A book list featuring girls and women who dared to dream big.
The Children’s Book Review
Four Girl Power Books That Inspire
Look out, world, girls are taking over! These inspiring books about girls and women who dared to dream big highlight historical figures, events, and careers. Prepare yourself for a solid dose of girl power!
Malala Yousafzai
Written by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara
Illustrated by Manal Mirza
Ages 4-8 | 32 Pages
Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children’s Books | ISBN: 978-0711259041
Part of the Little People, BIG DREAMS series, this exquisitely illustrated book shares the story of the young Pakistani girl, Malala Yousafzai. She was an activist for all Pakistani girls who were not allowed to attend school because of the Taliban, “but Malala and her friends had books and pens to fight back with.” Although she faced challenges along the way, Malala eventually traveled the world to speak up about the right to attend school and became the youngest Nobel Peace Prize winner to date!
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My Little Golden Book About Kamala Harris
Written by Rajani LaRocca
Illustrated by Ashley Evans
Ages 3-8 | 24 Pages
Publisher: Golden Books | ISBN: 978-0593430224
This Little Golden Book gem highlights the life of our first woman Vice President, Kamala Harris. Born to two successful immigrant parents, she grew up in California and Canada. Her childhood wasn’t always easy, but she overcame adversity and graduated from law school to right the wrongs in the world, which led her to the powerful position she holds today.
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A Vote for Susanna: The First Woman Mayor
Written by Karen M. Greenwald
Illustrated by Sian James
Ages 6-10 | 32 Pages
Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company | ISBN: 978-0807553138
Readers are introduced to this lesser-known true story of the 1887 Mayoral election in Argonia, Kansas. A group of men put a local woman’s name, Susanna “Dora” Salter, on the ballot as a prank. Susanna embraced this accidental challenge and ended up winning by a landslide! Dora tells this remarkable adventure to her grandson throughout the book, only for him to figure out that his grandma was the star of that election back in the day. A proud moment all around!
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Send a Girl!: The True Story of How Women Joined the FDNY
Written by Jessica M. Rinker
Illustrated by Meg Hunt
Ages 4-10 | 48 Pages
Publisher: Bloomsbury Children’s Books | ISBN: 978-1547601745
Brenda Berkman doesn’t take lightly to the word “no.” After practicing law, she felt unfulfilled and looked to fill that void. She thought about being a firefighter, but the fitness test was made so difficult in order to discourage women. She fought the fire department and won. Her inner strength would continue to be tested at times, but she had paved the way for all women to fight for what they deserved.
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Kids’ Books About Girls and Women Who Dared to Dream Big was curated by Anna Iacovetta, Ph.D. Discover more books like these titles by following along with our reviews and articles tagged with books with strong female characters and girl empowerment.
1 Comment
Some amazing recommendations there. Important reads for inspiring the little girls. We have read and loved the ‘little people, big dreams’ series. Looking up the other recos too. Thanks!