By Katherine Handcock, A Mighty Girl
 
Katherine is a Research Intern at A Mighty Girl, the world’s largest collection of books, toys, movies, and music for parents, teachers, and others dedicated to raising smart, confident, and courageous girls!
 
A Mighty Girl’s music section features more than 100 girl-empowering songs in a wide range of genres for your mighty nieces! Both aunties and nieces can sort songs by genre or theme (inspirational, friendship, confidence, etc.). Each song's page has an embedded video of the song and a note, which gives advice on age appropriateness for both the song and video.
 
I Am a Scientist by Mates of State: This song is about a girl who dreams of being a scientist and goes to school in a white lab coat, eager to present her science fair idea—only to be mocked by her classmates. In the end, though, she goes on to prove her idea and amaze her peers.
 
A Mighty Girl’s entire Science Fair album is focused on girl-empowering songs about science, supporting girls’ interests in science and engineering fields. The eighteen tracks are each from a different performer or group and are all new and exclusive to this album. The all-female line-up of performers includes Laura Viers, Mates of State, Frances England, and the 10-year-old hip-hop artist, MC Firework. $3 from each state will be donated to Girls Inc., which supports girl’s science and education programs. The music in this album was written for school-aged children, and it is suitable for all ages.
 

 
Mean by Taylor Swift: In this song, Taylor Swift lashes back at those who criticize and humiliate others. Some of the lyrics reference specific criticism of Swift, especially those critics who complained that she couldn’t sing; others target more general bullying behaviors. Swift leaves listeners with this thought-provoking line: “Someday, I’ll be living in a big old city, and all you’re ever gonna be is mean.” The lyrics of the song are suitable for all ages, and the messages about bullying and rising above the cruelty of others are great for kids of all ages, but they will probably resonate particularly strongly with girls 8 and up.
 

 
Gotta Be You by Secret Agent 23 Skidoo: Gotta Be You! is a follow-up from the single, Gotta Be Me, and is a celebration of self-confidence, individuality, and the power of positive friendships. In the song, Secret Agent 23 Skidoo and MC Firework acknowledge the fears children have about not being popular but also remind them that “everybody wanna have a best friend, but your best friend gotta be you!” Secret Agent 23 Skidoo is true all-ages music, understandable and fun for younger children but still entertaining and engaging for older children and adults. Younger children are likely to be fascinated by the music video, which features many school-aged children.
 

 
Who Says by Selena Gomez & The Scene: This song is the first single from the second album by Selena Gomez & The Scene, When the Sun Goes Down, which was released in 2011. Gomez said in an interview with MTV news that the song was intended as a response to those who try to tear down other people, especially those involved in cyberbullying. In the song, Gomez says that everyone has things they want to change about themselves, and therefore, they shouldn’t judge others. Everyone is beautiful and of value. The lyrics from the bridge of the song sum up the message nicely: “I’m no beauty queen. I’m just beautiful me.” The lyrics of this song are suitable for all ages, but tween and teens will likely find it particularly meaningful. It is also a powerful message to hear that even famous young women have issues with confidence to overcome. It is fun, positive, and suitable for girls of all ages.
 

 
Video by India Arie: Video is the first single from India Arie’s album, Acoustic Soul, and has been her most successfully one to date on the Billboard Hot 100. The song celebrates loving your body just as it is and emphasizes dressing and grooming to please yourself rather than others. It also includes a powerful statement against consumerism when Arie sings that she only needs her guitar to enjoy herself. This is a very empowering song about positive body image. While the lyrics contain no profanity, they do include references to shaving legs and silicone for plastic surgery, which may be more understandable for older girls.
 


Photo: Courtesy of A Mighty Girl
Published: November 20, 2012