About Our Book

I found what I wanted and needed to know about being a girl in this book. Girls Speak Out is my hope--and a friend-- now and for the future. Stephanie, 10 We have reached over 100,000 readers!!! Use the link on the right to buy a copy and a donation is made to our foundation. Currently, our book is also available from Random House, Inc., which has generously donated 100 copies to our projects in Africa and the USA. Here you find activities revealing girls' true voices as they can only be heard in our workshops-- and it's a companion piece to what you need to know about our workshops and projects and using our training/leader handbook. Use the book's Check-Ins and games to participate in a workshop as if you were there. Most importantly, use it as a handbook for making wise choices as you grow into a strong woman. November 2010 E-mail I just saw your book in a store today and I immediately picked it up and began to read. And I loved it too. I live in Africa, Uganda in a third-world country where change is slow and almost unheard of. There are many people, especially girls, still trapped in the traditions of yesterday. I have nothing against tradition; I believe tradition should be kept and culture is important. But if it is harming us or keeping us from accessing our full potential, then there is something wrong with it. I have lived in a world where there are so many who believe the only thing they are good for is to be someone else’s property (aka, their wife). Thankfully, I was raised to be the exact opposite. I believe in expressing myself, stating my opinions, and learning as much as I can about all that I can. I don’t restrict myself to one occupation. I think of myself as a Benjamin Franklin, whatever I can do that will help people, I do. But that doesn’t mean I always feel this way. Many times I am very discouraged and I feel like I’m the only one in the world who dares to dream. Especially when I, myself get unsure of what I believe in. When I begin to think I’m on the ridiculous side. When what I believe is seen as no more than a fairytale. When I feel so very all alone. That’s why I liked your book so much. It was a reminder, it was a boost. It told me, ‘Hey, you’re not alone. We feel the same way too and we’re fighting the good fight.’ It’s so rare I find this message anywhere. But I did today and it was waiting for me right there in your book. So thank you for rekindling my flame, I am very grateful and keep up the good work! Sincerely, Susan Piwang Check out the Eleanor Roosevelt Legacy site where our book was recommended as part of women's history celebrations! Use this link to Google books (type in Girls Speak Out) to explore its pages... The second and new interactive edition of the bestselling book with activities and Check-Ins to guide you as you read By Andrea Johnston | Foreword by Gloria Steinem How does a girl hold onto a positive self-image in a world that bombards her 24/7 with commercial images and political messages no one can fulfill--not even the girls in them? What do girls say about growing up in a male-donimated world and being strong no matter what? What activites and games are fun and life-changing? What common ground do girls find that strengthens and changes them to be their true selves? What does every girl need to know at ages 7 and up to remain herself and not fade into the "feminine" role? Can knowing about a past--and imagining a future--of equality inspire a girl today to make a difference in her family, with her friends, at school, in her neighborhood, even with girls in other countries? What power is there in a green stone and why do thousands of girls and women carry them? Girls and their friends will find answers to these questions and more in GIRLS SPEAK OUT: FINDING YOUR TRUE SELF--a now classic book that grew from the success of a real-life, local and international program created by feminist activists Andrea Johnston and Gloria Steinem. Its first edition sold over 60,000 copies and inspired thousands of readers to add their voices to a new, interactive version. This second edition of GIRLS SPEAK OUT provides a step-by-step guide to nurturing and expressing the creative individuality within every girl. Readers of all ages and diverse backgrounds learn they're not alone. In these pages, they join a circle of females from 5 to 80 using a series of Check Ins to share experiences of their childhoods and information on issues such as sexism, appearance, friendship, leadership, self-confidence, cultural myths, and the power of female role models throughout history. Readers connect with a supportive network while learning that each girl, no matter what she has or where she is, has an important and valued place in the world. With interactive exercises, poems and stories from program participants--as well as excerpts from such girl-chosen writers as Alice Walker (her picture book holds the secret of the green stone) and Sandra Cisneros--GIRLS SPEAK OUT is a powerful source of strength and inspiration for girls and their mentors. It helps girls to express themselves and take charge. Book Andrea to speak Learn what readers have to say Purchase the book at Amazon