Girl Squads by Sam Maggs, Jenn Woodall

Girl Squads

by Sam Maggs and Jenn Woodall

In this inspiring and diverse book, Sam Maggs lends her signature wit and warmth to profiles of some of history's most influential female forces. Spanning art, science, politics, activism, and sport, these girl squads show just how essential female friendship has been throughout history and across the globe. Fun, fiesty, and informative- with empowering illustrations by Jenn Woodall- it's the perfect gift for BFFs everywhere.

Reviewed by Beth C. on

4 of 5 stars

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So much of history as it is written revolves around dudes. Men who did things, applauded because they did things or found things or what-have-you. But women, well...they've been pretty effectively scrubbed from so much of history, for so many reasons. It wasn't "proper" or "how dare she" or "not good enough"...so much nonsense. This book, however, aims to change at least some of that. Women have been doing awesome things for a long time, and quite often, they were doing them together - in Girl Squads.

I picked this up for my daughter, originally. I ended up reading it myself. I love the varied countries and people and categories. I like that the stories about these women are shorter, but with enough history that those interested could certainly take their research further. Frankly, I also like the traces of snark directed at the dudes within the stories who were all "Pshaw. Women.". To me, this is suitable for YA, though adults will like it as well.

This is a great book for classrooms and libraries - again, enough to get someone interested to pursue further research for papers, or even just to read to feel a bit more empowered.

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 4 September, 2018: Finished reading
  • 4 September, 2018: Reviewed
  • Started reading
  • Finished reading
  • 4 September, 2018: Reviewed