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More Than a Doll

How Creating a Sports Doll Turned into a Fight to End Gender Stereotypes

Published by Post Hill Press
Distributed by Simon & Schuster

About The Book

Can gender stereotypes in childhood be more destructive than our culture perceives and stand in the way of gender equality?

When Jodi Bondi Norgaard, an experienced entrepreneur, attempted to shake-up the toy industry with a sports doll that appeals to today’s more athletic, adventurous girls, she came to realize the roadblocks to success weren’t only reluctant toy buyers, but a patriarchal culture that perpetuates gender roles and sexism. More Than a Doll is about her mission to break gender stereotypes and challenge the status quo.

Through illuminating testimonials, data, research, interviews, and cultural observations, readers will come away with clear examples of the dangers of early gender stereotyping and how we continue to fail to see the harm.

After all: “It’s just a toy.” “It’s just a t-shirt.” “It’s just a show.”

Bondi Norgaard is sounding the siren that gender inequality doesn’t begin in our teens, it begins the moment a child can hold a toy or book or watch a screen. The programming starts early, and the impact is lifelong.

About The Author

Jodi Bondi Norgaard is an entrepreneur, author, keynote speaker, TEDx speaker, and a feminist activist pushing media and retail to do a better job portraying girls beyond stereotypes. She is the creator of the award-winning Go! Go! Sports Girls line of dolls, books, and apps, encouraging healthy and active play over beauty and body image.

She has been featured on national media including the Today show, The Real Story with Gretchen Carlson, Forbes, Parents, and Huffington Post. Jodi is a contributor to Ms. magazine.

As a recognized thought leader, she was asked by the Biden administration to be part of the groundbreaking Gender Policy Council and thought leaders on policy as it relates to children’s toys, content, and publishing.

Jodi is a proud graduate of Indiana University with a BA in psychology.

Product Details

  • Publisher: Post Hill Press (March 13, 2025)
  • Length: 288 pages
  • ISBN13: 9798888456408

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Raves and Reviews

“Jodi’s determination to change stereotypes has always inspired me because I can see myself and my own daughter in her experience. Her advocacy of female empowerment, girl empowerment, and gender equality is fierce and I admire her entrepreneurial journey and her never give up spirit to constantly challenge the status quo. That is how we make change.”

– Gretchen Carlson, acclaimed journalist, best-selling author of Be Fierce and female empowerment advocate

“I am so excited for this book and message. Jodi’s journey is an inspiration to all, celebrating the strength and confidence and girls who need to understand their power and place in the world. As a mother of two daughters, this couldn’t be needed more today.”

– Kate T. Parker, photographer and New York Times bestselling author of Strong Is The New Pretty

“Jodi is on the front lines of the battle against beauty sickness, dedicated to creating a healthier world for girls."

– Renee Engeln, Ph.D., professor of instruction, Department of Psychology, Northwestern University, author of Beauty Sick

“Jodi’s passion and determination to make a positive change portraying girls beyond stereotypes is impressive. She has provided a true alternative with the Go! Go! Sports Girls line and continues to encourage and inspire girls in so many ways. Brava!”

– Jean Kilbourne, Ed.D., author, filmmaker, feminist activist

"This book gives us a glimpse into one woman's inspirational ride from rejection to success—taking 500 no's and making them into a yes. Jodi Bondi Norgaard gives us the doll, the story and the road map to show girls of all ages, that grit leads to glory if you are brave enough to go after it and persevere!"

– Dr. Robyn Silverman, podcast host and author of How to Talk to Kids About Anything

“Having grown up as an athlete and now raising children who are athletes themselves, I have long admired Jodi’s unyielding advocacy for gender equity and dedication to pushing back against gender stereotypes. Not enough has been said about the misrepresentation of girls in the toy industry—until now. The truth and transparency of More Than a Doll exposes how early the oppression of girls starts and reveals how representation—even for toys—isn’t child’s play.”

– Jennifer Siebel Newsom, filmmaker & founder of The Representation Project

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