Guiding gender-atypical kids through puberty

By Lisa Selin Davis, CNN

Updated 11:51 AM ET, Tue January 19, 2021

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.
Photos: Proving 'Strong Is the New Pretty'
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.
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<strong>Olivia J., 9: </strong>"We are undefeated and plan on staying that way."
Photos: Proving 'Strong Is the New Pretty'
Olivia J., 9: "We are undefeated and plan on staying that way."
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<strong>Maddie, 7: </strong>"I never met a female firefighter before. Now, I know it's possible to be one."
Photos: Proving 'Strong Is the New Pretty'
Maddie, 7: "I never met a female firefighter before. Now, I know it's possible to be one."
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<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."
Photos: Proving 'Strong Is the New Pretty'
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."
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<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."
Photos: Proving 'Strong Is the New Pretty'
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."
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<strong>Syd, 8: </strong>"I tried to bulldoze my little brother, but my mom said no."
Photos: Proving 'Strong Is the New Pretty'
Syd, 8: "I tried to bulldoze my little brother, but my mom said no."
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<strong>Rachel, 11: </strong>"In wrestling, girls have an advantage. The guys think less of you until you are face-to-face with them!"
Photos: Proving 'Strong Is the New Pretty'
Rachel, 11: "In wrestling, girls have an advantage. The guys