Dear Girl

K-Gr 3—This title from Rosenthal and her daughter Paris contains a series of short letters of affirmation and encouragement. Each missive reminds readers to be herself, be smart, be adventurous, sometimes cry, and always listen to your instincts. The mother-daughter connection is always loving and personal. "Make your room awesome. Make your room you. And while you're at it, make your bed! Hatam's mixed-media illustrations perfectly balance and illustrate the text. Watercolor, crayon, and collage are just some of the elements she uses, and her application could easily inspire a project partnering English and Art classes, or a library literary club. While this book is formatted and applicable to young readers it might find its most important audience in elementary-age girls. The text is encouraging and important and, if shared by the right adult, could have a powerful, lasting impact.