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Living the Confidence Code: Real Girls. Real Stories. Real Confidence.
AN INSTANT #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER!
New from the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling authors of The Confidence Code for Girls!
The best way to understand confidence is to see it in action. That’s why bestselling authors Katty Kay, Claire Shipman, and JillEllyn Riley have collected 30 true stories of real girls, pursuing their passions, struggling and stumbling, but along the way figuring out how to build their own special brand of confidence.
From Bali to Brazil, South Africa to Seattle, Australia to Afghanistan, these girls took risks, doubted themselves, and sometimes failed. But they also hung in there when things got hard. Along the way they discovered what matters to everything from protesting contaminated water to championing inclusive books to the accessibility of girls’ basketball shoes, and so much more.
Different goals, different stories, different personalities, all illustrating the multitude of ways to be confident in the world.
Packed with photos, graphic novel strips, and engaging interviews, Living the Confidence Code proves that no matter who you are, or how old you are, nothing is out of reach when you decide to try. Join this growing global community of powerful girls and imagine—what would you like to do, once you tap into your confidence? How will you write your story?
New from the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling authors of The Confidence Code for Girls!
The best way to understand confidence is to see it in action. That’s why bestselling authors Katty Kay, Claire Shipman, and JillEllyn Riley have collected 30 true stories of real girls, pursuing their passions, struggling and stumbling, but along the way figuring out how to build their own special brand of confidence.
From Bali to Brazil, South Africa to Seattle, Australia to Afghanistan, these girls took risks, doubted themselves, and sometimes failed. But they also hung in there when things got hard. Along the way they discovered what matters to everything from protesting contaminated water to championing inclusive books to the accessibility of girls’ basketball shoes, and so much more.
Different goals, different stories, different personalities, all illustrating the multitude of ways to be confident in the world.
Packed with photos, graphic novel strips, and engaging interviews, Living the Confidence Code proves that no matter who you are, or how old you are, nothing is out of reach when you decide to try. Join this growing global community of powerful girls and imagine—what would you like to do, once you tap into your confidence? How will you write your story?
396 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 28, 2020
48 people are currently reading
1873 people want to read
About the author
Katty Kay
17 books121 followersKatherine "Katty" Kay (born c. 1964) is an English journalist. She is the lead anchor of BBC World News America and was previously the BBC News Washington correspondent from 2002. Until 2009 she also blogged at the website True/Slant and is a Board Member at the IWMF (International Women's Media Foundation).
Kay grew up in various Middle East countries, where her father was posted as a British diplomat. She studied modern languages at the University of Oxford and, as a result, speaks fluent French and Italian. After graduation, she briefly worked for the Bank of England. Deciding a career in economics was not for her, she left to work for an aid agency in Zimbabwe.
A short time later, friend Matt Frei came out with a tape recorder and persuaded her to become a journalist. Kay joined the BBC in 1990 as Zimbabwe correspondent for the African section of the BBC World Service. She then returned to London to work for BBC World Service radio, before being posted to Tokyo for BBC News television in 1992 and then Washington, D.C., in 1996. Soon afterwards, she joined The Times news bureau, but returned to the BBC as a freelance journalist in 2002, based in the United States.
From June 2004, Kay co-presented the BBC World news bulletins with Mike Embley in London, shown on 230 public broadcast-television stations throughout the US and on BBC America. From 1 October 2007, Kay became correspondent to presenter Matt Frei of BBC World's one-hour Washington-based news broadcast, BBC World News America, it airs on the BBC News Channel, BBC America, and BBC World. Kay also makes frequent appearances as a guest panelist on The Chris Matthews Show and Meet the Press on NBC, and in the past also appeared on Larry King Live on CNN. She occasionally substitutes for Diane Rehm on The Diane Rehm Show on NPR.
On 2 June 2009, Harper Collins published Womenomics, a book written by Kay and ABC News' Good Morning America senior national correspondent Claire Shipman exploring the redefinition of success for working women based on recent trends of the value of women to the business world.
On April 15, 2014, HarperBusiness published [sold by HarperCollins Publishers] The Confidence Code: The Science and Art of Self-Assurance – What Women Should Know, a book written by Kay and Claire Shipman.
Kay is married to ex-BBC reporter and current Control Risks Group senior vice-president Tom Carver. They have four children. She is non-religious and considers herself to be an agnostic.
Kay grew up in various Middle East countries, where her father was posted as a British diplomat. She studied modern languages at the University of Oxford and, as a result, speaks fluent French and Italian. After graduation, she briefly worked for the Bank of England. Deciding a career in economics was not for her, she left to work for an aid agency in Zimbabwe.
A short time later, friend Matt Frei came out with a tape recorder and persuaded her to become a journalist. Kay joined the BBC in 1990 as Zimbabwe correspondent for the African section of the BBC World Service. She then returned to London to work for BBC World Service radio, before being posted to Tokyo for BBC News television in 1992 and then Washington, D.C., in 1996. Soon afterwards, she joined The Times news bureau, but returned to the BBC as a freelance journalist in 2002, based in the United States.
From June 2004, Kay co-presented the BBC World news bulletins with Mike Embley in London, shown on 230 public broadcast-television stations throughout the US and on BBC America. From 1 October 2007, Kay became correspondent to presenter Matt Frei of BBC World's one-hour Washington-based news broadcast, BBC World News America, it airs on the BBC News Channel, BBC America, and BBC World. Kay also makes frequent appearances as a guest panelist on The Chris Matthews Show and Meet the Press on NBC, and in the past also appeared on Larry King Live on CNN. She occasionally substitutes for Diane Rehm on The Diane Rehm Show on NPR.
On 2 June 2009, Harper Collins published Womenomics, a book written by Kay and ABC News' Good Morning America senior national correspondent Claire Shipman exploring the redefinition of success for working women based on recent trends of the value of women to the business world.
On April 15, 2014, HarperBusiness published [sold by HarperCollins Publishers] The Confidence Code: The Science and Art of Self-Assurance – What Women Should Know, a book written by Kay and Claire Shipman.
Kay is married to ex-BBC reporter and current Control Risks Group senior vice-president Tom Carver. They have four children. She is non-religious and considers herself to be an agnostic.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
March 18, 2021
Living the Confidence Code is an empowering read about an impressive group of young women from all over the world, who discovered that their confidence lead them to achieve success and their dreams no matter how big.
One of the girls featured is Anna Zhang, a Chinese American whose creative journey started when she was in the 6th grade while mastering her craft and eye for photography. Now she is the Creative Director of her own company called Colorflame, runs a successful Instagram account, and is studying at Yale class of ‘23.
Overall I highly recommend this as a must read for our young adults. I needed this book as a teen. My teens are enjoying this book now and really happy that they are gleaning a lot from this book.
One of the girls featured is Anna Zhang, a Chinese American whose creative journey started when she was in the 6th grade while mastering her craft and eye for photography. Now she is the Creative Director of her own company called Colorflame, runs a successful Instagram account, and is studying at Yale class of ‘23.
Overall I highly recommend this as a must read for our young adults. I needed this book as a teen. My teens are enjoying this book now and really happy that they are gleaning a lot from this book.
April 9, 2021
The stories here are truly inspirational and can really motivate you. They are great stories to read if you are feeling down or if you need faith in humanity. There is lots of faith in this book.
Everybody should read this books. Especially girls. Sometimes it feels like you are all alone. But this book proves that wrong. Be big, be brave, be loud, and don't be afraid to be you.
-m
Everybody should read this books. Especially girls. Sometimes it feels like you are all alone. But this book proves that wrong. Be big, be brave, be loud, and don't be afraid to be you.
-m
March 7, 2021
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Living the Confidence Code written by Katty Kay, Claire Shipman, & JillEllyn Riley
This is a collection of real stories from girls around the world from a variety of backgrounds on how they created confidence.
“Confidence is what turns our thoughts into actions”.
My 3rd grader was in awe of the stories in this book. There were so many from all walks of life and some from very underprivileged backgrounds. My daughter especially liked the graphic illustrations of some of the stories. It made for a nice transition. There were so many stories of strong young girls that stood out to us.
My daughter liked the girls who advocated for their environment like Greta Thumberg who is a champion for climate change since the age of 15. She traveled by sailboat to the UN Conference using solar panels & underwater turbines so she uses zero emissions! She considers her autism her superpower. “My Aspergers is my superpower. It made me different and being different is a gift”. How brilliant is that?
We also really liked the story Autumn Peltier from the Anishinaabe Eagle Clan & Wikwemikong First Nation. She’s indigenous and her people believe that water has a spirit and should be considered sacred & precious. AS IT SHOULD BE! From the age of 12 years old, she spoke to Canada’s Prime Minister & has been invited to Stockholm for the Children’s Climate Conference & has spoken at the UN conference in NY.
I gravitated toward Haven Shepherd who is the 16 year old that came from a family of athletes. She was born in Vietnam with two legs, but then a bomb killed her parents and left her without legs. She longed to be in the Paralympics and with that set as a goal, she trains year round. I remember being in awe when I was a medical resident, one of my patients came
in with 4 prosthetics. 2 legs and 2 arms. She sat on my clinic table, chatting away and took off her prosthetic legs and arms, told me she worked a full time job since age 16! She's an inspiration! Now that's Confidence!
Thank you @harperkids @theshelfstuff for sending me this finished copy!
Living the Confidence Code written by Katty Kay, Claire Shipman, & JillEllyn Riley
This is a collection of real stories from girls around the world from a variety of backgrounds on how they created confidence.
“Confidence is what turns our thoughts into actions”.
My 3rd grader was in awe of the stories in this book. There were so many from all walks of life and some from very underprivileged backgrounds. My daughter especially liked the graphic illustrations of some of the stories. It made for a nice transition. There were so many stories of strong young girls that stood out to us.
My daughter liked the girls who advocated for their environment like Greta Thumberg who is a champion for climate change since the age of 15. She traveled by sailboat to the UN Conference using solar panels & underwater turbines so she uses zero emissions! She considers her autism her superpower. “My Aspergers is my superpower. It made me different and being different is a gift”. How brilliant is that?
We also really liked the story Autumn Peltier from the Anishinaabe Eagle Clan & Wikwemikong First Nation. She’s indigenous and her people believe that water has a spirit and should be considered sacred & precious. AS IT SHOULD BE! From the age of 12 years old, she spoke to Canada’s Prime Minister & has been invited to Stockholm for the Children’s Climate Conference & has spoken at the UN conference in NY.
I gravitated toward Haven Shepherd who is the 16 year old that came from a family of athletes. She was born in Vietnam with two legs, but then a bomb killed her parents and left her without legs. She longed to be in the Paralympics and with that set as a goal, she trains year round. I remember being in awe when I was a medical resident, one of my patients came
in with 4 prosthetics. 2 legs and 2 arms. She sat on my clinic table, chatting away and took off her prosthetic legs and arms, told me she worked a full time job since age 16! She's an inspiration! Now that's Confidence!
Thank you @harperkids @theshelfstuff for sending me this finished copy!
February 16, 2024
This wasn’t a bad book but I am not the target audience on this and it wasn’t a good fit.
June 25, 2021
With 31 chapters about 33 girls who are moving, shaking, shaping, and changing the world, including a blank chapter for each reader to write her own story, this collection promises to inspire girls to become activists in their own corner of the world. Whether the project is improving oneself, taking the lead in school or a community or even coming up with ideas that can make a difference in the world, it's clear that these girls have it going on. The premise behind the book is that confidence builds confidence and that girls can gain confidence in themselves and their actions by seeing others in action or reading about their accomplishments. It's important to note that these chapters include stories of triumph but also of struggles and mistakes so that readers are aware that success doesn't come easy and sometimes progress or change is slow. The individual chapters contain the essence of interviews with the girls and include many of their words while also featuring side notes indicating that something is a Confidence Building Block or a Confidence Quicksand. Some of the girls' stories are even told in comic book style. There are photographs of the girls and a section for each one entitled "Just Asking" that is a question/answer section about comfort foods, what makes the girl laugh, and how she likes to spend a lazy day as well as other questions. I enjoyed seeing all this positivity that gave me hope for the next generation and the world if it's in the hands of these young leaders, but I wish the authors would have included a section about how their subjects were chosen and given more information about the interview process. I'm sure that won't be a concern for the book's intended audience, though, since they will be impressed with what these girls have managed to do and maybe begin thinking about what they can do. After all, girls really can do anything they put their minds do, and this book is vivid proof of that saying.
March 21, 2021
This year’s theme for Women’s History Month is #ChooseToChallenge. The 30 girls featured in this book do just that!
One of my favorite stories of confidence from the book comes from 17 year old Thandiwe Abdullah. Since childhood, Thandiwe has had a strong sense of justice for Black people in America. When she noticed that random searches in her middle school were unfairly targeting brown and Black students, Thandiwe decided to do something about it. Thanks to her hard work, the school board has abolished its random searches policy. Thandiwe has found her purpose in fighting for racial justice. Her fight doesn’t stop there.
Each story is told in prose, Q&A interview, or graphic novel style which helps keep the reading fun and exciting. With a foreword from amazing Olympic gold medalist, Laurie Hernandez, this book is the confidence boost girls and woman around the world need. I especially love the section in the back for the reader to add her own story.
One of my favorite stories of confidence from the book comes from 17 year old Thandiwe Abdullah. Since childhood, Thandiwe has had a strong sense of justice for Black people in America. When she noticed that random searches in her middle school were unfairly targeting brown and Black students, Thandiwe decided to do something about it. Thanks to her hard work, the school board has abolished its random searches policy. Thandiwe has found her purpose in fighting for racial justice. Her fight doesn’t stop there.
Each story is told in prose, Q&A interview, or graphic novel style which helps keep the reading fun and exciting. With a foreword from amazing Olympic gold medalist, Laurie Hernandez, this book is the confidence boost girls and woman around the world need. I especially love the section in the back for the reader to add her own story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 19, 2023
I listened to the digital audio version of the book.
I found listening to the stories of the girls in Living the confidence code to be very inspiring. They made me think if they can overcome some much and do more than they thought than I can do that too.
I don't think I can pick out a favorite because I thought they were all inspirational as I said in the above paragraph. Oh, but, I do remember one story of a girl I don't remember her name but, she had to take care of her family cooking means and such and got to school. She got a scholarship, quit school, decided she made a mistake, and went back to school, and she still takes care of her family. I think she was from Mexico.
Girls helped with the water problem in flint Michigan, helped get clothes for classmates who needed them. There were a lot of great stories about girls doing great things. I am glad I listened to Living the confidence code.
I found listening to the stories of the girls in Living the confidence code to be very inspiring. They made me think if they can overcome some much and do more than they thought than I can do that too.
I don't think I can pick out a favorite because I thought they were all inspirational as I said in the above paragraph. Oh, but, I do remember one story of a girl I don't remember her name but, she had to take care of her family cooking means and such and got to school. She got a scholarship, quit school, decided she made a mistake, and went back to school, and she still takes care of her family. I think she was from Mexico.
Girls helped with the water problem in flint Michigan, helped get clothes for classmates who needed them. There were a lot of great stories about girls doing great things. I am glad I listened to Living the confidence code.
March 9, 2021
Living the Confidence Code by Katty Kay, Claire Shipman, JillEllyn Riley is a touching and inspirational anthology of young women showing how they live confidently and passionately. From an in-school thrift store to menstrual hygiene education to climate change efforts, this book highlights the various young women who are taking action to change the world around them--locally and globally.
This is very much a middle-grade/early-reader non-fiction book akin to "Chicken Soup for the [Confident Girl's] Soul." I enjoyed reading the various steps young people take to make the world a better place and can see this being aspirational for young readers as they begin to examine the world around them. I also liked the different formats within the book: graphic novel panels, Q&A, and the "Just Asking" sections that add uniformity to the book.
This is very much a middle-grade/early-reader non-fiction book akin to "Chicken Soup for the [Confident Girl's] Soul." I enjoyed reading the various steps young people take to make the world a better place and can see this being aspirational for young readers as they begin to examine the world around them. I also liked the different formats within the book: graphic novel panels, Q&A, and the "Just Asking" sections that add uniformity to the book.
October 13, 2024
Living the Confidence Code highlights thirty different narratives about girls overcoming problems or some kind of injustice they notice and succeeding through perseverance and hard work. The authors showcase these narratives through various mediums including graphic novel strips, interviews, and questionnaires. The featured stories are uplifting and motivational, and the end of the collection even features a blank chapter for the reader to write their own accomplishments.
Although the narratives are interesting, this book would be put to best use most likely through a counselor lending it to specific students, teachers showcasing certain narratives to use in class for a lesson, or as a tool for students’ own writing.
Recommended for Grades 6-up.
S.K.
Teacher
Although the narratives are interesting, this book would be put to best use most likely through a counselor lending it to specific students, teachers showcasing certain narratives to use in class for a lesson, or as a tool for students’ own writing.
Recommended for Grades 6-up.
S.K.
Teacher
July 27, 2023
I read half of this aloud to a 10-year old girl
The stories we read were varied in topic and focus with confidence lessons scattered throughout. Some stories were more grandiose like organizing big campaigns and other were more personal like dealing with bullying. Depending on the girl, she may or may not connect with some of the larger project-type stories.
The stories we read were varied in topic and focus with confidence lessons scattered throughout. Some stories were more grandiose like organizing big campaigns and other were more personal like dealing with bullying. Depending on the girl, she may or may not connect with some of the larger project-type stories.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 22, 2021
I skimmed, more than read. This is definitely a book for middle school girls. The girls profiled are amazing but the book is difficult to read (for me anyway). Different fonts, different sizes, some parts are like graphic novels. Just not my thing.
July 12, 2021
OK, so in terms of reading-age/level this is aimed at tweens, but still an inspiring collection of stories from girls around the world, of all ages, backgrounds, ethnicities and faiths. The stories are presented in various formats - comic-strip, Q&A, narrative. An very enjoyable read.
March 10, 2021
We need more encouraging teen books, like this!!
April 17, 2021
I thought it was a really good insparaction that you can always change the world and yourself
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 11, 2021
Great for preteens and teens. Super motivating and great messages for amazing young women
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November 15, 2021This book sucked ngl, I returned it after I read it and thankfully got my money back. it was good but it was boring and very bland.
January 6, 2022
Great book to flip around. I have been reading about the various girls following their hearts! You don't have to read it all at once, because each story has nothing to do with the other one!
February 10, 2023
I gave up on reading it
October 7, 2025
interesting for younger readers
November 17, 2022
Giving this 3 stars but this would be a 4-5 star read for the right age group. I read this as part of volunteer work for a literacy non-profit and it gave a diverse range of stories from young voices.
April 30, 2021
It was definitely an inspirational book.
July 16, 2021
I listened to this and it’s fabulous. It’s a collection of stories of inspirational young girls who are making big changes in their world- from doing something about poor drinking water quality, to addressing period poverty, to ensuring access to education. These are people who are being the change they want to see in the world and their persistence and courage and tenacity is awesome.
Highly recommend for all tweens (boys too because they need to hear these stories just as much).
Highly recommend for all tweens (boys too because they need to hear these stories just as much).
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews