Reading is power.
Reading is knowledge. Knowledge is power. Reading is power. This is especially true for young women.
It’s important to encourage girls to pursue the study of leadership and achievement and to read about women who have done and are doing great things in the world.
We are proud to have a large assortment of excellent books, both old and new, that portray positive role models to today’s girls. Many of our favorites can be seen here.
Whether the reader already has a passion for leadership and is in search of books that inspire the pursuit to become the first female President, or simply the confidence to be more active in their school and community, we have them covered here at Childrensbookstore.com. Check out our favorites below.
1. Rosie, a Detroit Herstory by Bailey Sisoy Isgrov
Rosie the Riveter has become a symbol of women empowerment since she became the icon of joining the work force during WWII. This story gives new life to the character. Based in Detroit, the young Rosie learns to do her part in the manufacturing climate of the booming city. This beautifully illustrated book gives young readers a glimpse into what it meant to be a woman in this globally difficult war environment. It depicts how women showed their strength, proving once and for all that women could work jobs with the same accuracy and enthusiasm as a man. This historical read is appropriate for even the youngest readers.
2. She Persisted by Chelsea Clinton
Hillary Clinton is considered one of the most influential and persistent women in leadership. Growing up watching her handle the pressures of politics, it makes sense that Chelsea Clinton would have a few things to say about persistence. This book shows young people the importance of persistence in tackling every endeavor. It portrays the important message that women can do anything through hard work. Sometimes young women do not hear this message enough. Therefore, it is important to start them in this mindset while they are young. As leadership is a transferable commodity, Hillary Clinton and Chelsea Clinton often participate in leadership summits and retreats. For more information, check out theclintonfoundation.org
4. Grit and Grace by Caryn Rivadeneira
Sometimes women of the Christian faith tend to have a certain idea of what being a woman means. More often than not, this idea is slightly incorrect. This book tells the story of women of the Bible. These stories have missed the spotlight and are often not told in church or school. Female empowerment is evident through these inspirational stories that help young women of the Christian faith break away from any gender oppression present in some versions of the religion.
5. Brave Beauty by Lynn Cowell
A second book about faith, this book was written especially for readers age 8-12. These young women are often going through one of the most difficult phases of life. This work illustrates 100 situations designed to give young women the motivation and enlightenment that they need to come of age as a strong and powerful individual. This book resonates particularly well with pre-teen Christian readers.
Like all A-Z books, this one illustrates the alphabet–but instead of “A is for Apple,” A is for Angela–as in Angela Davis, the iconic political activist. B is for Billie Jean King, who shattered the glass ceiling of sports; C is for Carol Burnett, who defied assumptions about women in comedy; D is for Dolores Huerta, who organized farmworkers; and E is for Ella Baker, who mentored Dr. Martin Luther King and helped shape the Civil Rights Movement.
And the list of great women continues, spanning several centuries, multiple professions, and 26 diverse individuals. There are artists and abolitionists, scientists and suffragettes, rock stars and rabble-rousers, and agents of change of all kinds.
The book includes an introduction that discusses what it means to be “rad” and “radical,” an afterword with 26 suggestions for how you can be “rad,” and a Resource Guide with ideas for further learning and reading.
American history was made by countless rad–and often radical–women. By offering a fresh and diverse array of female role models, we can remind readers that there are many places to find inspiration, and that being smart and strong and brave is rad.
Be yourself like Molly Lou Melon no matter what a bully may do.
Molly Lou Melon is short and clumsy, has buck teeth, and has a voice that sounds like a bullfrog being squeezed by a boa constrictor. She doesn’t mind. Her grandmother has always told her to walk proud, smile big, and sing loud, and she takes that advice to heart.
But then Molly Lou has to start in a new school. A horrible bully picks on her on the very first day, but Molly Lou Melon knows just what to do about that.
An excellent story of resilience and confidence in the face of adversity.
THE FOLLOWING BOOKS WILL BE AVAILABLE SOON!
8. Feminism from A to Z by Gayle E. Pitman
This is a basic guide to feminism that is designed to be read by those young people seeking the information for the first time. It squashes the idea that feminism means man-hating or lack of hygiene. It also shows young people that feminism is a common sense approach to social change. Fitting for both girls and boys, this is a great read for kids who are just heading into an age where they are interested in current events.
9. Path to the Stars by Sylvia Avecedo
This is one of the more inspirational books to young women. Written by the female CEO of the Girl Scouts, this book tracks the authors journey from a young girl interested in science to the rocket scientist that she would become. The story is intended to empower young women to work hard in order to achieve any goals they may have. The book makes suggestions for staying on track for your goals. This motivational read is appropriate for any age, but it may connect better with young people 10 and older. To learn more about Syvia Avecedo or the Girl Scouts, visit GirlScouts.org.
10. Jeannette Rankin by James Lopach and Joan Luckowski
This inspiring story about the first female member of congress is a must-read for young women interested in politics. Part of coming of age in the United States is to understand the political system in order to become a contributing and voting member of society. Never has it been more important than now to make sure female teens understand the events that lead up to Women’s Suffrage. This book illustrates such events through the life of a young congresswoman from Wyoming.
11. Michelle Obama by Tamara Orr
Considered one of the best women in leadership, Michelle Obama is still an inspiration to young women everywhere. Never before had a First Lady been a woman of color. Never before had a woman taken the office so far into the philanthropic potential that a title of such prestige denotes. She is a true inspiration for women running for office, launching their career, or simply growing up. Young and older women alike will love this read.
12. Consent on Campus by Donna Freitas
This is a vital read for any woman going away to college. The culture surrounding date rape on college campuses in the United States has caused global outrage. This work looks at the culture of campus sexual assaults, why current solutions are inadequate, and what future change should look like. It also addresses the question of education about what sexual assault is and the importance of coming forward to seek support. This book is intended for soon-to-be college students as well as current university students.
Never has there been a time in history where education is so important. For young women, this means learning what it means to be confident, engages and included. Books ranging from motivational text to historical reads are represented on this list. All books are available at www.childrensbookstore.com, so the order process is easy. Click here to order the books that can help shape a young woman’s life.