Girls Who Code: Learn to Code and Change the World

Gr 6 Up-The creator of the nationwide coding club phenomenon Girls Who Code provides a top-down look into the world of computer science and women in the field. The author takes a step-by-step approach to teaching the intricacies of coding while keeping the content relevant to the audience (a smart analogy involving a peanut butter and jelly sandwich effectively demonstrates computational thinking). Aided by Tsurumi's humorous cartoon drawings that feature a reoccurring group of five girls, the text takes students through the entire process of a coding project. Saujani stresses the importance of planning, critical thinking, implementation, and debugging. Readers will enjoy the creative freedom the work offers, as sample projects refreshingly don't rely on specific programs. The author concisely explains different subject areas within computer science. A highlight of the book is the sidebar profiles that feature real-life women developing the world of coding, from Pixar's Danielle Feinberg to professor and roboticist Ayanna Howard. VERDICT This timely, well-written title is an excellent resource for budding coders; it bridges the wide gap between simple how-to guidebooks and complex coding textbooks.—Lisa Bosarge, Enoch Pratt Free Library, Baltimore

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Saujani, a former public advocate and Congressional hopeful, founded the nonprofit Girls Who Code in response to gender imbalance in the tech industry. In this accessible guidebook, she introduces five diverse girl characters (rendered in Tsurumi's two-color cartoons, and also starring in a companion series of novels) who voice their questions and concerns in dialogue balloons ("Umm... I'm not sure I understand what a programming language is and why there are different ones"). As readers learn about designing, building, and testing coding projects, the girls' growing confidence is evident. Saujani also introduces past female tech pioneers and includes advice from women currently working in various industry roles. For readers new to coding and computer science, Saujani makes its importance and potential clear, showing girls that coding is, in essence, a problem-solving tool that they can use to invent, explore, and take charge. Ages 10-up. Author's agent: Richard Pine, Inkwell Management. Illustrator's agent: Stephen Barr, Writers House. (Aug.)

Copyright 2017 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Raves for Girls Who Code

"The world is advancing in technology and women and girls need to educate ourselves on computer science to catch up. I don't know how to code but this book has inspired me to learn. I encourage all girls to read this book and be empowered to change the world through technology." —Malala Yousafzai, Student, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and Co-Founder of the Malala Fund

"Reshma Saujani and Girls Who Code are changing the face of tech, one girl at a time. This book is an invitation for every girl to join the movement for a more equal and better future." —Sheryl Sandberg, Facebook COO and founder of LeanIn.Org & OptionB.Org

"I'm so excited for my daughter to know that her possibilities and potential are limitless. And I truly believe that technology can inspire and empower our daughters to be great leaders and visionaries. I'm glad this book exists to show them the way."—John Legend

"Girls deserve the opportunity to fall in love with computers. This book, which makes computer science accessible, clear, and engaging, will help provide it. And it won't be just girls who benefit. The more women leaders in this field, the more innovative and impactful technology will be for everyone."—Melinda Gates, philanthropist

"Every industry needs diversity of thought. Girls Who Code is empowering young women with access to the skills they need to become the next generation of leaders in technology."—Jack Dorsey, co-founder and CEO of Square and Twitter

* "This timely, well-written title is an excellent resource for budding coders."—School Library Journal, starred review

"This book has two focuses: encouraging girls that coding is something they can do and [making]programming relevant to their specific interests. "—Kirkus Reviews

Note: This book is not associated with The Coder School.