Each May the United States celebrates the history and culture of Asians and Pacific Islanders in the U.S. during Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. In honor of this month, A Mighty Girl has created a new special feature on the Top Asian Pacific American Mighty Girl Books. And, just as Asian and Pacific Islanders are a very diverse group, encompassing people who originate from the Asian continent and the Pacific islands of Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia, the reading selections in this collection are equally diverse.

Thematically, the books range from those which focus on the experience of 2nd or 3rd generation Asian-American youth to others which address of the challenges of more recent immigrants. Books from this former group often confront issues such as dual identities, cultural clashes between family and societal expectations, and body image, and include many teen-oriented titles like YELL-Oh Girls!, Nothing But the Truth (and a Few White Lies), Born Confused, Monsoon Summer, and April and the Dragon Lady. The selections focused on more recent immigrants address many of the challenges this population experiences such as cultural disorientation, teasing or bullying, and language struggles. Great options for younger readers include The Name Jar, My Name is Yoon, and Good-Bye, 382 Shin Dang Dong. Older readers might appreciate Tangled Threads: A Hmong Girl's Story, Kira-Kira, A Jar of Dreams, Inside Out and Back Again, Blue Jasmine, Children of the River, A Step From Heaven, and Ask Me No Questions. Continue reading → Continue reading

In Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper, eleven-year old Melody has a photographic memory and is the smartest kid in her school but no knows it. Melody has cerebral palsy and cannot walk or talk. Stuck in preschool-level classes her whole life and unable to share her thoughts with anyone, her life has become an exercise in frustration. Yet, Melody refuses to be defined by her disability and, when she receives a keyboard that allows her to communicate for the first time, her life and those of everyone around her changes.

Young people, like many adults, are often uncomfortable and uncertain how to act when meeting people with disabilities. Out of My Mind is an excellent novel to help tween/teen readers ages 10 and up understand that people with disabilities are just like them, with thoughts and feelings; hopes and dreams.

Draper, a multiple Coretta Scott King Award winner and the mother of a child with developmental difficulties, was inspired to write Out of My Mind for "all the parents of disabled kids who struggle, to all those children who are misunderstood, to all those caregivers who help every step of the way. It's also written for people who look away, who pretend they don't see, or who don't know what to say when they encounter someone who faces life with obvious differences. Just smile and say hello!"

For a wonderful and, at times, emotionally-charged story of a young girl with an indomitable spirit that is sure to challenge many of the stereotypes and biases held about people with disabilities, A Mighty Girl highly recommends Out of My Mind. Continue reading → Continue reading

A Mighty Girl is excited to share news of these two great opportunities for tweens and teens! The first, the Girl Up Teen Advisors program is open to girls entering 7th-12th grades and focuses on global issues and international development; while the second, the new N.A.S.A. G.I.R.L.S. summer program, is... Continue reading

In honor of Mother's Day this coming weekend, we've selected My Name Is Not Isabella: Just How Big Can a Little Girl Dream? by Jennifer Fosberry as this week's A Mighty Girl's top book pick. This beautifully illustrated picture book follows young Isabella as she spends the day imagining herself as different... Continue reading

Today marks the one month anniversary of A Mighty Girl's public launch and what an amazing month it's been with over 50,000 site visitors and 3,600 new Facebook friends! Thanks to all of you for your enthusiastic response to the launch of A Mighty Girl. Your kind messages of support... Continue reading

Since founding Studio Ghibli in 1985, film director Hayao Miyazaki has produced a series of highly acclaimed animated movies that have earned him the moniker 'The Walt Disney of Japan.' And, unlike most Japanese magna-style films, the protagonists of most Miyazaki's films are strong and independent girls or young women... Continue reading

Happy El día del niño, the Day of the Child! This year marks the 15th anniversary of this annual celebration focused on promoting literacy for children of all linguistic and cultural backgrounds. Author Pat Mora worked with leaders of the Latino American community to establish this tradition celebrating children, literacy... Continue reading

To honor the late civil rights legend Coretta Scott King on the 85th anniversary of her birth today, A Mighty Girl has created a special feature on U.S. civil rights history focused on the contributions of women and girls to the struggle for racial equality. Long active in civil rights activism... Continue reading

With princesses being the theme of the week, we've selected the "The Apple-Pip Princess" by Jane Ray as A Mighty Girl's top book pick. This wonderful picture book, perfect for children ages 3 to 8, combines a unique fairy tale with beautiful illustrations and compelling messages about compassion, community, and stewardship... Continue reading

Happy Princess Week! That's right - Disney has declared this week to be the first annual national Princess Week. Here at A Mighty Girl, we're fans of princesses too just not the traditional shrinking violet variety so we're created The Ultimate Guide to Independent Princesses. These princesses are smart, daring... Continue reading