Girls Who Code: Learn to Code and Change the World
Girls Who Code Series
on Goodreads (824)
What’s inside...
'Girls Who Code: Learn to Code and Change the World' by Reshma Saujani is a book aimed at empowering young girls to learn coding and computer science. The book is part how-to and part girl-empowerment, featuring dynamic artwork, down-to-earth explanations of coding principles, and real-life stories of women making a difference in fields like Pixar and NASA. It highlights the importance of computer science in various fields and encourages girls to use coding to pursue their passions and make a positive impact. The book also provides practical tips and resources for beginners, and is filled with inspiration from the author's non-profit organization, Girls Who Code, which has taught computing skills to over 40,000 girls across America.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
10-15
Length
176 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think is the most exciting thing about learning to code?
How do the stories of the girls in the book inspire you?
Can you think of a problem you would like to solve using coding?
What did you learn about teamwork from the book?
Which part of the coding process do you find most interesting and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the book to their everyday activities and ask how they might use coding to improve or change things.
Discuss the diversity of the girls in the book, highlighting how coding is for everyone, regardless of their background.
Use examples from the book to stress the importance of persistence and learning from mistakes in coding and other areas of life.
Inspire creativity by asking your child to draw or write about their own coding project that could change the world.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empowerment Through Technology
Explanation: The book teaches young readers how coding provides the tools to create and influence the digital world around them.
Real-World Application: Children can use coding skills to solve problems, build apps, or make games, fostering a sense of accomplishment and agency.
Example Lesson: Collaboration and Teamwork
Explanation: It emphasizes the importance of working together on tech projects, showcasing how diverse ideas can lead to successful outcomes.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to value diverse perspectives and teamwork in school projects or community activities.
Example Lesson: Perseverance in Problem Solving
Explanation: Through coding challenges, the book highlights the need to persist and experiment with different solutions to overcome obstacles.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to apply critical thinking and persistence when faced with academic challenges or personal goals.
Example Lesson: Breaking Gender Stereotypes
Explanation: It inspires girls to pursue coding, a field traditionally dominated by men, promoting gender equality in STEM.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to pursue their interests regardless of gender expectations, promoting equality and self-confidence.