Stay Angry, Little Girl
Inspired by: Madeleine L’Engle
Illustrator: Michelle Jing Chan
Published August 6th, 2024 by Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR) / Macmillan
Summary: An empowering message inspired by a beloved quote from Madeleine L’Engle’s enduring classic A Wrinkle in Time.
“Stay angry, little Meg,” Mrs. Whatsit whispered. “You will need all your anger now.”
This picture book encourages girls everywhere to proudly share their ideas and emotions, even if those traits will be met with resistance. Because being brave, sensitive, stubborn, curious, loud, kind, and playful helps them build strength and stay true to themselves.
Michelle Jing Chan’s bright artwork welcomes girls of all backgrounds to use these important affirmations.
“[This book] gives girls a full-throated endorsement to be true to themselves… Empowering.” —Kirkus
About the Creator: Michelle Jing Chan is a queer Chinese American illustrator who grew up in Colorado and lives in the Pacific Northwest. Inspired by nature, cultural folklore, and fantasy, Michelle aspires to illustrate diverse, empowering stories her younger self would have loved. When she’s not drawing, she can be found attempting new recipes, reading, or watching spooky TV shows.
Review: This book takes everything that misogynists pin on little girls as negative and shows how they are powerful traits that make us better people. As a woman who was told as a young child that she was too big, physically, emotionally, and vocally, I give this book a standing ovation because there are so many girls who are told not to be angry or kind or curious or loud or stubborn or… or… or… This book truly illustrates that these traits can be the superpower within us to be a better person or to make the world a better place. What makes the book even more powerful is the illustrations because they take very scarce text and show the how and why all while including characters that will connect with every reader.
Tools for Navigation: Read this book aloud and have it lead to amazing conversations to help end misogynistic thoughts!
Also, free coloring sheets can be downloaded here (provided by the illustrator)!
Discussion Questions:
- What is a trait that you have been told is negative about you? How is this trait something that makes you a better you?
- Think of a trait that is often seen as negative. How can this trait be reframed to be positive?
- What do you think the author’s purpose was in creating this book? The theme of the book?
- How can someone being told that something about them is “bad” affect them over time?
Flagged Spreads:
Read This If You Love: Affirmations, Girl Power books, Any reminder to be true to yourself
Recommended For:
**Thank you to Nicole Banholzer PR for providing a copy for review!**
This book looks amazing, Kellee!! It is maddening how people try to squish girls and women’s feelings and ideas out of them, rather than honoring their inner worlds and how they express them. Anger and curiosity and energy are what make us real, interesting human beings, rather than weird automatons! I hate that you went through that as a kid, and I’m so glad this book resonated with you like it will resonate with so many. Thank you for the thoughtful review, and enjoy your week!
It was so good, Max! I want everyone to read it to every child!!