March 8, 2018

Why all kids should read about powerful women

Reading about strong women matters

Books and literature help shape who we are and how we see the world. As soon as kids learn to read, the books and stories they interact with impact their lives. This is why representation really does matter. Books with diverse perspectives, characters, and heroines give kids a chance to see parts of themselves in the story, rather than looking from the outside in.

In honor of Women’s History Month this March, we’ll highlight books that feature strong women persisting and being brave no matter the obstacle.

We know that the voices of women have not always been at the forefront of history, even though women have always been shaping history. That’s why it’s vital for our youngest generation to be exposed to bold women in our global history. We highlight women’s stories this month knowing that we must make a conscious effort to include the stories of women in our reading centers, libraries, and classrooms beyond Women’s History Month.

As Malala Yousafzai demonstrates on the world’s stage, women are powerful and are actively shaping the world as we know it today. This is a list to get started discussing women’s stories with elementary-aged students.

All of the books featured below are accessible for our students. These books pair beautiful illustrations with poignant messages to encourage the girls and boys in our reading centers to dream big and pursue their passions.