Nim's Island

Our whole family saw this movie last weekend and LOVED it. It is based on the book by Wendy Orr. I think it is a good movie for smart girls because:

the main character is a girl

girl is self-directed

girl loves to read

girl swims, climbs, uses tools

girl does not apply makeup

girl has adventures

girl has fun

girl has a respectful dad and wonderful relationship with him

girl does NOTHING to catch or want a boyfriend

Of course, there is the absent (tragically lost) mother. And there is a little damsel-in-distress element. But the savior shows up as a neurotic woman. Woman and girl kind of save each other. BTW said woman is Jodie Foster and she is just FANTASTIC in a split-your-side-giggling role.

I hightly recommend the film for everyone. And the cinematography is incredible!

I need to read the book now.

It must be the spring air because I found more good news for girls. Our elementary school's gazette had the following announcement:

Attention All 4th-8th Grade Girls:
Girl Scout Engineering Day
At Local Polytechnic State University
Saturday, May 17, 2008
9:00 am - 12:30 pm
Come have fun in hands-on labs in:
Aerospace Engineering
Materials Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Environmental Engineering
and Forensic Science

So a big Hooray Award for the girl scouts and all the universities/organizations hosting Girl Scout Engineering Days. Even if your girl is not a scout, check out the girlsgotech site and watch for any upcoming events in your area.