Photographer: ‘Wild girls should be allowed to be wild’

Katia Hetter
By Katia Hetter, CNN
5 minute read
Updated 8:38 AM EST, Mon March 6, 2017
In Kate T. Parker's book "Strong Is the New Pretty: A Celebration of Girls Being Themselves" (Workman Publishing), girls share what makes them feel strong. "When my mom showed me this shot, it made me believe I could be as tough as I look," said Parker's daughter Ella, then 9, of the image on the cover. She was scared the night before her first triathlon when her mom took the photo.
In Kate T. Parker's book "Strong Is the New Pretty: A Celebration of Girls Being Themselves" (Workman Publishing), girls share what makes them feel strong. "When my mom showed me this shot, it made me believe I could be as tough as I look," said Parker's daughter Ella, then 9, of the image on the cover. She was scared the night before her first triathlon when her mom took the photo.
Courtesy Kate T. Parker
<strong>Olivia J., 9: </strong>"We are undefeated and plan on staying that way."
Olivia J., 9: "We are undefeated and plan on staying that way."
Courtesy Kate T. Parker
<strong>Maddie, 7: </strong>"I never met a female firefighter before. Now, I know it's possible to be one."
Maddie, 7: "I never met a female firefighter before. Now, I know it's possible to be one."
Courtesy Kate T. Parker
<strong>Sabrina, 6: </strong>"I love water polo, and I can lift just one eyebrow, and I speak Farsi and play tennis, and I can make people laugh by making funny faces."
Sabrina, 6: "I love water polo, and I can lift just one eyebrow, and I speak Farsi and play tennis, and I can make people laugh by making funny faces."
Courtesy Kate T. Parker
<strong>Abigail, 17: </strong>"When I am in the air, I feel like I am flying. At the end of a jump, my mind is completely clear."
Abigail, 17: "When I am in the air, I feel like I am flying. At the end of a jump, my mind is completely clear."
Courtesy Kate T. Parker
<strong>Syd, 8: </strong>"I tried to bulldoze my little brother, but my mom said no."
Syd, 8: "I tried to bulldoze my little brother, but my mom said no."
Courtesy Kate T. Parker
<strong>Rachel, 11: </strong>"In wrestling, girls have an advantage. The guys think less of you until you are face-to-face with them!"
Rachel, 11: "In wrestling, girls have an advantage. The guys think less of you until you are face-to-face with them!"
Courtesy Kate T. Parker
<strong>Carlie, 12: </strong>"If you're strong on the inside, it means nobody can break you down."
Carlie, 12: "If you're strong on the inside, it means nobody can break you down."
Courtesy Kate T. Parker
<strong>Kekai, 12: </strong>"I love the speed when I skate. I feel very alive and present. Feeling fluid and going fast is fun."
Kekai, 12: "I love the speed when I skate. I feel very alive and present. Feeling fluid and going fast is fun."
Courtesy Kate T. Parker
<strong>Grace B., 12: </strong>"Cancer stole part of my leg but not my joy. I choose happiness. Being happy is my superpower."
Grace B., 12: "Cancer stole part of my leg but not my joy. I choose happiness. Being happy is my superpower."
Courtesy Kate T. Parker
<