Code-breakers

US – Secret Code is a customisable book that aims to empower young girls to break down workplace stereotypes.

• Children can choose their character’s hairstyle, eye colour, skin colour and hair colour
• Just 10% of books featured in The New York Times best-selling list for picture books feature a female lead, according to the Secret Code website

Creator Mara Binudin-Lecocq developed Secret Code to encourage tech-savvy young girls to be proud of their abilities. The protagonist, a young girl who loves coding, building robots and making a mess, can be personalised to look like the reader.

The story doesn't end at the final page, as readers are provided with links to coding-related games and toys such as Code.org and Dash and Dot.

According to the website, just 5% of leadership jobs in the technology sector are held by women. ‘Girls, and especially those with diverse backgrounds, need to start seeing empowering role models that look like them during this crucial age in order to have an equal shot at being inspired,’ says Binudin-Lecocq.