MORE THAN A DOLL:
How Creating a New Brand of Sports Dolls Turned into a Fight to End GENDER STEREOTYPES
January 21, 2025, Post Hill Press
Jodi Bondi Norgaard chronicles the span of the award-winning Go! Go! Sports Girls doll and book line with stories and observations from her life. Readers will come away with clear examples of how gender stereotyping begins early and in ways that are so evasive we fail to see the harm. “It’s just a toy,” after all. Norgaard connects the dots from sexualized dolls, to the subtle damage inflicted on girls’ confidence, to implicit biases we hold about gender, to decisions we make as adults that prevent true gender equity. Jodi is represented by Copps Literary Services.
“Jodi’s determination to change stereotypes has always inspired me because I can see myself and my own daughter in her experience. Her advocacy of female empowerment, girl empowerment, and gender equality is fierce and I admire her entrepreneurial journey and her never give up spirit to constantly challenge the status quo. That is how we make change.”
- Gretchen Carlson, Acclaimed Journalist, Best-Selling Author of “Be Fierce” and Female Empowerment Advocate
“I am so excited for this book and message. Jodi’s journey is an inspiration to all, celebrating the strength and confidence and girls who need to understand their power and place in the world. As a mother of two daughters, this couldn’t be needed more today.”
– Kate T. Parker, Photographer and New York Times Bestselling Author of Strong Is The New Pretty
“Jodi is on the front lines of the battle against beauty sickness, dedicated to creating a healthier world for girls."
- Renee Engeln, Ph.D., Professor of Instruction, Department of Psychology, Northwestern University, Author of “Beauty Sick”
“Jodi’s passion and determination to make a positive change portraying girls beyond stereotypes is impressive. She has provided a true alternative with the Go! Go! Sports Girls line and continues to encourage and inspire girls in so many ways. Brava!”
-Jean Kilbourne, Ed.D., Author, Filmmaker, Feminist Activist
"This book gives us a glimpse into one woman's inspirational ride from rejection to success-- taking 500 no's and making them into a yes. Jodi Bondi Norgaard gives us the doll, the story and the road map to show girls of all ages, that grit leads to glory if you are brave enough to go after it and persevere!"
-Dr. Robyn Silverman; How to Talk to Kids About Anything Podcast Host
The Go! Go! Sports Girl book series promotes self-appreciation and the benefits of daily exercise, smart eating and sleeping habits, self-esteem, and overall healthy life skills. The books in the series encourage all children to dream big and work hard to achieve their goals—and have fun while doing so.
