Her Initials are W.W.

Perhaps you've noticed that a certain female superhero made her film debut recently. If not, then you are missing an awesome movie! But to be fair,  Wonder Woman – the Amazonian princess who features a lasso and bracelets – has been around since 1941. I have been a fan since childhood and still have a picture of  my Halloween costume as the demigoddess. From feature films to books, there is a variety of material to appeal to the Wonder Woman enthusiast in all of us.
 

For Children:

Wonder Woman to the Rescue, an easy reader series, is a great text to introduce your tot to the female Amazonian. Part of the DC Super Friends series, Wonder Woman arrives to save the day (of course) but features some cool powers along the way. For an alternative take, try another easy reader, I Am Wonder Woman, by Erin Stein.  Featuring the glory of Wonder Woman’s protective armbands and lasso, readers will cheer along with the female hero as she tries to save the earth.

Available in English and Spanish, Ralph Cosentino’s picture book Wonder Woman: The Story of the Amazonian Princess offers a lengthier treatment of this female phenomenon. The lavishly illustrated book describes how Wonder Woman became a female superhero, how she fights against her enemies, and how she protects her secret identity; basically, this book offers a great example of how your child can develop their own superhero persona.  Just don’t be surprised if they come to you asking for a pair of brightly colored tights!

For older children, try Wonder Woman at Super Hero High by Lisa Yee.  Starring iconic DC super heroines like Batgirl or Supergirl, Wonder Woman takes center stage in this fun, funny text that stars the Amazonian princess as a high school student.  Super Hero High might be like your traditional school, but if Wonder Woman wants to succeed she will have juggle classes, training, and even boys. For a powerful girl who has never met a boy before, Wonder Woman’s year is sure to be difficult in a book that balances thrills with laughs.

Alternatively, the non-fiction text Wonder Woman: Warrior for Justice by Liz Marsham is a great book for children just starting to read by themselves. Offering fun facts and awesome illustrations, Wonder Woman shines among a cadre of featured figures from the Justice League.  DC Super Heroes: Wonder Woman packs a similar punch; depicting Princess Diana’s celestial roots in Greek mythology, this DVD highlights the heroine’s introduction in 1941. Be prepared to be caught in a whirlwind adventure as Diana battles with the Justice League to take down some evil-doers who are trying to destroy the earth.

For Tweens and Teens:

Graphic novel selections abound for this age group and choices range from famous authors like Jodi Picoult’s version entitled Wonder Woman: Love and Murder, to texts rated as some of the best graphic renditions of Wonder Woman to date, like Phil Jimenez’s Wonder Woman: Paradise Found.  Wonder Woman, Earth 1, Volume 1 by Grant Morrison (2016) is an intriguing recent addition to the collection. Promising to be a provocative new look at this figure, Diana is frustrated by the seclusion of the Amazonian life. Following her rescue of downed pilot Steve Trevor, Diana is brought to trial on charges after breaking free of her society. Critics have called this version complex and provocative, but fans will have to check it for themselves to form their own opinion.

For Adults:

If you have not managed to watch the Wonder Woman movie yet (still?), then check out Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice for a glimpse of Gail Godot’s performance as this titular character. Although reviews of the film itself are mixed, Godot’s performance withstands any of its fallacies.

The true Wonder Woman aficionado is not fulfilled without exploring the behind the scenes action of this fabulous figure. In this light, Jill Lepore’s novel is invaluable. The Secret History of Wonder Woman is a fascinating treatise on the superhero, delving simultaneously into the larger culture as well as the impact of Wonder Woman on feminism. Including archival material on William Moulton Marston, Wonder Woman’s creator, this book is a fascinating glimpse into the surprising history of this comic book heroine.

For those who have a bit of Wonder Woman in them – enjoy and share the love, because we all have the power to make things right.