GirlCode: Gaming, Going Viral, and Getting It Done by Andrea Gonzales and Sophie Houser recounts the
story of two high school girls from New York City who signed up for a summer
coding program with Girls Who Code (GWC)…and their project goes viral. They are
interviewed by the press, make television appearances, and are invited to Silicon
Valley. They are role models for any girls who might consider a career in high
technology. The book is full of examples of successful women in technology and
career advice.
Their story
highlights the paradox of women attracted to coding. At the junior high and
high school level, girls are neither encouraged nor welcomed. With a few
exceptions, especially if they are not in a place like New York City or San
Francisco, they are wildly outnumbered and left on their own. However, if they
make it to college Computer Science and into the job market. Their support and
outlook significantly improve.
Andrea and
Sophie were on their own, and one has to wonder what happened to the other
girls who went through the GWC program with them. However, once their game went
viral, once they were a proven success, they were inundated with mentors and
other opportunities.
This book is
especially important for girls who are on the path, but not yet recognized. It
contains much of the advice vital to success, but not generally available to
high school students.
A must read
for any junior high or high school girl considering a career in STEM. Note:
Their 2014 viral game is Tampon Run.
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