Diverse Children’s Books About Strong Girls
The last time I went to the bookstore with my youngest niece, I noticed that all the books she pulled off the shelves featured female characters — A Computer Called Katherine; The Hike; Mina vs. the Monsoon. When I asked her about her choices, she told me that because she is a girl, it’s more interesting and “funner” to read about girls — especially girls who share her interests or introduce her to exciting new things. Her older sister agreed that it’s empowering to see yourself represented in a book or a video. As she put it, “When you see another girl doing something cool, you think ‘Oh, I can do that too!’”
As a parent, I want to share books with the girls (and boys) in my family that encourage their interests, introduce them to characters full of determination and strength, spark conversation about issues that concern them, and make them aware of broader issues that affect them. Here are a few titles featuring a variety of diverse girls that we’ve put on our shelves to help encourage our young readers to investigate the world, find their voice, take action and follow their dreams.
Kate, Who Tamed the Wind(opens in new window)
Kate knows that there’s no way to stop the wind, but she wants to help her neighbor whose home is battered by great gusts that wreak havoc. What to do? Kate’s bold solution is to plant trees around her neighbor’s home. And though it takes a long time for the trees to grow and provide protection from the wind, Kate is there for both the trees and her neighbor.
Sofia Valdez, Future Prez(opens in new window)
Sofia is a young girl who gets things done and has a great desire to help others. After her Abuelo is injured at the local landfill while recovering his runaway dog, Sofia gets the idea to turn the dangerous Mount Trashmore into a park. She knows that she can’t build a park on her own, but she can be the spark to bring her community together to take action.
Malala's Magic Pencil(opens in new window)
In telling her story for a young audience, Malala shows how imagination is the first step to action and change. At first, her wish for a magic pencil is to get things her family wants and needs. Growing more aware of the world around her, she then wants to use the pencil to “draw a better world, a peaceful world.” Though she never gets the wished-for magic pencil, she learns that her words and her work are what she really needs to make her wishes come true.
The Most Magnificent Thing(opens in new window)
A regular girl has an awesome idea. She’s going to make the most magnificent thing! But even with the help of her best friend — her dog, the magnificent thing is not going well. Frustration ensues, but taking a step back helps her discover that mistakes are okay — even helpful — when inventing something magnificent.
Ho'onani: Hula Warrior(opens in new window)
Based on the true story of a young girl in Hawaiʻi, Hoʻonani dreams of joining a performance of the boys-only traditional Hawaiian hula chant. Why shouldn’t she? She is just as strong, sure and steady, and can do the chants just as well, if not better. Though her parents and brothers are supportive when she is accepted, her sister is embarrassed. Hoʻonani works hard, remains true to herself and gets to lead the group’s performance for an appreciative audience that includes a standing ovation from her sister.
My Hair Is a Garden(opens in new window)
When Mack gets teased and taunted at school about her unruly hair, she turns to her neighbor Miss Tillie for comfort and help. To help Mack learn to care for her hair — and appreciate herself — Miss Tillie uses the metaphor of her lush garden to show Mack the many kinds of beauty and all the nurturing they require.
Amy Wu and the Perfect Bao(opens in new window)
Amy Wu wants to make the perfect bao. Everyone in Amy’s family can all make perfect bao. So Amy takes their advice and tries again and again and again to make the perfect bao. When Amy figures out her bao have been coming out all wrong because she’s working with dough cut for grown-up hands, she comes up with a solution and a perfect bao! Delicious! As our Amy realizes, the not-so-perfect bao.
Imogene's Last Stand(opens in new window)
Imogene adores history so much that she spends her free time cleaning up the unloved Liddleville Historical Society. But no one comes to her new museum. When the Historical Society is targeted for demolition to make room for a shoelace factory, Imogene tries to rally her community to save the old house. All looks lost until she discovers a letter from George Washington about his visit to the old house and stalls the bulldozers by putting herself in a stockade until her discovery is recognized and the town is convinced of how important its history is.
Author: