Brave Girls

Psychologist Stacey Radin and health journalist Leslie Goldman describe Radin's 'Unleashed' after-school program, which channels middle-school girls' energy into animal rescue advocacy to build leadership, risk-taking, and emotional intelligence. The program model has real documented results, and the 'power boost' exercises at the end of each chapter give parents and educators something concrete to adapt — even without access to animal rescue as a vehicle. Kirkus and Library Journal both reviewed it favorably. The honest caveat is that the animal rescue program itself may not be replicable in all communities, and the framework is entirely secular with no spiritual dimension, which faith-based educators may want to supplement. As a practical, evidence-informed resource for adults supporting middle-school girls, it is a solid choice.