DADS READ: “When I Was A Girl . . . I Dreamed” by authors Margaret Baker & Justin Matott and illustrator Mark Ludy

JER: “When I Was A Girl . . . I Dreamed” by authors Margaret Baker & Justin Matott and illustrator Mark Ludy is a refreshing “girl book”. “Girl books” are usually plagued with agendas, all sorts of agendas: “girls are supposed to like pink and wait for men to rescue them”, “girls are meant to be fierce and take control”, “girls need to ride ponies”, "girls need to skateboard”, etcetera.  Historically, Princess Stories have created unhealthy stereotypes, and many modern books try to create a counter narrative, which is helpful, but it would be nice to get to a place where a story or book could include “girls” without having to address the fact that the character is a girl.  This is a major reason why I like @hildatheseries - the fact that Hilda is a girl doesn’t drive the story.  

What I like about this book, is that it is agnostic to any particular “dream” or role.  You can be a girl, and dream of riding ponies, being a teacher, be a ballerina, be an artist, be a veterinarian, be an inventor, be a deep sea explorer, be an archeologist, a Wild West hero, an avid shopper, a politician, or anything.  There isn’t any judgment on any particular “dream”, every girl can decide which dream resonates within themselves.  That is really refreshing.  

Thanks to my friend Katie DuRocher who recommended this book to me.