Choose to Matter

May 15, 2017
Foudy, a two-time Olympic Gold Medalist and former captain of the U.S. Women’s National soccer team, offers a leadership-focused book aimed at teenage girls. Foudy divides the book into subsections that correspond with five concentric “EmpowerRINGS,” with “self” at the center, followed by “team,” “school,” “community,” and “life.” Excerpts from Foudy’s interviews with 10 women and girls from a range of backgrounds—including Good Morning America cohost Robin Roberts, Lean In founder Sheryl Sandberg, soccer stars Mia Hamm and Alex Morgan, and Afghan teenage activist Fahima Noori—appear throughout, along with activities, writing prompts, and profiles of young leaders. Despite the visually varied format, diverse voices represented, and approachable tone, the book can feel dense and repetitive. But motivated readers will find plenty of ideas for ways to take action in their lives. Ages 12–up.