Review by Opshori Nondona

Unleash Your Inner Supergirl: Her Stories Reimagines Girl Power with Real-Life Heroes!

Forget the yawn-inducing capes and predictable plots! Her Stories: Adventures of Supergirls blasts off like a rocket, ditching the tired superhero script and introducing a squad of real-life Bangladeshi girls who are about to rock your world.

These Supergirls don’t need fancy gadgets or mutant genes. They fight for what’s right with their brains, creativity, and maybe even a killer rhyme or two. We’re talking architects like Marina Tabassum, whose legendary wisdom lives on in buildings that seem to breathe. And pilots who soar through the sky, shattering stereotypes with every loop-the-loop (just imagine!).

Here’s why Her Stories will have you cheering for girl power in seconds flat:

Supergirls You Can Actually High Five: Ditch the damsel in distress! These are the girls saving the day, from Khana to Dr. Zohra Begum Kazi, the dedicated physician bringing healthcare to remote areas. Imagine hanging out with Feroza Begum, the singer whose voice inspires, or Rawshan Jamil, the dancer whose passion lights up the stage. This book proves anyone can be a hero, no matter their talent.

Time Travel Without the Boring Bits: Buckle up for an epic adventure through history! Meet legendary figures like Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain, the education warrior who fought for girls’ right to learn, and Pritilata Waddader, the revolutionary whose bravery continues to inspire generations. It’s like learning history, but way more awesome.

Art So Cool, It’ll Make Your Eyes Pop: Every page explodes with vibrant illustrations by a team of Bangladeshi artists. Imagine a visual party that captures the spirit of these Supergirls and the beauty of Bangladesh.

A Friendly Heads Up:

Perfect for Young Adventurers: The exciting stories and colorful art make this a perfect fit for readers between 6 and 12 years old.

A Celebration of Bangladesh: While the book focuses on Bangladeshi girls, some cultural references might be unfamiliar to everyone.

Her Stories: Adventures of Supergirls is a total game-changer in the superhero world. It’s a story that will make you want to grab a notebook and write your own adventure. After all, the truest superheroes are the ones who create their own destinies, and this book is the perfect guide to get you started. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your copy, join the Supergirl squad, and unleash your inner hero! You might even discover your own superpower along the way.

Imagine the possibilities! Who knows, maybe you’ll be the next architect who designs buildings that breathe new life into your community, the pilot who soars above limitations, or the singer whose voice inspires change. The world needs your unique talents, your bravery, and your compassion. So close this book, grab a pen, and start writing your own story. You are a Supergirl in the making!

Title Information: HerStories : Adventures of Supergirls By Amiya

Editor: Zareen Mahmud Hosein

ISBN: 978-984-90752-3-3

Publisher: HerStory Publications Limited

Language: English, Bangla

Translation Info (optional –  if you read the book in translation)

Title: হার স্টোরিজ বাংলার দুঃসাহসী মেয়েরা

Editor: জেরীন মাহমুদ হোসেন

Translator: ফাবিহা সাহাব উদ্দিন ,সিফাত জামান

ISBN: 978-984-90752-7-1

Publisher: HerStory Publications Limited

Editor: Zareen Mahmud Hosein is a Bangladeshi publisher and social entrepreneur. She is the founder and director of HerStory Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering women and girls through storytelling.

Illustrators: This book was a collective project done by many Bangladeshi artists together, you can find their names on the book

Reviewer bio : “South Asian Story Weaver. My adventures unfold on bustling streets and through vibrant pages. I travel across Bangladesh (and beyond!), witnessing the strength and resilience of women. Their stories ignite a fire within me, fueling my writing and my love for South Asian literature and mythology. From fierce goddesses to historical heroines, these narratives celebrate the power of women. When I’m not exploring new places or lost in a book, I’m sharing these tales of empowerment, hoping to ignite a love for the voices of South Asian women.” – Opshori Nondona 

Published Article: “The product of three generations of female artists”,December 1, 2021.

Curator of the #BangladeshiLitMonth at Global Literature in Libraries Initiative:

Erin Wilson currently works as a Teacher Librarian at International School Dhaka, Bangladesh and has worked internationally for 10 years in the following countries; China, India, and now Bangladesh. She has vast experience working in diverse cultures from Native American students to inner-city students and the international community. Her other passion lies in studying Asian dances. Currently she is focused on Odissi classical dance, and uses this dance vocabulary for storytelling in the library to actively engage children. It’s never boring in the library. 

You can follow the school where she works, International School Dhaka Instagram: @ isd_library

Opinions expressed in posts on this site are the individual author’s and are not indicative of the views of Global Literature in Libraries Initiative.