Let your daughter dream big with these moving, motivational stories of amazing women during Women’s History Month!
Board Books
“I Look Up to Malala Yousafzai”
by Anna Membrino, illustrated by Fatti Burke
Bold, colorful images and simple text bring to life Malala’s inspiring character traits. Little readers learn valuable vocabulary as they see Malala be brave, speak up and believe in herself.
“Hey, Baby Girl!”
by Andrea Davis Pinkney, illustrated by Brian Pinkney
A bright, brown baby girl receives powerful messages of love, affirmation and confidence through rhythmic words and lively art, launching her into the world ready for action.
Picture Books
“Me…Jane”
by Patrick McDonnell
This beautiful picture book tells the story of legendary scientist Jane Goodall’s childhood, as she and her stuffed chimpanzee, Jubilee, explore the wonders of nature. From McDonnell’s gentle watercolor paintings and Jane’s own childhood drawings, young readers will see the curiosity and passion for animals that led Jane to change the world through her work.
“Firefighter Flo!”
by Andrea Zimmerman, illustrated by Dan Zaccarino
Firefighter Flo is both a hero and a pro! Kids will be riveted by Flo and her team of firefighters as they skillfully put out the fire and rescue a puppy. With rhyming text and dramatic sound words (BANG! SCREECH! WHOOSH!), this book is bound to be a favorite read-aloud.
Elementary Books
“Jasmine Toguchi, Mochi Queen”
by Debbi Michiko Florence, illustrated by Elizabet Vukovic
Spunky Japanese-American Jasmine challenges herself to do something her big sister has never done — pound mochi for New Year’s, a task usually reserved for boys. Does Jasmine have the determination, muscles and grit to be the first girl in her family to do it? First chapter book readers will appreciate the expressive pictures, relatable family drama and microwave mochi recipe at the end.
“Hooray for Women!”
by Marcia Williams
In this lively graphic novel, discover and celebrate more than 70 amazing women whose accomplishments range from ruling Ancient Egypt (Cleopatra) to exploring outer space (Mae Jemison), and from British parlors (Jane Austen) to Kenyan villages (Wangari Maathai). Whether they are familiar or unknown, these women’s stories will entertain and inspire.
Middle Grade Books
“Betty Before X”
by Ilysah Shabazz, with Renee Watson
This fictional account of 11-year-old Betty (later known as civil rights leader Dr. Betty Shabazz) follows her personal and political journey to activism beginning in 1940s Detroit. This book is written by the daughter of Dr. Betty Shabazz and fellow icon Malcolm X.
“Born Reading: 20 Stories of Women Reading Their Way Into History”
by Kathleen Krull
Explore the biographies of women who read and paved the way for future feminists. From Cleopatra and Queen Elizabeth to Sally Ride and Serena Williams, these stories will inspire. The collection includes feminist fun facts and activities.
Teen Books
“Everything is Poison”
by Joy McCullough
In this empowering fiction piece, 16-year-old Carmela Tofana finally gains access to her mother’s apothecary in early 17th-century Rome, where she discovers that alongside healing remedies are dangerous potions that can change women’s lives.
“Brazen: Rebel Ladies Who Rocked the World”
by Pénélope Bagieu
Graphic novelist Penelope Bagieu profiles the powerful lives of these feisty female role models, some world famous, some little known. From Nellie Bly to Mae Jemison or Josephine Baker to Naziq al-Abid, the stories are sure to influence the next generation of women rebels.
