Samantha Turnbull Knihy

The book showcases the inspiring tales of adventurous Australian girls who embody courage and spirit, highlighting figures such as Julia Gillard and Evonne Goolagong Cawley. Rooted in the popular ABC Podcast "Fierce Girls," it features retellings by notable Aussie artists, including Amy Shark and Turia Pitt, celebrating the extraordinary achievements of these women. Each story emphasizes the theme of daring to be different, offering readers a glimpse into the lives of those who have made significant impacts in various fields.

The story follows ten-year-olds Emily, Bella, Chloe, and Grace, who are frustrated by stereotypes that portray them as helpless princesses. After Emily's mother enrolls her in a beauty pageant, the friends unite to form the Anti-Princess Club, dedicated to challenging societal expectations. With their unique talents, they aim to prove that girls deserve recognition for their skills and intelligence rather than just their appearance.

Design genius Bella Singh has built a clubhouse in her backyard, where the anti-princesses meet to thumb their noses at the notion that boys are best. But when they receive angry anonymous emails telling them to act like girls or else, followed by sabotage of their beloved clubhouse, it's clear they have a new mission.

When maths whiz Emily Martin's mother enters her in the local beauty pageant, it's the last straw - the four friends form the Anti-Princess Club, with the motto WE DON'T NEED RESCUING. Can they use their awesome skills to show the world that girls want to be valued for more than what they see in the mirror?