NOTE: I was given a review copy of this book but all opinions are my own.
My granddaughter is learning to code. She has shown me some of the things that she has done on a free online programming site. I was impressed! I was also happy that she enjoyed coding. (I’ve previously written about coding.)
Because of her interest (and also my interest in technology), I jumped at the chance to review the book Like a Girl: Programmer by April Peter and Daniel Shneor.
I thought that my granddaughter would enjoy the book.
And I was right! (But why is she so serious in the picture? you ask. That’s because she is so intent on reading the book!)
Paige, the book’s main character, is a programmer. She writes code for software that people use for work and for fun.
She explains in simple terms that coding is a special language that tells a computer what to do.
She tells that a network is several computers connected together.
She describes some of the ways software is used — from astronauts using a computer in outer space to applications on cell phones.
She says how she used coding to create a balloon popping game for her little brother, a website for her friend’s restaurant, and a navigation system for a helicopter.
At the back of the book there are 2 pages of cut-outs. One page is of items that use coding.
The other page is of the people in the book.
If you don’t want to cut up your book, you can print a copy from the publisher’s website.
You know, there is a big gender gap in science, technology, engineering, and mechanical jobs (these are school STEM subjects). There are a lot more men than women in those jobs. That’s pathetic.
There are steps that parents can take to encourage their daughters to be interested in STEM subjects. And one is reading books like this to their daughters.
When this book is read to young girls, it reinforces the idea that girls are smart and that girls CAN have jobs in programming (or technology, science, math, or engineering). It implants that idea early in their lives.
Girls don’t see many women role models in a STEM career. The main character in this book is a woman and she provides an excellent role model for girls. I applaud the authors for that!
So, grandmothers, this would be a good book to have in your library. And, it would be a good gift to give a granddaughter.
This book is for children ages 3 through 8. You can purchase it on Amazon for $5.00.
