All it takes is one story. When a young girl reads a story that portrays a strong female character or even a girl who resembles her, it can be life changing. Inspire the young reader in your life with these stories about young girls who set out to conquer the world, with grit and spunk.
Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty, Illustrated by David Roberts
Rosie’ great-great Aunt wants to fly, and thus begins Rosie’s journey to invent a gadget that will allow her great-great Aunt to fly.
Why this book?
Rosie’s character learns the importance of imagination, inventiveness, courage, and even making the occasional mistake. This will help start a conversation about the benefits of failure and the importance of pursuing your goals with passion.
Similar books: Iggy Peck, Architect, Ada Twist, Scientist, Sofia Valdex, Future Prez, Aaron Slater, Illustrator by the same author.
Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls series by Elena Ravioli and Francesca Cavallo
The ever expanding collection of books, which features stories of courageous women (past and present) and their revolutionary and life changing contribution to the world.
Why this series?
Each book in the series features women from different countries and backgrounds, having a wide array of interests and accomplishments covering inventions, sports, climate change, explorers, and many more.
Books to pick: Rebel Girls Powerful Pairs: 25 Tales of Mothers and Daughters, Rebel Girls Climate Warriors: 25 Tales of Women Who Protect the Earth, Rebel Girls Champions: 25 Tales of Unstoppable Athletes, and Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Inspiring Young Changemakers.
The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi
Unhei is the new kid in school, and she is worried that her non-American name might not help her make friends. She decides on couple of American sounding names — Suzy, Laura and even an Amanda. But, the names don’t sound right to her, until with a help from a friend, she learns that her own name, Unhei, is the best name for her.
Why this book?
It is important to help your girl establish an appreciation for her perceived flaws be it something as little as her name, the texture of her hair, or even the colour of her skin.
Similar books: The Proudest Blue by Ibtihaj Muhammad, S. K. Ali Illustrated by Hatem Aly, I Like Myself by Karen Beaumont, and Skin Like Mine by Latashia M. Perry
Matilda by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
Misunderstood by everyone and ignored at home Matilda, a sweet child jumps into the world of reading and exercises her reading skill so much that she develops telekinesis. She uses this power to stand up to bullies and help those in need.
Why this book?
Matilda shows little girls to pursue their dreams, even when things look hopeless. This book reminds girls they are capable and strong, even if there is no one to rely on.
The World Full of… by Angela McAllister, illustrated by Hannah Bess Ross
Each book in the series is a treasure trove of stories, folktales and lores from around the world.
Why this series?
Each story in the series is the perfect length for a bedtime story, introduces the young reader to a world of magical tales from countries around the world, woven in with a small lesson on being kind, helpful, and open to the possibilities of the miracles.
Books to pick: A Year Full of Stories, A World Full of Animal Stories, A World Full of Spooky Stories, A Year Full of Celebrations and Festivals, and A World Full of Nature Stories.
For a list of short books you can read in a day, click here.
