Common Sense Media Review
By Carrie Kingsley
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Motivating words and pictures reinforce drive, big goals.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
In AMBITIOUS GIRL, a young girl watches as a woman is called "too assertive" and "too confident" and "too loud," then explores how to use the words designed to silence her as motivation instead. The confident young girl says that she will take up space, be persistent, and not be afraid to use her voice, acknowledging that these detractors exist but reframing their words to be empowering.
Is It Any Good?
This inspiring book reminds readers that being told they're too much can be empowering, and to wear those words with pride. It's an important distinction, to use the naysayers as motivation rather than criticism, and makes this an excellent book to read aloud and talk about. Author Meena Harris talks about having purpose and power, and Included with a motivating message that encourages young people to speak up is the reminder that they are not "too much" of anything and should take up space in this world. The vibrant images in Ambitious Girl energize readers right along with the words, celebrating hard work and persistence in the face of being told to be less.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about all the ways the Ambitious Girl has been told she's too much, and how she reacts. Have you ever been told something like that? How did it make you feel?
How can communities support kids' ambition?
What other books have you read about kids who speak up and speak out? Which are your favorites?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Marissa Valdez
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Activism , History
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
- Publication date : January 19, 2021
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 4 - 8
- Number of pages : 40
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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