Book Review: Girl Squads

As a mother of two young daughters, I want them to feel confident, capable, and powerful as they grow up. Strong female role models are important for them to look up to, both in their social circles and in the world around them. Not only is it positive for them to have individuals to admire, they also should witness strong female friendships.

Girl Squads: 20 Female Friendships That Changed History by Sam Maggs is a new book aimed at highlighting how women can band together and support each other in their joint accomplishments. Each chapter has a specific focus, with several "girl squads" highlighted within those categories. Each of the stories has an illustration to accompany it.

The author shares stories of friendships of female athletes, warriors, scientists, artists, and activists from around the world.

The accounts are thorough, supported by many factual details. I suspect the audience is geared towards upper high-school or college students. While the accounts can be empowering, my one hang-up is how "chatty" and casual the language is. It's as if it's a pep rally for sisterhood. While I can get behind the importance of encouraging each other, not all will be interested in the language; "and, like, ..." is typical, as well as descriptions of "dang," "bad-ass," and "kick-ass" throughout.

If you aren't looking for high-brow literature and think you or another in your life will embrace the conversational language, these stories will be perfect. Some will be familiar, like the female SCOTUS judges or the black women mathematicians at NASA highlighted in the book/movie Hidden Figures, bu there are numerous stories of women previously unknown to me.

(I received a digital ARC from NetGalley and Quirk Books in exchange for my honest review. I've used Amazon Affiliate links here; should you purchase through these links, I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you.)