Top Picture Books for Women’s History Month
8 must-have picture books to read to your kids and your class this March.
Women’s History Month is the perfect time of year to focus on books that empower little girls. Don’t get me wrong: these books are NOT just for girls! They are the perfect reads for children of all genders who want to learn about important women in history, about what it means to be a girl, and about gender equality.
Check out the books below for a few ideas for read-alouds in your class or at home!
Who it is for: Children aged 3-7
Les jolies filles (“Beautiful” in English) breaks barriers by showing girls free to be themselves: splashing in mud, conducting science experiments, and reading books under a flashlight with friends. This book will encourage all girls to embrace who they are and realize their endless potential.
About the Author: Stacy McAnulty is a children’s book author, who used to be a mechanical engineer, and dreams of someday being a dog therapist, a correspondent for The Daily Show, an astronaut, and a Green Bay Packer coach. She has written dozens of books including her debut middle-grade novel, The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl , an Indie Bestseller, and the 2017 Ezra Jack Keats New Writer Honor book Excellent Ed, illustrated by Julia Sarcone-Roach. [www.stacymcanulty.com]
by Joan Holub
Who it is for: Children aged 2-10
The “This Little” series is available in both board books and paperback and is a great way for children to learn about empowering female trailblazers in history! This book highlights ten memorable women leaders who paved the way. Youngest readers will enjoy the bold illustrations, and older readers will learn from fun, age-appropriate facts.
About the Author: Joan Holub has written and/or illustrated over 170 children's books. [www.joanholub.com].
Chère fille by Amy and Paris Rosenthal
Who it is for: Children aged 4-12
Originally entitled “Dear Girl,” Chère fille is a perfect reminder that girls are powerful, strong, and hold a valuable place in the world.
Although addressed to girls, any child reading this book will feel the message that they are perfect just the way they are.
About the Authors: Paris grew up in Chicago, graduated from Quest University Canada, and currently lives in NYC. You can usually find her spending time with family, listening to music, practicing yoga, traveling, organizing, or writing. She is the co-author of #1 New York Times Best Seller, Dear Girl, a collaboration with her late mother, Amy Krouse Rosenthal and #1 New York Times Best Seller, Dear Boy, co-written with her father, Jason Rosenthal. [www.parisrosenthal.com]
by Mackenzie Porter
Who it is for: Children aged 2-6
This lovely board book is perfect for hard working moms and their kiddos. The lyrical text shows us what mom’s day looks like at work: although she may be apart from her child, her child is always on her mind and always in her heart.
About the Author: Mackenzie Porter is a mom, wife, author, and blogger who loves writing books inspired by her family. She works full time in a child abuse prevention program and loves to travel anywhere and everywhere in her spare time. She lives in Indianapolis, Indiana, with her husband, daughter, dog, and the rest of her big Greek family. [Simon and Schuster].
by Malala Yousafzai
Who it is for: Children aged 3-7
This book (also available in French, Spanish and Portuguese) tells the story of Malala as a little girl who wished for a magic pencil to make everyone happy. The book teaches children the important lesson that even if we never find a magic pencil, we can still work hard every day to make the world a better place.
About the Author: Malala Yousafzai became an international symbol of the fight for girls’ education after she was shot in 2012 for opposing Taliban restrictions on female education in her home country of Pakistan. In 2009, Malala had begun writing a blog under a pseudonym about the increasing military activity in her home town and about fears that her school would be attacked. After her identity was revealed, Malala and her father Ziauddin continued to speak out for the right to education [www.un.org].
by Bea Birdsong
Who it is for: Children aged 3-8.
It’s impossible not to fall in love with the little girl in “I Will Be Fierce”. She walks with the giants (aka the big kids at the bus stop), charges the many-headed serpent (aka the school bus) and stands up for her beliefs (i.e. ignores bullies at school). A creative picture book about being the best that you can be, with a strong female POC as the main character.
About the Author: Bea Birdsong is the author of I Will Be Fierce, illustrated by Nidhi Chanani and published by Roaring Brook Press, Sam’s First Word, illustrated by Holly Hatam and published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, How to Spot a Best Friend, illustrated by Lucy Fleming and published by Rodale Kids/RHCB, and Goat Is the Goat, illustrated by Kelly Murphy and published by Nancy Paulsen Books. Bea is also a writer for the education market and a former teacher who believes in the awesome power of books to educate, entertain, and empower. [www.beabirdsong.com].
Standing On Her Shoulders by Monica Clark-Robinson
Who it is for: Children aged 6-12
This is a relatively new book that celebrates the important women who shape us - from our own mothers and grandmothers to the legends who paved the way for girls and women everywhere.
About the Author: Monica Clark-Robinson is a professional actor, former children’s librarian, and voice-over artist. She writes picture books, contemporary middle grade fiction, and YA fiction. Her debut picture book, LET THE CHILDREN MARCH, was published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt in January 2018 [monicaclark-robinson.com].
Malala: Activist for Girls’ Education
by Raphaële Frier
Who it is for: Children aged 7-12
If you’re looking to study a non-fiction text with your class for Women’s History Month, this book is a great choice. It is a picture book full of information on Malala’s life, Pakistan, the Pashtun people, girls and school, and religion. Also available in FRENCH,
About the Author: Raphaële Frier spent her childhood in Bordeaux and her adolescence in Paris. She studied psychology and educational sciences. Her taste for children's literature is linked to her training as a teacher. But she admits to writing more than she reads. She now lives in Marseille. [ricochet-jeunes.org].
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