Girl Code Summary, PDF, EPUB, Audio

Q: What is *Girl Code* by Andrea Gonzales and Sophie Houser about?

*Girl Code* chronicles the journey of Andrea "Andy" Gonzales and Sophie Houser, two teens who met at a Girls Who Code camp and created the viral video game *Tampon Run* to challenge menstrual stigma. The book blends their personal experiences in tech with insights on overcoming gender barriers, advocating for women in STEM, and harnessing creativity to drive social change.

Girl Code

Andrea Gonzales & Sophie Houser

3.98 (1243 Reviews)

Technology

Inspiration

Education

Overview

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Author

FAQs

Two teen coders created "Tampon Run," a game that smashed menstrual taboos and went viral overnight. Named a "Best STEM Book" and praised by Publishers Weekly, "Girl Code" reveals how girls are revolutionizing tech while breaking society's most awkward silence.

What is Girl Code by Andrea Gonzales and Sophie Houser about?

Girl Code chronicles the journey of Andrea "Andy" Gonzales and Sophie Houser, two teens who met at a Girls Who Code camp and created the viral video game Tampon Run to challenge menstrual stigma. The book blends their personal experiences in tech with insights on overcoming gender barriers, advocating for women in STEM, and harnessing creativity to drive social change.

Who should read Girl Code?

Aspiring coders, educators, and advocates for gender equality in tech will find this book inspiring. It’s particularly relevant for teens interested in STEM, educators seeking relatable success stories, and anyone passionate about bridging the gender gap in male-dominated fields.

Is Girl Code worth reading?

Yes—readers praise its uplifting message, real-world examples of perseverance, and actionable advice for navigating tech careers. The authors’ candid storytelling and practical coding tips make it both motivational and educational, especially for young women exploring STEM.

What are the main themes in Girl Code?

Key themes include overcoming societal taboos (like menstruation), resilience in male-dominated spaces, and the power of coding as a tool for activism. The authors emphasize collaboration, creativity, and using technology to amplify underrepresented voices.

How did Andrea Gonzales and Sophie Houser create Tampon Run?

During their Girls Who Code camp, Gonzales and Houser collaborated to build Tampon Run, a game that satirizes period stigma. The project went viral, landing them media spots and speaking engagements, and became a catalyst for discussions about gender equality in tech.

What challenges do the authors face in Girl Code?

The duo navigates public speaking fears, societal discomfort around menstruation, and technical hurdles in game development. Their journey highlights the emotional and logistical obstacles women often face in tech.

How does Girl Code address gender inequality in tech?

By sharing their viral success and advocacy work, Gonzales and Houser critique the lack of female representation in tech. They encourage readers to challenge stereotypes, pursue coding careers, and create inclusive spaces for women.

What coding advice do Andrea Gonzales and Sophie Houser offer in Girl Code?

The authors stress collaboration, embracing failure as a learning tool, and using code to solve real-world problems. The book includes bonus coding resources to help readers kickstart their own projects.

Are there any critiques of Girl Code?

While praised for its positivity, some note the book focuses more on inspirational storytelling than deep technical analysis. However, its accessibility and relatable tone resonate strongly with its target audience.

How does Girl Code compare to other books about women in tech?

Unlike theoretical takes on gender inequality, Girl Code offers a firsthand narrative of teen innovators leveraging tech for social impact. It pairs memoir-style storytelling with actionable advice, setting it apart from academic guides.

What makes Girl Code relevant in 2025?

With ongoing gender disparities in tech, the book’s message about representation and empowerment remains critical. It serves as a roadmap for young women navigating an evolving industry still grappling with inclusivity.

Does Girl Code include practical coding resources?

Yes! The book provides coding tips, project ideas, and guidance for beginners. These resources aim to demystify programming and inspire readers to turn their ideas into functional projects.

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Key takeaways

The Power of Tampons and Code: How Two Teens Sparked a Revolution

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In 2014, two teenage girls met at a summer coding program and created something extraordinary. Andrea "Andy" Gonzales and Sophie Houser developed "Tampon Run" - a game where players throw tampons at enemies instead of shooting bullets. What began as a coding project exploded overnight, reaching over half a million people worldwide and catapulting them into unexpected fame. Their creation wasn't just entertaining; it challenged one of society's most persistent taboos and sparked crucial conversations about menstruation stigma and women in technology. Most remarkably, they accomplished all this while still navigating high school, homework, and the complexities of teenage life. Their journey demonstrates how coding can become a powerful tool for social change, especially when wielded by young women determined to make their voices heard in spaces where they've traditionally been silenced.

Finding Voice Through Code: Two Paths Converge

From Feminist Awakening to Digital Creation

From School Project to Global Phenomenon

Balancing Fame with Teenage Life

New Horizons: Professional Development and Recognition

Coding a Future Without Limits

Explore Your Way of Learning

Girl Code isn't just a book — it's a masterclass in Technology. To help you absorb its lessons in the way that works best for you, we offer five unique learning modes. Whether you're a deep thinker, a fast learner, or a story lover, there's a mode designed to fit your style.

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Top 11 Insights from Girl Code in a Nutshell

Distill Girl Code into rapid-fire memory cues that highlight Pixar’s principles of candor, teamwork, and creative resilience.

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Girl Code Lessons Told Through 23-Min Stories

Experience Girl Code through vivid storytelling that turns Pixar’s innovation lessons into moments you’ll remember and apply.

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"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

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"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

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Girl Code by Andrea Gonzales & Sophie Houser Summary

Overview of Girl Code

Key Takeaways from Girl Code

Overview of its author - Andrea Gonzales & Sophie Houser

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Similar books to Girl Code

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Key takeaways

The Power of Tampons and Code: How Two Teens Sparked a Revolution

Finding Voice Through Code: Two Paths Converge