06/10/2017
I love this poem, great to read to little (and not so little) girls
Wise advice from writer Clementine Paddleford: "Never grow a wishbone, daughter, where your backbone ought to be."
In her poem, "For My Daughter," poet and English teacher Sarah McMane beautifully incorporates Paddleford's famous line and captures the spirit of Mighty Girls: "Never play the princess when you can be the queen: rule the kingdom, swing a scepter, wear a crown of gold. Donβt dance in glass slippers, crystal carving up your toes -- be a barefoot Amazon instead, for those shoes will surely shatter on your feet... Learn to speak with both your mind and heart. For the ground beneath will hold you, dear -- know that you are free. And never grow a wishbone, daughter, where your backbone ought to be."
You can read McMane's entire poem on A Mighty Girl at https://www.amightygirl.com/blog?p=268
Our favorite picture book that similarly conveys a parent's wishes and dreams for his or her Mighty Girl in such an inspirational manner is Neil Gaiman's "Blueberry Girl," a beautifully illustrated poetic tribute to courageous and adventurous girls. Gaiman wrote it for friend, singer Tori Amos, who was about to become the mother of a little girl. To learn more or order "Blueberry Girl," visit https://www.amightygirl.com/blueberry-girl
For a variety of books to encourage Mighty Girl of all ages to go after their dreams, regardless of the obstacles they encounter along the way, check out our blog post, "Mighty Dreams: 25 Books to Inspire Your Mighty Girl," at https://www.amightygirl.com/blog?p=10834