Product Description

Written especially for girls ages from 11 to 14 years, this title profiles 10 women working in computers. Each woman reveals how she broke into her field, the nature of her work, and why she loves what she does. Books in this popular, highly acclaimed series take a fascinating look at exciting non-traditional careers for women. Filled with inviting graphics and photographs, each volume describes the careers of 10-11 women. These women were like some girls today - they dreamed of successful careers but often didn't know what they wanted to do or how to go about pursuing a career that would be meaningful to them. Through sharing their stories, they provide young readers with good role models and excellent advice for preparing for their particular careers. The upbeat and informative pages, written in an age-appropriate style, encourage career exploration and broaden girls' career horizons. The book also provides: a personality checklist for each job; skills and physical demands; education requirements; lists of books, videos, and websites; salary range; and organisations and professional associations to contact.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #2948740 in Books
• Published on: 1999-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 121 pages

From School Library Journal
Grade 5-8-Beginning with a glossary of computer terms, this volume proceeds to introduce readers to 10 women of various ages and ethnic backgrounds who have been successful in the computer industry. The authors provide glimpses of the subjects' personal lives, their educational backgrounds, descriptions of the jobs they now hold, and how they got there. Each profile includes a photograph of the subject, her career path, a "Career Checklist" with attributes that potential candidates might need in order to be successful in that job, and salary ranges. The illustrations-faded black-and-white photos and small blue-and-white computer graphics-are of average quality. The text does not require a prior knowledge of computer terms or technology. While the biographical sketches are interesting, the information about the careers is very basic. However, this is a valuable resource for showing girls that careers in what they may think is a male-dominated industry are not only possible, but desirable. The authors give a clear message that jobs can be challenging and enjoyable but that preparation and hard work are necessary. To that end, they also include a section of suggested courses to take in school and a list of professional groups (with addresses, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses).
Linda Wadleigh, Oconee County Middle School, Watkinsville, GA
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author
Ceel Pasternak is a noted editor who has created award-winning magazines covering workplace issues. Linda Thornburg is well-recognized for her writing in human resource and career topics for business audiences. Together they bring more than 30 years expertise to this visionary effort to record the work experiences of today's women.

When Ceel Pasternak discovered that today's school girls were experiencing the same peer pressures, body image messages, and the limited role models that she did back when she was age 12, she wanted to do something to help girls. As a freelance editor, she gained the freedom to work on her idea - to provide role models whose stories will encourage girls to explore the world of work and to show them they too can be economically independent. Ceel and her coauthor profile women who love their work and make a good living, the best kind of role models.

Ceel is a former editor of magazines and journals. She has worked in publishing promotion, circulation, and production. She started her career in corporate public relations and has worked in many companies "trying to make a living," including jobs as a yacht broker, a photographer at Lion Country Safari, and an advertising agency account executive.

Linda Thornburg has made her living as a writer, editor, and communications professional for nearly 20 years, a dream she had since age 11. Prior to fulfilling this calling, she worked to put herself through college and graduate school, and supported herself with a variety of jobs. These included cooking in a nursing home; waitressing; hostessing in a night club; working for a Baby Bell company as a service representative; computer operations and dataprocessing; secretary; counter help in several businesses; and research librarian for a historical society. Linda reached her career goal when she became director of communications for a national association of manufacturing companies in the early 1980s.

Today, Linda runs her own writing business. She enjoys her work and her entrepreneurial status more than any job she ever had. Linda specializes in human resource issues. Her clients include business to business publishers, private companies, human resource consultants, and a union. She is fascinated with the changes that have occurred in the working environment for women over the past 30 years. She believes that any girl who has the courage to dream about a profession can make her dreams come true today, as long as she is armed with the right information and believes that she can win in the world of work.

Customer Reviews

good for girls and women
I bought this book after hearing Ceel Pasternak and Linda Thornburg speak at a chapter meeting of the Association for Women in Computing. They've put a lot of thought into creating a series of books that will be interesting to junior high school aged girls and introduce them to role models in a variety of feilds, particularly the "non-traditional" ones.

Each chapter of the book is about a different woman who speaks about what her job title is, what that means, and what a day for her might entail. It also talks about what the woman liked to do as a child, the people who encouraged her, what her interests were then and now, and how she got to this point in her career and life. So, you're not just reading about a job, you're reading about a person, and what it's like to be an adult who works in this field. I think it's a good book, because reading it ought to dispell the idea that many young girls seem to have that even if they like their computer at home, they wouldn't want a computing job, because they'd be stuck behind the computer all day and never interacting with anyone else.

It's an easy read, and I don't think it talks down to the audience. I enjoyed reading it myself.

Good Reading For Every Career-Minded Woman!
The growth experienced in the computer industry has given many women the opportunity to advance themselves into job markets once predominantly held by men. The times have changed. Many women have earned their wings so-to-speak and are climbing the corporate ladders of many well-known companies and some have even started their own!

Cool Careers for Girls in Computers written by Ceel Pasternak & Linda Thornburg offers the inside scoop on how ten women have advanced from their earliest days of childhood through to their present occupations. Readers will learn of the obstacles and challenges in life these women faced as they achieved the skills and employment opportunities they either sought after or were presented with.

Readers will be intrigued by the series of events that took place in the lives of these women as their careers progressed. The contributions of families, other loved ones, role models, hobbies, personal interests, social activities, job fairs, high school and college education, marriage, employment history, and keeping up with technological advances are some of the factors that helped to shape their lives.

Readers are encouraged to learn how these women achieved their own successes. Learn what motivated them to succeed. Learn about the variety of computer industry jobs they hold. Any woman who applies herself to a solid education and a determined work ethic can achieve similar success. This book will serve as an inspiring guide for any woman searching for guidance and encouragement to succeed in the computer industry.

As the life stories of the women featured in this book are unfolded, readers may come to realize that their own lives are not much different. Readers will learn from these women what it takes to get ahead in life and in their careers. Resources provided at the back of the book provides readers with some additional assistance for personal growth and professional development. Good reading for every career-minded woman!