A few years ago, a friend gave me a unique journal for adults featuring creative prompts, a concept also used successfully in “I Am a Rebel Girl: A Journal to Start Revolutions” by Francesca Cavallo and Elena Favilli. For elementary- and middle-school-aged girls, the “I Am a Rebel Girl” journal provides a welcome and judgment-free private place to write their innermost thoughts in a world of online public sharing and shaming.
The slickly designed 224-page journal is an ideal follow-up to the authors’ popular “Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Tales of Extraordinary Women Vols. 1 and 2,” bedtime stories about incredible women from the past and present with illustrations by 60 women from around the world. The bold graphics in this journal, created by those same female artists, coupled with its inspiring messages, beckon introspection and honoring oneself in a fun, accessible and meaningful way.
Cavallo and Favilli offer these freeing and motivating words to new journalers: “With this journal, we give you a mirror to explore your identity without fear.” And they do so by presenting almost 100 activities, from comic book panels to grid paper and stickers, that “challenge perspective, induce thought and prompt action.” Things my friends are good at heads a coloring page of girls arm in arm, giving girls a chance to celebrate their friends by noting positives. My march includes a diverse group of girls with blank posters ready to be completed by the journaler to highlight issues important to them. There’s ample room on each page and no need to go in order. One day a girl may choose to write about My biggest dream, while other idea generators include Rebel Girls’ Playlist, Love notes to my favorite body parts and Stuff that makes me angry.
My March double page spread. 
Love notes to my favorite body parts graphic. 
Rights double-page spread.
This girl-centric journal is sure to empower any girl while strengthening her social, emotional and political development. Find the accompanying podcast at www.rebelgirls.co/podcast.
