Marley Dias Gets It Done and So Can You!
by Marley Dias, illustrated by Siobhan McGowan
Interest age: 10 to 13
Reading age: 10+
Published by Scholastic, 2018
About this book
Teen Vogue selected Marley Dias as one of ten amazing black women who are changing the game. She's been hailed by MTV as one of 12 social media warriors that have restored their faith in the world. Hillary Clinton, A Wrinkle in Time director Ava DuVernay, Ellen Degeneres and Elle magazine, among others, have praised her for her #1000blackgirlbooks campaign. In short, she is a force to be reckoned with.
In this call-to-action, Marley describes why she started the campaign to find 1,000 books featuring black girl protagonists, but also provides her insight on what it is to be a young social activist in the present day, and supports anyone reading the book to do the same.
With a perky, can-do attitude, coupled with strong practical sensibility (the useful "tools for activists" section reminds us of the need for phone chargers, pillows and snacks), Marley’s inspiring book nails what it is to be a reader, why reading is important, and why all children should be able to see themselves in books.
Lastly and most of all, it’s a true testament to a young woman and her supportive parents, which epitomises the idea of being the change you want to see in the world. Inspiring stuff.
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