Amanda Gorman, the youngest presidential inaugural poet in U.S. history, here turns her talents to a celebration of girls and girlhood.
Who are we?
We are girls on the rise.
Today, everyone’s eyes
Are on us as we make waves,
Pave the way, and save the day.
The poem builds on this beginning across subsequent pages, painting a picture of girls varied and determined, with spunk and spirit, “gleaming, giving, and gifted.” The verses tout girls’ bravery, but recognize that sometimes a girl may feel scared to stand up on her own. Other girls will lift her up, however, the poem assures us, making each other strong.
One verse states, “Some of us go by she/And some of us go by they,” which might cause some readers to wonder how a girl could go by nonbinary pronouns—but as Advocates for Trans Equality remind us, being nonbinary can mean blending elements of different genders, moving between genders at different times, or many other variations. To identify as a girl but also to use “they” pronouns fits under this broad umbrella. Don’t take my word for it; illustrator Loveis Wise uses they/he pronouns, and I imagine would have said something if the book’s usage was incorrect (which is not to say this is the usage of every nonbinary person; just one of many variations).
Wise’s digital and collage illustrations match Gorman’s words in loveliness, and in showing the diversity, strength, and community of girls today.
An uplifting and recommended title.
