The Power of Female Protagonists - Seeing is Believing

I'm in Houston this weekend for the NCTE Annual Convention. It's been amazing so far and I'm excited for today and my two sessions. One session is on innovative non-fiction and the other is called "Becoming the Leaders: The Power of Female Protagonists to Empower All Student Voices." I already know it's going to be a fantastic conversation with Molly Brooks, Alex Gino, Mae Respicio, Laura Shovan, and Linda Williams Jackson.

I'm honored to be part of this amazing group and can't wait for the conversation we are going to have. On the plane ride here to Houston, we had a female pilot. I overhead a woman on the plane say, "And we had a female pilot. I've didn't know there were female pilots. I mean, I knew there were, but I didn't really know."

It stood out to me because I could hear the importance of representation and believing something when you see it. I couldn't remember ever having a female pilot before so it made me stop and think too. There is power in seeing yourself. There is power in seeing a variety of people and knowing truly seeing that each person is unique and valued and in then truly seeing that you are unique and valued.

Below I have a list of recommended reading to share from the amazing authors that I'll be talking with today: Molly Brooks, Alex Gino, Mae Respicio, Laura Shovan, and Linda Williams Jackson. My contribution is this wonderful video from Bomba Estéreo. Their song Soy Yo is a celebration of being yourself and a reminder to love who you are. I hope you enjoy it!

Recommended Reading

The Bridge Home by Padma Venkatraman

Escape from Aleppo by N.H. Senzai

Ernestine, Catastrophe Queen by Merrill Wyatt

Evangeline of the Bayou by Jan Eldredge

Front Desk by Kelly Yang

George by Alex Gino

Here Lies Arthur by Philip Reeve

The House That Lou Built by Mae Respicio

The Laura Line by Crystal Allen

Lumberjanes by Noelle Stevenson

The Mad Wolf’s Daughter by Diane Magras

The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl by Stacy McAnulty

Nadya Skylung and the Cloudship Rescue by Jeff Seymour

Patina by Jason Reynolds

Peasprout Chen, Future Legend of Skate & Sword by Henry Lien

Sanity & Tallulah by Molly Brooks

A Sky Full of Stars by Linda Williams Jackson

Skylark and Wallcreeper by Anne O’Brien Carelli

Spin the Golden Lightbulb by Jackie Yeager

Takedown by Laura Shovan

The Unforgettable Guinevere St Clair by Amy Makechnie

Unidentified Suburban Object by Mike Jung

The 11:11 Wish by Kim Tomsic

Recommended Listening

Kidlit Women Podcast 

Episode from 10/22/18: “Jennifer Ziegler discusses with Alvina Ling how adults gender-limit children's reading without realizing it.”

The One With My Girl Crushes #sol15

Every Tuesday, I participate in the Slice of Life challenge at Two Writing Teachers. If you want to participate, you can link up at their Slice of Life Story Post on Tuesdays or you can just head on over there to check out other people's stories. For more information on what a Slice of Life post is about, you can go here. 

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I love music. I love all sorts of music. I grew up listening to what we called "the oldies" in the 80's and 90's...which was music from the 50's and 60's but I also listened to NKOTB and Debbie Gibson and Tiffany and Madonna. In high school I found alternative and went to see Oasis, Dishwalla, and Counting Crows in concert. I love CCR and Green Day and Barenaked Ladies and Garbage. After college, I started listening to country and lately I'm back to pop but I still am always on the lookout for songs that catch my attention. I have a friend who I'll ask to send me a song-of-the-day, especially when I need something different or unique to get my mind off of things.

But recently I heard a song that made me cringe. It's called Girl Crush by Little Big Town. You can watch the video and the lyrics are included if you do (FYI, it's not very kid friendly). Basically, the song is all about a girl who envies another girl because the guy she likes is in love with the other girl. I really like the song...the tempo and the mood...and I was intrigued when I heard girl crush until I figured out what they meant by a girl crush. Honestly, I'm all for girls crushing over girls but not in the way Little Big Town suggests. Why can't a girl be inspired by another girl instead of being envious of her? Why can't a girl look at another girl and see her confidence and wish she could be like that too? Why can't a girl look at another girl and stand taller knowing she's a girl and she rocks, too? It really irritates me. 

What I would say to any girl who has a girl crush like Little Big Town suggests is: Look. Forget about him. If he loves her, he loves her. You go be you. Be awesome. Be passionate. Pour your energy into the things that make you happy and people who appreciate you. Love yourself. Love life. And love will find you. 

So in the spirit of girl crushing my way, I'm sharing some girl kid lit authors who I've so totally got a girl crush on right now. All of these women are doing amazing things for children's and young adult literature. And, lucky me, these are only a few of the amazing women who inspire me as a teacher, reader, writer, mother, but most importantly, as a woman.

Kate Messner

Ame Dyckman

Jacqueline Woodson

Raina Telgemeier

Jenny Han

Who are some of your girl power author heroes in kidlit?

Girl power for the win!

The One With My Favorite 2013 Posts #slice2013

Every Tuesday, I participate in the Slice of Life challenge at Two Writing Teachers. If you want to participate, you can link up at their Slice of Life Story Post on Tuesdays or you can just head on over there to check out other people's stories. For more information on what a Slice of Life post is about, you can go here.   

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I love reflecting at the end of the year...I actually do a lot of reflecting all the time, maybe too much of the time, but this kind of reflecting is fun. I'm super proud of this blog and love being able to share a slice of my life here on Tuesdays but every other day, too. 

This year Kellee and I hosted book swaps and a Girl Power series and created Un-Boring Lists for 2013. We partied on World Read Aloud Day, stopped to Unplug and Read, and Reread in April. I'm so glad to have shared this space with Kellee for two years. 

Jen's 2013 Bookish Un-Boring List

Kellee's 2013 Un-Boring List

World Read Aloud Day 2013

WRAD After Party

My favorite reread post: Jen Rereads The Fault In Our Stars

Unplug and Read 

This summer was another great summer of writing with teacher friends and author cheerleaders with Teachers Write. I started regularly participating in the Slice of Life Challenge, Poetry Friday and Ruth's Celebrate Link Up.

 

Some of my favorite Slice posts:

The One With Random Thoughts About Pears

The One With Revisions and Headstands (Nerdlution)

The One Where I Write YOU a Letter

We held the first ever nErDcamp and it was awesome!

Franki and I brought back the fun of Team Bear and Team Rabbit with our 10 for 10 Picture Books post this year.

And I had a blast celebrating my all-time favorite books of the year:

Must Read Mentor Text - Mr. Tiger Goes Wild by Peter Brown

Mr. Tiger Goes Wild Blog Tour Scavenger Hunt

Reading in the Wild Book Tour!

I know it's not quite the end of the year but too soon it will be time to think about 2014 and all that it holds in store so I thought I would do this recap now. Thank you so much for being part of my 2013! What are your favorite memories of the year? I would love to reminisce with you if you want to share!

Girls from The Hero's Guide: Lila

Princess's Name: Lila

Her Original Fairy Tale: The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom by Christopher Healy

Her Kingdom: Erinthia

Her Charming: Right now, her brother Prince Liam, but who knows who it'll end up being. She is only a preteen!

Characteristics: spunky, independent, tracker, trustworthy, go-getter, rebellious, level-headed

Quote: 
"'Guys!' Lila said sharply. 'Anyone who's part of this rescue needs to come with me now.' She turned and began to head through the trees." (p. 90)

Why Kellee Thinks Lila Makes a Strong Role Model: Lila is a little rebel! She is not afraid to do anything! She is not going to be left out. For the youngest princess in the bunch, she is probably the bravest. She'll definitely follows in her brother's footsteps (and in the book, she actually pushes him when he has given up).  

Why Jen Thinks Lila Makes a Strong Role Model: I think Lila might be my favorite princess, believe it or not. I just love her attitude. She's not about to sit at home where no one pays attention to her and be bored. She'd rather go out and make a difference and pave her own way. She's definitely smart and takes charge when she needs to. In this book, she realizes being in tight spaces makes her nervous but at the same time she keeps calm and talks herself through the experience. I really admire Lila and her strong will. 

What do you love about Lila? 

What do you think makes her a representative of girl power?

To enter our giveaway of a copy of The Hero's Guide to Storming the Castle by Chris Healy, please fill out the form. The winner will be chosen on Sunday, May 5th and announced on Monday, May 6th! 

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Girls from The Hero's Guide: Rapunzel

Princess's Name: Rapunzel

Her Original Fairy Tale: "Persinette" by Charlotte-Rose de Caumont de La Force, 1698

Her Kingdom: Sturmhagen

Her Charming: Prince Gustav, who didn't exactly rescue her, but tried. In the end, Rapunzel saved herself.

Characteristics: peaceful, trustworthy, compassionate, caring, generous, thoughtful, helpful

Quote:
"'I'm a peaceful person! I grow turnips and take care of elves with pink eye! I shouldn't be here!'" (p. 340)
"'I just want to help. It's in my nature.'" (p. 471)

Why Kellee Thinks Rapunzel Makes a Strong Role Model: Rapunzel is an amazing woman. After saving herself, Gustav, and the word of her healing tears got out through the bards, Rapunzel continued saving the people who need saving.  She is an example of a strong role model who just does what is right because she knows that it is the right thing to do. She doesn't care what others want her to do or how others perceive her, she just wants to help others and be a good person. 

Why Jen Thinks Rapunzel Makes a Strong Role Model: In this book, Rapunzel seems to be challenging what people think of her. More of her playful personality shines through and I think it takes some of the princes by surprise. There are so many characters involved in both of the Hero's Guide books that it's almost like readers have a lot to experience in terms of the characters all developing relationships with each other. Rapunzel doesn't make an appearance in this book until almost halfway through. It seems clear to me that there is still so much more to learn about Rapunzel. While she isn't as outgoing and assertive as Ella or Briar Rose, she does have strong opinions and a certain confidence in understanding herself and her strengths and weaknesses. I would love to see her play more of a central role in future League of Princes books because I definitely believe there is more to Rapunzel!

What do you love about Rapunzel? 

What do you think makes her a representative of girl power?

To enter our giveaway of a copy of The Hero's Guide to Storming the Castle by Chris Healy, please fill out the form. The winner will be chosen on Sunday, May 5th and announced on Monday, May 6th! 

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Girls from The Hero's Guide: Snow

Princess's Name: Snow

Her Original Fairy Tale: "Snow White" collected by The Brothers Grimm, 1812

Her Kingdom: Sylvaria

Her Charming: Prince Duncan, who awoke her from a sleeping spell because the 7 dwarves found him

Characteristics: crafty, faithful, timid, calm, loyal, poised, even-tempered, level-headed, humble 

Quote: 
     "Another bandit shouted, 'Catch this, clown.' and winged a mealy apple at Snow. She spun around and caught it easily, then whipped it back at him. Several audience members began throwing vegetables, flatware, and other various doodads at Snow; and - with twirls, flips, and hops in between - she caught and tossed back every one. The bandits were laughing and clapping as Snow bounced around the stage, using those gifted arms of hers in a juggling act with the entire audience.
     'I didn't even know I was good at this,' Snow said, grinning uncontrollably. 'But I'm really good at this!'" (p. 417)

Why Kellee Thinks Snow Makes a Strong Role Model: One thing I love about the Hero's Guide books is that each princess is a completely different personality. Snow is representing the quiet, quirky girls. She is a loner, finds joy in solidarity, and loves nature. But, my favorite part about Snow is her and Duncan. They are a pure example of love. Although they can find themselves annoyed with each other, they always forgive and forget. 

Why Jen Thinks Snow Makes a Strong Role Model: I'm a total sucker for happy endings...but the whole premise of the League of Princes is that happy ever after might not be what we envision. And I can accept that just because one story ends, it doesn't mean that another story isn't beginning. And I can also accept that relationships have ups and downs and bumps along the way. But I still love my, if only temporary, happy endings. This is precisely why it makes me so happy to see Snow and Duncan still together. I'm just going to go ahead and say that Duncan is pretty goofy. What? He is. But Snow totally gets him and loves him despite his goofiness. Because of his goofiness? I don't know but it's really sweet. I love that she gains some confidence in this book, or that we see more of her talents and that she isn't just a sweet girl who talks to animals and hangs out with dwarves. When put in a difficult situation, Snow takes a deep breath and takes care of business much to even her own surprise. The quote, "Keep calm and carry on," comes to mind when I think of Snow. 

What do you love about Snow? 

What do you think makes her a representative of girl power?

To enter our giveaway of a copy of The Hero's Guide to Storming the Castle by Chris Healy, please fill out the form. The winner will be chosen on Sunday, May 5th and announced on Monday, May 6th! 

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Girls from The Hero's Guide: Briar

Princess's Name: Briar Rose

Her Original Fairy Tale: "The Sleeping Beauty" by Charles Perrault, 1697

Her Kingdom: Avondell

Her Charming: Prince Liam, from the Kingdom of Erinthia, battled his way past a dragon and woke her from a sleeping spell by kissing her

Characteristics: determined, focused, opinionated, strong-minded, no-nonsense, sarcastic, blunt, honest, self-centered, vain, bossy, independent, harsh, head-strong

Quote:
"...when something is promised to me, I make sure I get it." (p. 70)
"'I want what I want. That sword is the most legendary treasure our stupid family owns, so I want that sword. And as always, I will get what I want.'" (p. 114)
"'Just update me on your plan,' Briar said, biting into a grapefruit. 'You keep changing it around, and I want to make sure it's sound before I send you off to recover the object I desire most in the world.'" (p. 238)
"'Everybody shut up and let me think! Briar screeched. 'I came in here with a purpose, and all you losers are getting in my way.'" (p. 345)

Why Kellee Thinks Briar Makes a Strong Role Model: Briar is the mean girl of the group and I knew when reading that I would have the hardest time explaining how she is a role model, but in the end she has more heart than she portrays. It is actually through her change within the novel that made me realize that she is just a different type of role model. She can show that you can change and that it is okay to be head strong and go for what you want as long as you don't hurt those that get in your way. She knows what she wants. 
Why Jen Thinks Briar Makes a Strong Role Model: Briar doesn't have the best people skills but she definitely knows what she wants! She is the perfect example of a strong girl role model who isn't necessarily a protagonist. She's not quite the enemy either, but she definitely isn't well-accepted by the League of Princes or the other princesses, for that matter. Briar is determined and focused and will work to get what she wants although she might not do it in the most graceful way. Sometimes it's important to speak up for what you want. I think readers will recognize how Briar's hamartia and recognize that while she does get what she wants, she doesn't really make a whole lot of friends along the way. There is definitely a lot to learn from Briar!

What do you love about Briar? 

What do you think makes her a representative of girl power?

To enter our giveaway of a copy of The Hero's Guide to Storming the Castle by Chris Healy, please fill out the form. The winner will be chosen on Sunday, May 5th and announced on Monday, May 6th! 

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