Reading books that feature diverse characters, explore important social issues & highlight the achievements of women is crucial for children and young people for several reasons:
🎈Representation:
It provides representation for marginalised groups, helping children see themselves reflected in literature and fostering a sense of belonging and self-worth.
🎈Empathy:
It encourages empathy by exposing readers to different perspectives, experiences & struggles, helping them understand & relate to people from diverse backgrounds.
🎈Critical Thinking:
It promotes critical thinking & awareness of social issues by sparking discussions about topics such as gender equality, discrimination & human rights.
🎈Inspiration:
It inspires children and young people by showcasing the accomplishments of historical & contemporary figures, motivating them to pursue their passions & make a positive impact in the world.
🎈Empowerment:
It empowers children, particularly girls, by presenting strong and resilient female protagonists who challenge stereotypes, overcome obstacles & assert their agency.
🎈Cultural Understanding:
It fosters cultural understanding and appreciation by introducing readers to different cultures, traditions, and ways of life, promoting respect and tolerance.
🎈Literacy Skills:
It enhances literacy skills such as reading comprehension, vocabulary development, and critical analysis, laying the foundation for academic success and lifelong learning.
Reading books with diverse and empowering themes enriches children’s lives, broadens their horizons, and equips them with the knowledge and empathy to become compassionate and engaged global citizens.
These books feature inspiring stories, diverse characters, and empowering messages tailored for younger children.
- I Am Enough” by Grace Byers
- “The Most Magnificent Thing” by Ashley Spires
- “Ada Twist, Scientist” by Andrea Beaty
- “Shaking Things Up: 14 Young Women Who Changed the World” by Susan Hood
- “She Persisted: 13 American Women Who Changed the World” by Chelsea Clinton
- “Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History” by Vashti Harrison
- “Malala’s Magic Pencil” by Malala Yousafzai
- “Dear Girl,” by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Paris Rosenthal
- “Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls” by Elena Favilli and Francesca Cavallo
- “Rosie Revere, Engineer” by Andrea Beaty
For older kids, here are some empowering and thought-provoking books to celebrate International Women’s Day:
- “The Diary of Anne Frank” by Anne Frank
- “Anne of Green Gables” by L.M. Montgomery
- “The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas
- “Brown Girl Dreaming” by Jacqueline Woodson
- “The Breadwinner” by Deborah Ellis
- “Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry” by Mildred D. Taylor
- “Code Name Verity” by Elizabeth Wein
- “Speak” by Laurie Halse Anderson
- “Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood” by Marjane Satrapi
- “I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban” by Malala Yousafzai
These books tackle important themes such as identity, social justice, resilience, and the power of individual agency, making them suitable for older kids to engage with on International Women’s Day.
I highly recommend ‘A Mighty Girl’ The world’s largest collection of books, toys, and films for parents, teachers, and others dedicated to raising smart, confident, girls.
