Code Like a Girl

June 1, 2019
This beginners-oriented book from the co-author (with Andrea J. Buchanan) of The Daring Book for Girls (2007) guides readers from basic programming concepts to DIY computerized crafts. The instruction starts with an efficient chapter on programming in Scratch, which is a good way to get used to working with programming concepts without getting bogged down in typing code. Next, the book jumps to hardware in a chapter on setting up a Raspberry Pi computer. Then it's back to code for a healthy dose of functional training in Python via writing a Mad Libs-style game. The fourth chapter jumps back to hardware for tinkering in electronics--while some projects here may disappoint, some are cool and useful (e.g., taking apart old earbuds to make smartphone gloves). The fifth and final instructional chapter culminates the lessons by combining all of the skills learned for the big project of setting up a bedroom motion detector that sends email alerts when tripped (although, if readers use Gmail as instructed, this may trip Google's security features and require adjusting account settings to be less secure). The conversational, generally positive tone stresses perseverance and that mistakes are OK; however, the repeated reassurances sometimes cross over into condescension or even socially conditioned female self-deprecation, which seems the opposite of the book's goal. Full-color screenshots throughout provide clarity. Effective skills progression conveyed in an irritating tone. (glossary, acknowledgments, index) (Nonfiction. 10-14)

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July 12, 2019

Gr 6-9-Peskowitz conceived of this project after attending a White House conference on girls and technology; she learned to code so that she could write this book. She tells readers that if she could learn, so can they. Readers are encouraged not to get frustrated if the coding fails, because learning how to debug is part of the journey. Peskowitz divides the book into sections on coding with Scratch, building a Raspberry Pi computer, coding with Python, and tinkering by combining coding with technology to create items like a light-up scarf or bracelet. She guides readers step by step through the process of each project. The directions are accompanied by colorful hand-drawn illustrations that are suitable for most of the projects, but it may be difficult to envision the end result of others. The text is written with different fonts of various colors, which makes for an upbeat design. Readers with little tech background but high interest should be able to follow the directions. A list of sources for all the materials is given, and the book includes a glossary and index. VERDICT This book is well suited for readers who want to dip their toes into technology but don't know where to start.-Elizabeth Kahn, Patrick F. Taylor Science & Technology Academy, Avondale, LA

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