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Rating: 
Summary: Girls Rock!
Review:    In her teens, Amelie Welden began writing this book, "Girls who rocked the world", about girls under 20 that have had a major impact on the image of women around the world, throughout history. These tales of hardships and obstacles women have overcome to reach success against the odds is perfect motivational reading for the girls of today. Amelie Welden combines girls from all different situations and backgrounds in this book that share the same characteristics of a heroine. Whether it is Joan of Arc, a French crusader, or Martina Hingis, Women's tennis championship, girls can find good role models. Among the 33 women mentioned in the book, three of which, I found exemplified outstanding characteristics of a heroine making this book a worthwhile read, Cleopatra, Phillis Wheatley, and Helen Keller.   This book begins with most likely the most famous woman ruler of them all, Cleopatra. Blessed with riches from the beginning, this girl had all the makings to become a woman who would rock the world, and she did. She faced incredible responsible at the age of only 18 when she was crowned Queen of the Egyptian Empire. Ruling her empire was a difficult task when she was thought of as inferior, for being a women to other male rulers, but that didn't shake her confidence. From the start things went rough for the Queen and she found herself exiled from her own country because advisors felt threatened by her ideas and independence. However, determined, and clever, she devised a plan in order to get into her country to meet Julius Caesar, and the rest is history. The significance of her story is to prove to the world that girls can succeed in a position dominated by men. With the right skill and attitude shown by Cleopatra for her country, any girl can become good at her passion. Cleopatra's heroic courage and willingness to put her life on the line for the sake of her beloved country, is an admirable quality every girl should have.    Unlike Cleopatra, Phillis Wheatley was born at a time when it was unheard of for African-Americans to be anymore than slaves, let alone women. However, Phillis Wheatley decided to change her stars, and follow her love for writing. Writing was a way for Phillis to express her feelings, a privilege that any girl should have. Unfortunately no one would listen or hardly appreciate the poetry of a black girl, no matter how good it was. But knowledge is power and as Phillis advanced in her studies, she gained respect. Her life proved that even a black girl could be an intelligent and an educated person if given the opportunity. She opened new doors for the rights of African-Americans and took society a step closer to accepting her race. She taught the world to look past superficial things like skin color and take a deeper look into what the person has to say. It takes a lot of courage to do this at a time when the slavery issue was so controversial, but Phillis Wheatley dared to be different and never gave up on her dreams. Her patriotic spirit but unwillingness to accept the injustice she was forced to live among made her one of the most respected heroines in our society and an excellent role model for girls to follow.    Left blind and deaf when she was still a baby, no one could have guessed Helen Keller would become one of the most important advocates for the disabled of her time. Although very intellectually bright Helen was never given the chance to learn because it was the common idea that disabled people were not worthwhile to educate. Finally a teacher decided to take a chance on her and suddenly concepts started to make sense to Helen. She became a rapid learner up to where she could read, write, and speak as well as anyone. The rest of Helen's life dedicated on trying to break down the barriers of education discrimination and to change the way people thought of the "disabled". Girls who have disabilities can relate to Helen's story. The significance of Helen Keller's life is that she not only had to overcome a huge disability herself, but then went on to help others overcome the same obstacles so they could have equal opportunities. She fought her battle by educating and spreading awareness to others, so disabled people wouldn't have to face the discrimination she had. She rocked the world by speaking out and was devoted to her life's goal no matter how impossible it may have seemed. Helen devoted her life to help others so they wouldn't have to go through was she did. All these characteristics make her a heroine in everyone's eyes, including the disabled.    All the women in this book possess very admirable characteristics that allowed them to follow their dreams against all odds. Along their journeys they encountered obstacles that only girls could take on. It takes courage and spirit to attempt what they did, and even more strength to succeed at it. But they believed in themselves which took them far and made them heroines who undoubtedly rocked the world. As the young orator Anna Dickinson said, "The world belongs to those who take it", these girls did, and so will the girls of today after they read this book!
Rating:
Summary: Inspiring!
Review: Girls Who Rocked the World is an inspiring book. Not only do you learn interesting facts about many famous and accomplished women, you also receive a unique perspective into their dreams, fears, struggles, and successes. I will recommend this book to everyone I know!
Rating:
Summary: Must read for every girl in America
Review: I read this book with my daughter who is 7. Both of us were awed by the featured women in the book. The book is short and the stories concise. It is inspiring to see not only women who changed the world, but young women doing so much. Every school and girl in America should read this book. I am buying them as gifts for every girl we know!
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