I’m a big advocate for a) women’s equality, especially in regards to literacy and education, and b) excellent books. (This shouldn’t really surprise anyone who knows me.) So obviously I’m a big fan of stories written by cool women about cool women. Throw in some princesses for my tutu-loving second born, and you’ll see exactly why I’m soooo excited to tell you about Queen Girls.
The goal of Queen Girls is to encourage children to pursue their dreams. How? By turning the stories of real women into inspiring fairy tales. To quote the Queen Girls press release:
‘Often times, classic stories highlight the strength, courage and skills of men. Female characters are often stereotyped or one-dimensional: the mother figure, the homemaker, the exotic beauty, the love seeker. We believe that we should be telling different stories to our children. Let’s encourage girls to find their happiness, passions, drive and self-confidence from within. At the same time, let’s help boys to move to a place of equality.’
As a mother of both daughters and a son, I think it’s a brilliant idea. I want my girls to know they can be brave and capable trailblazers. I want my boy to know that women are so much more than just background characters and damsels in distress. And representation is important. Believing that women are awesome is one thing. Reading and learning about real live awesome women?
That can be a game changer.
The first book they’re printing is called “Bessie, Queen of the Sky,” and is based on the life of Bessie Coleman, the first African American woman ever to become a pilot. I’ve seen the mock-up of the book and it’s darling. Even though I’d never heard of Bessie Coleman before, I can’t wait to read her story to my kids when it gets published!
Right now, Queen Girls is running a Kickstarter campaign to raise enough funds to make that happen. While they have already reached about 75% of their goal, they still need your support.
Every little bit helps…both in getting these great stories published and in supporting literacy efforts worldwide, because Queen Girls has a one-for-one business model. This means that for every book you purchase, a book will be donated to local and international organizations that fight illiteracy and empower girls and women.
Plus, on a more selfish note, when you donate at least $15, you’re essentially buying a hardcover copy of “Bessie, Queen of the Sky.” $10 gets you an e-copy. Either way, it’s a great deal for a great story.
No, Queen Girls is not paying me for any promotion. If anything, I’m paying them, as I’ve already donated to their Kickstarter. They reached out to me a couple months ago for support and won me over right away. What’s not to love? Women supporting women telling stories about women to inspire more women? Like I said before: that’s my jam.
And did I mention the gorgeous illustrations? Be still my heart!
Soon they’ll add to their collection with stories about “Rebel Queen” Isadora Duncan and “Queen of Education” Savitribhai Phule. The multicultural team at Queen Girls hopes to expand their project to include more authors and illustrators who want to tell the stories of other “Queens.” I’m already brainstorming a list of awesome historical figures who could be part of the canon. Who would you include?
Again, I’m so excited for the Queen Girls team. I hope they destroy their Kickstarter goal and are able to create at least a dozen more books like “Bessie, Queen of the Sky.” Their passion is inspiring. I can’t wait to see what other great things they inspire along the way.
Hashtag: HEART EYES!
ALL THE HEART EYES!
xox
Right?? The whole project is just so good.