Because I Was a Girl is an inspiring collection of true stories by women and girls about the obstacles, challenges, and opportunities they’ve faced because of their gender.  The collection is edited by Melissa De La Cruz, a best selling writer of teen fiction.  Each story in the collection is highlighted by a powerful quote:  “For me, the metamorphosis was the window to my potential.  I suddenly saw myself as a smart girl with possibilities.” Jill Lorie

Believe it or not, Marawa Ibrahim is a Guinness World record holder for the most hula hoops spun simultaneously(2001).  She is also the author of The Girl Guide:  50 Ways to Learn to Love your Changing Body.  With humor and honestly, Marawa provides body-positive advice for tween-aged girls.  Sinem Erkas provides the fun and colorful illustrations for the book.

Mayim Bialik brings her experience as a young actress in Blossom and as a Neuroscientist to provide a guide for girls as they transition into young women.  The book is divided into six sections:  How Our Bodies Work, How We Grow, How We Love, How We Cope, and How We Matter.  The book includes clever illustrations that support Mayim’s points about growing up.

This collection of personal essays from major young adult authors touches on a powerful range of topics related to growing up female in today’s America.  The collection was edited by Amy Reed, the author of contemporary novels for teens such as Beautiful, Clean, and The Nowhere Girls.  She warns the reader with an editor’s note that many of the essays deal with sensitive subjects that may be disturbing and traumatizing for some readers.