Four books teenagers aren’t reading but absolutely should

About the list

Why these four books

The combined benefit of these four books are:

1. Understanding self and focusing on our strengths because it makes solving problems feel easier.
2. Richness of relationships and a capacity to influence for good because we can’t do it alone, no should we want to.
3. Confidence and resilience to solve problems in new and novel ways because we can’t keep doing things the same way we have always been doing them.
4. Ability to self-regulate so we continue to show up and get good things done

Jane informs herself on new thinking that contributes to how we can effectivity be more creative and have an impact in the world. She has found that together these four books have a significant impact on how our next generation can be seen and heard. She wishes she had read these when she was a teeanger. They are easy reading with everyday language that is immediately actionable.

About Us

Dreaming Big for Little Girls

DBFLG teaches girls 10-15 y/o how to master their creative thinking skills.

Creativity is a process, not an outcome therefore anyone can master it.

We teach a unique process once a year.

Jane Harbison

Jane Harbison is the founder of Dreaming Big for Little Girls.

She wasn’t always in the creative space. She spent the first 25 years doing accounting and still uses it. At 40, she realised she wanted to do something more. Creativity is where she naturally sits and she loves it. The truth be known she should have always played in this space.

People are increasingly talking about the importance of creativity as a key skill for the future. Not just the output of creativity like art, design and craft, but the process of creativity.

It is the later she talks about with girls 10-15 y/o. When tweens and teens master the creative process they will be in high demand. Some schools are starting to address it which is wonderful, but it is often still at the fringes of core curricular. Understanding the creative process gives children an edge and applies to anything requiring a new and novel approach.

In addition to her work here, she has been involved in the governance of independent schools for 15 years. She is always interested in the direction good pedagogy is taking and she is encouraged to see some educators showing an interest in project based learning – an approach she feels is invaluable. So much is learned from ‘doing’.

Jane also takes inspiration from neuroscience, psychology, business, behavioural sciences, economics, art, design, nature, politics and travel. Jane is curious. This, combined with a love of learning and surrounding herself with talented people she is able to create experiences that are unique.