Girls Write Now: Two Decades of True Stories from Young Female Voices

This inspiring anthology shares personal essays from 116 participants in Girls Write Now, a writing and mentorship organization for New York City teens. While each contributor’s voice is unique, themes emerge: cultural identity, familial conflict, grieving and loss, and combatting prejudice. Laced with advice from 10 female writers, including Roxane Gay, Zadie Smith, and Gloria Steinem, the entries reflect varying, heartfelt emotions. Lamenting her family members’ dashed aspirations, Danni Green questions, “Who am I supposed to look up to? Who is supposed to show me how I can make my dreams real?” On the cusp of starting college, contributor Luna Rojas writes gratefully of her own accomplishments: “I know that I do it for myself as well as my mother—who has done nothing short of everything to get me here.” This candid compilation rounds out notes of confusion and resentment with resilience, hope, and trust in the power of writing. Ages 13–up. (Oct.)