawing from her experience, Marley shows kids how they can galvanize their strengths to make positive changes in their communities, while getting support from parents, teachers, and friends to turn dreams into reality. Focusing on the importance of literacy and diversity, Marley offers suggestions on book selection, and delivers hands-on strategies for becoming a lifelong reader.

Genres: Nonfiction, Middle Grade, Biography, African American, Social Justice, Memoir, Audiobook

208 pages, Paperback

First published January 30, 2018

Reviews

[Emilie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first heard of Marley Dias when #WeNeedDiverseBooks linked an article about her project of #1000blackgirlbooks ages ago. Then I kept seeing her in media. But I think she made the biggest impression when she was on the podcast Another Round (ep. 55) and my heart just melted, such a personality! Anyway, so when I was looking through new books in my Storytel app and found this one, I was thrilled.

It was such a great read! And I wish it would be available in Swedish, so I could give it to all children and teenagers I know! So, I listened to the audio book, and although it was not Marley herself reading the book, Damaras Obi did a great job. There were so many great thoughts about activism and changing the reality when you know that narratives have been erased from it, especially your own as a black girl. What I did was, I bought the physical book. I just received it and opened it and wow! Okay, even though the audiobook was good, the book is just so creatively outlined with many pictures and neat designs!

Anyway, I’m ranting, it’s just I really appreciate Marley’s project and her book. It was fun, to the point, and yes, inspiring. It actually inspired me to try to track children’s and young adult publishing in Sweden since it mainly features white able-bodied, cishet people. My love for diverse books are mainly following the American literary activism and I feel that it is time to localize.

Anyway, I do recommend this book, for children and adults alike. But if you’re gonna be all “why only black girls and not ALL girls” I’m gonna just say BYE!

[Annalee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing!!!! And this girl is only thirteen and already changing the world. I need to catch up. I read this book for my 2018 Book Bingo Challenge. RTC on my blog, Buttons Book Reviews.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Advance Reader Copy Received from Scholastic

Summary

Part autobiography, part activism how-to, all fun, selfies, celebrities and all from Marley Dias, founder of #1000blackgirlbooks and hopelessly cool teen.

Appeal

Compulsively readable and skimmable, with clear chapter headings and even sections on each page. The two-column text format and generous use of color is coordinated beautifully -- I often see young adult nonfiction use a two-column format to ill effect, but here the size and pacing of the text balances well against the two columns on a page.

I enjoyed the sections of this book. Parts are about Marley and her life; parts are a how-to on activism (including a brief but honest look into social media harassment and racist online comments); parts are about books and reading.

And yes, there’s a directory of books by and about black girls in the back of the book. If I could heart eye emoji this list to the power of heart eye emoji, I would.

Issues with comprehension

Not comprehension, but background knowledge. I see a lot of celebs in this book - Ava Du Vernay, Rita Williams-Garcia, Jackie Woodson…. I imagine that our readers might not know who these black women are and might not be able to contextualize their significance next to their photos. It’s mentioned in the next that both Jackie and Rita are Newbery Medalists, but it’s hard to understand why that’s interesting/important/significant. I would have loved an index in the back of the book about other amazing black girls that we should know about.

Recommended for

This is that perfect rainy day book for a middle schooler -- when they are done with Guinness Book of World Records and finished re-re-re-reading the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books in my classroom. I appreciate that the cover looks somewhat mature -- like a general self-help book -- but the text and pacing is more elementary school than high school. Scholastic recommends this for grades 4+, and I would just heavily emphasize a high value for the middle school market on this one.

I also see my students flipping through this one for Marley’s pictures and her many different style/personality poses throughout the book, arguing with each other about which portrait and style they like the most and why.

[lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was curious to read this book by the girl behind the #1000blackgirlbooks. It is basically a self-help manual, aimed toward teen/tween readers. It has lots of pictures of Marley, wearing her snazzy shoes, and her cute glasses, and features lots of stories of her charging full steam ahead on whatever project catches her attention. It is an advertisement for the Marley Dias brand, a brand I am on board with, since she's a great role model for young girls. I just wanted more substance than I got.

[Madeline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genius. Political theory, personal narrative, even a ranking of Disney princesses according to their wholeness. My heart is full.

[Alex Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute and fun read about how Marley began her movement #1000blackgirlbooks and tips for other young people to become activists. Highly recommend this be in every middle school teacher's classroom library.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

With her fresh, honest and often humorous voice, the young social and literacy activist Marley Diaz speaks out in this book. Marley began the #1000blackgirlbooks movement back when she was 11 and a sixth grader looking for a response to her mother's question about what one thing she'd like to change in the world. An avid reader, Marley quickly found a response and a campaign in her own concerns about the lack of books with black female protagonists, both in libraries, bookstores, and in her school curriculum. In this book she describes what happened next, discusses social media and how to become an activist, and shares tips for getting young readers motivated to read. And guess what? There's not an AR test or point, a star, or a pizza party among the suggestions. Parents, teachers, and middle graders all will learn something from the book, even if it only the importance of being a reading model for the children in their lives. While Marley clearly had plenty of support from family, friends, and her community, she also was passionate about something and decided to stand up, great advice for all of us. The book contains large color photographs of Marley and her world. Clearly, she is going places, judged by the places she's already been.

[Abby Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marley Dias is a girl who can get things done - like her #1000BlackGirlBooks campaign to put books featuring African American girls into the hands of kids who don't have them. In this scrapbook-y memoir, Dias talks about her life and her work in activism, including lots of pointers for kids looking to get involved in making their communities and the world a better place. From how to utilize social media to start a campaign to ways that kids can get involved in activism and service work to tips on how to become a better reader and how to spread the word about great books, Dias truly shows kids how they can get involved. Hand this to socially-minded tweens, especially those noticing and asking questions about social justice stories they're hearing in the news.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read for everyone

Not just for black girls, this optimistic, forward reaching book is a fine example of seeing a problem, imaging a solution and working to a positive outcome. That the person showing us how it's done is a young black girl is a positive role model for other girls of color does not make this book any less valuable to anyone interested in social activism.

[Deana Metzke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, written in 1st person, has an excellent balance of giving us Marley's background and giving her readers so great tips for them to peruse their own passions. It made me want to do better.

[American Mensa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This inspirational book shows how Marley Dias, the author, took a little idea that she was passionate about and turned it into something BIG! It all started to happen while she was out at a pancake breakfast when she was 11 years-old and evolved into Marley setting a goal of collecting 1000 books with black girls as the protagonists. Today at age 13, she has already collected over 11,000 books! In her book, she explores activism, social justice, volunteerism, equity, inclusion, and the power of using social media for good.
Marley writes with humor, anecdotes, background information, and inspiration everywhere! To girls around my age, the ideas may seem difficult to achieve, but Marley shows just how simple it can be. All you need to do is think of a cause or an issue that you are passionate about, read the book for ideas of what the next steps are, and set out to achieve your goal!
My favorite part of the book is Chapter 5: O So Social. Marley shows that even though there are bullies, trolls, and hateful things on social media, you can turn it around and make it a good means to achieving a goal. Marley created a hashtag to make her cause known, #1000blackgirlbooks, and it really helped promote her cause. So many people became aware, responded, and were ready to contribute.
This book is good for anyone, but mainly it is targeted to kids to show that their voices can and will be heard when it comes to making positive changes; and it even shows how. I gave this book 5 stars because it is super motivating and I am really glad I read it! I am positive you will enjoy this book as much as I did! Happy reading!
Brooke Z., 11, Delaware Valley Mensa

[Kristi Starr · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Get woke!" Marley Dias is not a bystander. This girl jumps right into things. When talking with her mother over pancakes, one simple question started it all - "If you could change one thing in the new year, Marley, what would it be?" With the response, "I'd like to make it so that kids in my class, in my grade - that kids everywhere - could read books with black girls as the main characters. ... I'm tired of us not being included, of our stories not being told," the seeds of #1000blackgirlbooks was planted.

Readers will be introduced to Marley's family and background. It's difficult not to be impressed by her cultural and self-awareness. Her sense of empowerment and responsibility is likewise impressive. But far from being simply a memoir, Marley encourages readers to become aware of themselves and their surroundings, pushes them (us!) to be the change they (we!) want to see. She offers practical steps and advice to tune in and step up.

Marley is a staunch advocate for literacy as well as social change. What I appreciate about Marley is her independence but also her ability to listen to and learn from others (especially her parents). She offers warnings along with advice. She acknowledges risks but maintains a conservative approach. She's smart and enjoyed a wealth of experiences, but she's still a kid and she can relate to kids. Marley truly gets it done.

[Julianne Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was beyond powerful and inspiring. I know I shouldn't be amazed about how articulate and insightful she is at such a young age but I AM. She's so very clear about the different steps and tools for true activism. I have so many favorite parts so I'm going to list them:
- She shares clear ideas on how to engage on social media. I feel like so many people could learn how to better interact online using her steps.
- I LOVED loved loved her use of Disney princesses to describe the level of awareness or wokedness
- Her list of 14 ways to be active is such a great list to give people because it gives all levels of engagement and removes any excuse for people not to get involved.
- Her 21 tips on how to stay strong while being an activist is also super powerful - My favorites: fully charged phone, phone numbers of legislators saved in phone, solid news sources, an activist bestie, and water. I could have given this list to my volunteers at any of my nonprofit jobs
- Her notes to parents - super helpful for parents who have activists in their homes
- How to read --- this isn't a literacy section but rather, more like how to read right.

I totally recommend this book and I almost think it should be required reading for all the activists, regardless of age.

[Chae Yun · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a non-fiction book called,'Marley Dias Gets It Done: And So Can You!'.

This is a story about a African girl name Marley Dias. In this book, Marley Dias talks about her growing up life, her actions such as #1000blackgirlbooks campaign, speaking up to change the society equally. Marley Dias has lots of attention to activism, social injustice, equality, discriminations that happens to our community. Additionally, Marley Dias is a teenager social activist who fights for social equality.

If I give stars to this book, I will give 5 stars out of 5 stars because I really liked a part that she said we can change our society we want if you really have passion to do it. I thought this ment really impressive because that might help others from getting out of unequal issues. From that, I really liked this story that tells me her growing up life even though Marley Dias is not yet adult. Also, I liked she giving other person a encouragement by reading a book, telling real stories that trustworthy. This story is taking place in school, Children Hospitals where she went to help, bookstores, and other places.

[Adam James · Rating 5 out of 5]

God bless Marley Dias.

Every school needs a Marley Dias to get the ball rolling. My middle school was lucky enough to have Marley when she was an itty bitty 6th grader, and every school she attends will be blessed with her spark of positivity, an endless source of Black Girl Magic.

If you haven't read the story of Marley, please do so.
And then pay it forward.

If you're a teacher, give your classroom library a hearty dose of multi-cultural perspectives.
If you're just an open-minded reader, then take time to find and read and donate #1000blackgirlbooks so that children of all cultures/ethnicities/genders/sexes/religions/perspectives can be represented in the books they read.

With Marley, we finally have a voice for the voiceless, a go-getter whose ambition knows no boundaries.
You keep us all inspired every day!

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a signed copy of this book at a luncheon in downtown Chicago this afternoon. Marley is an awesome, amazing and articulate eighth grade activist. She made headlines as a sixth grader when she stated the #1000blackgirlbooks campaign to collect children's books featuring black girl protagonists. In this book she stresses the importance of reading and social action. There is a bibliography of 500 books for teens and middle graders at the end of the book.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute must read for little activists and parents raising activists. I listened to this on audio with my 5-year old and we enjoyed all that Marley had to say. She has a way of reaching younger readers while also being such an inspiration to older readers and parents. The Black Girl Magic was sprinkled throughout this entire book and I can’t believe a girl this young “gets it”. She gives me hope.

[Snaxx · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute book, GREAT story, and phenomenal girl. But the writing/voice missed the young teen mark (you could tell it was ghost written) and it started to go on and on about random things. Solid 3.5 stars.

[Leah Mattox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great memoir for tweens to learn how to change the world for better by this young lady's example.

[Mary Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must-read for strong girls!

[Holly · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really like Marley and what she's accomplished, but I didn't love her writing style. We'll see what the kids think.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, written by a teenage social activist who launched the #1000blackgirlbooks campaign is a helpful and inspiring guide for young adults. Tired of only seeing and being required to read books about “white boys and their dogs”, Marley Dias set out to get 1,000 books donated to communities, libraries, and schools that represent black female protagonists. Thanks to the generosity of so many, her campaign far exceeded her expectations.

This book does discuss her campaign, but more importantly, serves as a guide for young people on how to get involved in important issues and causes that are meaningful to them. It’s a great resource for those who want to get involved and make a difference, but don’t know where to start. Marley Dias is a gem and true inspiration and will undoubtedly go far in life making a difference everywhere she goes.

[Andie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly inspirational for aspiring activists of all ages and very easy to read. I cannot wait to share it with my students!

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

A conversational, inspiring, and practical guide to being the change. Lots of photos and sidebars make this a super-fast read, but one that teens (and tweens... and adults...) will want to underline or sticky-note so that they can come back to key sections easily.

My one issue is more of a design flaw: there are quite a few side stories in white font on a yellow-orange background, which makes them hard to read. I hope future editions increase the contrast between page color and font color.

[Martha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marley Dias wrote this book as a tween, yet her activist work through her 1000 Black Girl Book project has already exploded with success. This motivating title portrays the story of Marley's service which began at a very early age, mentored by her mother who grew up in Jamaica. She has a PhD in Sociology, and has made helping others less fortunate, her life's work. Listening to Marley speak recently, her poise, intelligence and quick wit, reflect the upbringing of caring parents, who she writes value the power of education. One can't help but marvel at what an unbelievable parenting job they've done with their vibrant young world leader in the making. This book emphasizes not just discussing, but actually encouraging young readers to go out into the world, and make positive changes. This is exactly what Marley is doing with her 1000 Black Girl Books project. Her choice of books listed in the back, with black girls as the main characters, will be helpful for any librarian. Marley dynamically shared how important it is for young black girls to have the opportunity to select a book with a character who looks just like them on the cover. This is a winning book, by a young woman I predict will continue to accomplish even more incredible feats in the future.

[Josephine Sorrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Teen social justice activist Dias shares her passion for changing the world.

When Dias was in sixth grade, she was “sooo sick and tired of reading books about white boys and their dogs!” You’ve read them and while they are great books, Marley wanted more. She wondered why her school’s required-reading list didn’t include any books by black authors. In particular, she longed for books that featured black girls like her as the main characters. That wish became a hashtag—#1000BlackGirlBooks—and then a campaign to collect 1,000 children’s books featuring black girl protagonists. The campaign made headlines and has taken social Dias across the country and beyond. Now a teenager, Dias shares her journey and her commitment to making the world a better place. And, as the book’s title suggests, she seeks to inspire and empower others to do their part. The book: Part memoir, part history lesson, part social activism 101.

Dias has a magnetic personality, outlook on life, and passion for change.

While I like the fact that it’s a nonfiction book starring an African American strong female, I am afraid only a few middle school readers will stick with the book to the end.

(Nonfiction. 10-16)

[Jungeun Park · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will recommend this book to teenagers. In this story, there was a girl who is similar age with me and has a black skin. A black people didn't get a personal respect it means get racism since now and also many people think wrong way about the black people like prejudice. In the book, a girl named Marley Dias, 14 years old and she's from Jamaica, has a positive life even she got a hard situation. First time, I thought black people might live or think different way from me but I was incorrect. Marley Dias's story was almost same just like me! There are many parts that I sympathize with at the same age, and her life is the same as what I want to do with life so I felt interested and other way, it was surprised. The book shows her life as a diary, and there are a short sentences that impressive people's mind. I was impressed by Marley Dias didn't give up although she got an accident or big trouble and it was nice to have a positive life and I would live a positive life like her. When I read her story, I was able to organize my complex minds and helped me to set goals. Therefore, this book is more suitable to teenagers and it is one of my best book.

[Yewon Song · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marley Dias is a teenager who started the #100blackgirlbooks campaign. This book informs us about right, equality, passion, social injustice and how to take action by using social media, in a positive way. It clearly shows how much Marley Dias desperately want to change our world into a fair and equal place. She talks about the steps to take action, and give us hope to make our dreams come true.

I gave 4stars because, though the story was great, I especially liked the part where some motto and sentences were written that could give me hope and help whenever I am in a bad mood. My favorite one is, 'We are the main character of our lives'. I like this motto because I always imagined about being the main character in this world. Also, this is what Marley Dias wrote in the book as her quote. Marley Dias became my role model after I finished this book. I thought she was the bravest teenager I ever saw. She saw and think that our world is unfair, so she is trying to change our world by using social media. But it is challenging to be courage able and brave to stand against our prejudiced world.

If you want to take action, try and read 'Marley Dias gets it done: And so can you!'.

[Alexa Hamilton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Adults: this is not a book for you, even if you love tweens and tween books. It's a book for you to get your children, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, godchildren, whoever. Because Marley is a perfectly tween girl with a mission--to bring books about black girls to schools and kids everywhere. And also to inspire kids to be activists, with permission and support from their parents. And lastly, to have her picture plastered across every available page in this book. Adults, you may not like Marley but she is such a tween and she has such confidence. I wish that all tween girls could take that lesson from her and be confident in themselves and what they believe. This may not be a book for adults, but I think there are a lot of kids out there who can get something out of it. I hope they have a good pile in the book store in my hometown of Montclair, not too far from where Marley lives, because that's the perfect spot for this book. I know there are other towns with other kids who will love and be inspired by Marley.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Marley Dias was the first speaker at the North Texas Book Teen Book Festival (NTTBF) Educator Day 2018. She is an advocate for diversity in children's literature and for literacy.

Since our second unit in 6th grade is activism and social (in)justice, I thought her book would be a strong addition to our classroom iibrary. I bought a signed copy from the Barnes and Noble bookseller at NTTBF.

I am not her target audience. My students are. I hope they will enjoy her. I already know the first student I want to introduce Marley Dias Gets It Done: And So Can You! to.