Real beauty isn't about being a certain size, acting a certain way, wearing the right clothes or having your hair done in a particular style. Real beauty is about being your authentic self and owning it. In her new book, photographer Kate T. Parker has captured the real beauty in girls aged 5 to 18 who are fierce, funny, adventurous, assertive, loud and creative.
Here is some of their wisdom:
"Being mentally strong is ten times harder than being physically strong. Mental Stamina comes from the heart... and the mind." Catherine, 13.
"My nana wrote this on my cast to remind me to be brave and strong. I already knew that." Maddie, 7
Maddie, 7. Photo: Courtesy of Hardie Grant Books
"I was really scared for my first triathlon. My mum took this shot of me the night before and told me that even though I was afraid to race, to try to look tough and fearless. I did, and when my mum showed me this shot, it made me believe I could be as tough as I look." Ella, 9
Ella, 9. Photo: Courtesy of Hardie Grant Books
Lulu, 9. Photo: Courtesy of Hardie Grant Books
Parker,10. Photo: Courtesy of Hardie Grant Books
Alicia, 12. Photo: Courtesy of Hardie Grant Books
Isabel, 8. Photo: Courtesy of Hardie Grant Books
"The open water out on the lake is my paradise. I got my boating licence to do just this with my best friend." Mackenzie, 13
Mackenzie, 13. Photo: Courtesy of Hardie Grant Books
Ella, 10. Photo: Courtesy of Hardie Grant Books
Edited extract from Strong Is the New Pretty: A Celebration of Girls Being Themselves by Kate T. Parker (Workman Publishing), out now