Author empowers young women to change the world in new book

BOOK CORNER

By Marissa Wells

Contributing Writer

“You Are Phenomenal: Affirmations, Quotes and Notes For Young Women Who Want To Change The World,” by Angela Nicole Parker, is an uplifting new book that empowers young women through sharing stories of other girls and women that have changed the world.

Women spotlighted include former first lady Michelle Obama, painter Frida Kahlo, author Iyanla Vanzant, actress and advocate Meghan Markle and more.

“You are Phenomenal” was inspired by Parker’s work at Jenesse Center and her nonprofit organization, Phenom Girls.

“I noticed that our girls were in crisis, but very little was being said or done about it,” Parker said. “Growing up, I did not have many mentors and I now understand the value of being able to learn from strong, powerful women who found a way to forge their own path.”

The themes in the book address beauty, self-care, healthy relationships and more. Also, each chapter has a reflection piece where readers can reflect on what they’ve read and how it can be applied to their lives.

“A lot of our girls are struggling with issues of self-worth and have a hard time forming healthy relationships,” Parker said. “It is important that we find ways to uplift our girls and empower them to love themselves and to be proud of the young ladies that they are becoming.”

“You Are Phenomenal” is intended for young girls ages 10-17 and it is Parker’s hope that they are inspired by her book.

“Too many times, our girls are made to feel less than because they cannot measure up to some unrealistic standard of beauty and success,” she said. “I want them to know that they have a village behind them, and while they will never be perfect, they will always be phenomenal.”

In addition to being an author, Parker is the director of programming and training at Jenesse Center, a domestic violence prevention program in South Los Angeles. She also operates a news magazine for kids, Generation Online, and her nonprofit organization, Phenom Girls. She lives in Los Angeles.

For more information about the author and her work, visit angelanicoleparker.com.

“You Are Phenomenal: Affirmations, Quotes and Notes For Young Women Who Want To Change The World,” is available for $19.96 (print) and $9.99 (Kindle) via Amazon.com.