Richards, Beah E.: Keep Climbing, Girls.

Richards, Beah E. KEEP CLIMBING, GIRLS. ISBN 13:978-1-4169-0264-3 (hardcover) and ISBN 13:978-1-4169-0264-5. Il. by R. Gregory Christie. Introduction by LisaGay Hamilton. New York: Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers, 1974; 2006. 32 pp. $15.95 US; $21.95 CAN. "The path of life goes up, not down" is the inspirational and ambitious message of this uplifting story about a girl who continues climbing when commanded to come down from a tree. Capably excerpted by LisaGay Hamilton from the author's 1951 poetry volume, A Black Woman Speaks, this book is an ode to all human beings. Simple and stunning illustrations enrich the text and are just right for the audience. The message clearly encourages readers, male and female, regardless of ethnicity, to reach beyond the ordinary expectations of society and fulfill their potential.

Because the message can be interpreted at various levels of meaning, Keep Climbing, Girls easily crosses reading levels through early childhood. It would be particularly useful as a picture book to be read aloud. It also would be appropriate for individual reading and discussion among older children. Surface level non-compliance, a possible problem for parents and/or teachers, is interpreted as not allowing anyone or anything to prevent the climb. This book is a must for anyone interested in promoting lifelong accomplishment for children, especially girls.

   The world you want to create needs
   you.
   It needs you to create it.
   It needs to hear what you have to say.
   The last word has not been spoken.
      --Beah E. Richards, 2000

Ages 9-12. Reviewed by Carole Campbell, University of Southern Arizona