9 Children's Books to Read On International Women's Day

It's March 8th - International Women's Day!

I have a "book bucket" in our living room, where I switch out the books, depending on what the season is, what holiday is coming up, or even what our family may be going through (new baby, moving, transitions, etc.)

This month, I rounded up of our books that are about inspirational women - fictional, as well as historical. We had more than I thought we might, which gave me a personal little thrill. :) 

I decided that some of these were so great, that I couldn't keep them to myself.

So I'm sharing them with you!

1. Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty

This delightful children's book is about Rosie, a young girl who gets discouraged about her inventions when someone laughs at them. The adult laughed in a good-natured way, but young Rosie internalizes it, and decides that she can't be an engineer. Until one day she chooses to build her favorite great-aunt (Rosie the riveter) an airplane... will young Rosie succeed?

We need more women in STEM, so I love books like these that encourage young girls to use their brains! This is just one of the great books in a series of them from Andrea Beaty, and I'm excited to add more to our collection along the way!

2. The Perfume of Memory by Michelle Nikly

I found this little-known book at a library sale years ago. It is about a land where girls aren't allowed to create perfume, or go to school, or do the same things boys are allowed. One perfume maker, however has been teaching his young daughter Yasmin the secrets of perfume making. Due to a turn of events, it is now up to Yasmin to save the queen with her forbidden skills. I love that it hints at cultures where, even today, girls and women still aren't afforded the same opportunities as boys or men. I love that Yasmin's father is teaching her anyway, and I love Yasmin's bravery, even though at one point it may mean she can no longer follow her dreams. I feel that representation is important, and love it when the characters portrayed in the illustrations don't necessarily look like us. I think it opens up opportunity for great discussions.

3. Tea With Milk by Allen Say

I've mentioned this book before, but I feel like it bears repetition. :) This book is about a young woman who is caught between two homes and two cultures - Japan and America. It is about how she navigates through the traditional expectations of the Japanese culture, and her desire to have an education and be an independent woman, like she experiences in the US. Children's books that tell stories of people caught between two homes are particularly important for families like ours. Our son has completely taken to his new home - he picked up the language very quickly, he loves his school and buddies... but we will be returning to the States for a long-ish period of time before coming back. Those transitional periods can be hard on kids, and stories like this can help them know that it's okay to feel this way, and maybe even give them the words they need, to better express themselves.

4. Little Bible Heroes by Victoria Kovacs

These sweet Bible stories have just been translated into Slovene, and our church gave each family a box set - so sweet, and generous! I loved how many female characters were included. One of the great features of these books is that they are flip-over, so there is another story waiting for them on the other side. Deborah is a FANTASTIC biblical role model for girls - she was a judge! In charge of armies, and making decisions that shaped the course of her country. Now THAT is a hero!

5. A Is For Abigail by Lynne Cheney

This was one of my books when I was a kid (go figure, lol!). It's an older book, so some more recent amazing women won't be mentioned. But a TON more are! I really like the illustrations, and the way the text is laid out, I'm constantly finding new little bits of information. It's fun to see all different kinds of women represented - scientists, nurses, doctors, politicians, authors, inventors and entertainers. I like that, because it shows that there are so many different routes you can take your life!

6. She Persisted by Chelsea Clinton

I've mentioned this one before too, but I don't even care, I LOVE this book, and its sequel (She Persisted Around The World). The illustrations are wistful and seem full of love. I appreciate the inspiring stories that are brought to life on its pages. It does a great job representing women of different racial backgrounds, and the second book features Malala Yousafzai, one of my personal heroes, so that's an added bonus! You need this book in your personal library.

7. Babylit Books

Honestly, you can't go wrong with any of the BabyLit books, these are just some of our favorites. These books are a great way to introduce babies and toddlers to classic literary characters. I really enjoy how each primer has a theme, like "friendship", "emotions", "numbers", etc. The illustrations are bright, and the text age-appropriate. These books are gems!

8. The True Princess, by Angela Hunt

This is a great twist on a princess story. In the book, a young princess' father, the king, goes off to help a neighboring kingdom. Out of fear for his daughter's safety, he entrusts her to "Nana", who teaches her how to do things for herself - as well as others. Through Nana's guidance, the young princess learns to laugh at herself, become more independent, and develop a strong work ethic. When the king returns and requests the audience of the princess - and 17 girls show up, how will the young princess prove who she really is?


9. American Girls: Molly Takes Flight, by Valerie Tripp

I grew up on these American Girl books, so these make me a little nostalgic. Looking at them now as an adult, they still completely hold up! 
This is one of the stories in the life of Molly, who is growing up during World War II. Her father is in England fighting, and her favorite aunt just joined the Women's Airforce Service Pilots. The second world war was a really important time in women's history, as women started doing many of the jobs normally reserved for men. It was devastating time on so many levels, but also empowered women to reach for higher goals than they ever thought they could've before - and isn't that what we want for our daughters?

These are just some of the amazing books out there to encourage tomorrow's generation of both girls AND boys!

What's your favorite? What book should I be on the lookout for?

Leave your suggestions in the comments below!

6 Children's Books To Read For Women's Day

I'm a day late with this, but I'm choosing to extend myself some grace because, you know.  Teething baby.  Also, we've decided to make it a Women's Weekend, so there! :)

Here are my top 6 books to read to your kiddos this weekend (and anytime) that feature strong women!

1. She Persisted by Chelsea Clinton

This is a great book that highlights some of the women in US history who left their mark - from Ruby Bridges to Virginia Apgar, Maria Tallchief to Helen Keller and many more, it's a great way to introduce your child to women who wouldn't take no for an answer.  There's an "Around The World" version I'd love to own, too!

2. I Like Myself by Karen Beaumont

This is a great book that teaches kids (especially young girls of color) about healthy body positivity.  It's an important message about natural beauty and strength, and speaking about yourself in a positive way.  I used this in my classroom a lot as a kindergarten teacher.  It's important to read books like this to caucasian kids too, so that they too recognize the beauty and individuality in their peers who may not look like them.

3. Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney

I recently bought this book for Jocelyn.  The illustrations are scrumptious! It's the story of a young woman whose grandfather encourages her to see the world, live by the ocean, and make the world a more beautiful place.  I especially like this one, because she remains single, but it's a a total non-issue, it isn't even mentioned.

4. When Jessie Came Across The Sea by Amy Hest

This thoughtful and beautiful book is the story of Jessie, a 13-year-old young girl from Eastern-Europe.  Her rabbi gives her a ticket to sail to the new world, America.  My favorite part, is that she saves up enough money to send for her grandmother (who raised her) to join her.  Talk about powerful!  She becomes a seamstress specializing in bridal gowns - eventually making her own, as well.

5. Be A Star Wonder Woman by Michael Dahl

This one is a little more lighthearted, because often kids remember things better when it's wrapped in something that already interests them.  Aidan is crazy about superheroes, so I loved getting him this one that featured a strong girl.  My favorite part of this book, is that being kind, helping your friends and asking for help when you need it are all shown as strengths.

6. Historical American Girl Books

Someday maybe I'll write a whole post about how amazing the original Historical American Girl books are.  If you're interested in these, you can find them in 6 book box sets, each set featuring one girl, in a specific era.  They are great representatives of the times, and teach kids about history, bravery and strength of character.  I had at least 8 sets of these growing up, and they heavily influenced me!  Names (girls) to search for: Molly (World War II era girl), Kit (Depression era girl), Kirsten (pioneer era girl), Kaya (Native American girl from the 1760s), Josefina (Mexican American girl from the 1820s), Samantha (Victorian era girl), Addy (African American girl, whose family escapes slavery), and Felicity (Revolutionary War era girl).

There are many-many more, but these are my top picks for this year. What is your favorite children's book about a strong girl?

I'm A Girly Girl, Raised On A Healthy Diet Of Disney Princesses - And I'm Not Sorry

As we're entering the realm of kids' movies with Aidan, I've been thinking more and more about how Disney characters (especially princesses, in my case) affect the people we grow up to be.

I was one of those little girls with all the obnoxious pink stuff.

I also went through a rather unfortunate boy-crazy phase.  Or two.

I love(d) anything that sparkles.  A couple months ago I went online shopping with my mom, and one of the items I got was a great, simple black tee - with sequined shoulders.  I can't help it.  I love simple, uncluttered lines.  But I also love things that sparkle.

When I was very little, my consequence for being disobedient was having to wear pants to church - instead of a dress.

Disney princesses fit my personality like the glass slipper fit Cinderella's foot.

I loved the classics, especially Sleeping Beauty.  Being a 90's baby, of course I also loved The Little Mermaid, and Beauty and the Beast.  Because I refuse to grow up, I also love Mulan, Pocahontas Tangled, Brave and Frozen.  And don't even get me STARTED on Moana.

Then, I came across an article entitled A Feminist Ranking of All the Disney Princesses.  And while I don't necessarily disagree with the article's views, I was sad to see that my sweet Aurora was at the bottom of the list.  Yes, she spent most of the movie sleeping.  Yes, she married a dude she met once in the forest and then kissed her.  But is she really such a bad role-model for little girls?

Around the same time, I saw this, "Dream Big, Princess" commercial on Disney Channel, and I kid you not, I started to tear up.

No doubt, if I had a daughter, I would encourage her to be brave and confident like Merida, Mulan and Moana (maybe I just need to name her something that starts with "M").  But you know what?  I would also encourage her to be sweet like Snow White, and even graceful like Aurora.  (If she gets any of my genes, she'll need help in the klutz-department.)

I am glad that the message that princesses portray has changed.  I'm glad we have princesses without love interests.  But I also like when there is one.  Because love is something we all long for at some point in our life.  I am glad the princes actually have names now, and personalities.  Or aren't princes at all.

Recently I was talking to a friend, and told her that I really like Anna in Frozen, and wish she'd been around when I was little.  I totally identify with her clumsy, naive, chocolate-loving personality.  My friend said she preferred Elsa, because Anna wanted to marry a guy she'd just met.  That got me thinking.  And you know what?  I still like Anna better.  And I'll tell you why.  Because to me Anna represents a transition a lot of us go through.  Or at least I did.

At first Anna falls in love with prince Hans "of the southern isles", and immediately wants to marry him.  Later she meets Kristoff, and he points out how ridiculous her wanting to marry a total stranger is, and of course in true Disney fashion they end up falling in love.  

I certainly went through the teenager crush phase, where I felt like this guy was TOTALLY the one.  But then we grow up, and learn that that's not how true love works.  You have to take the time to get to know someone, and preferably find out their quirks before you commit to living with them every day of your life.

I am glad Disney princesses have evolved.  I am glad that if and when we have a daughter there are so many more strong, brave, even quirky role models to look up to.

But, if she wants to go skipping through a meadow picking flowers, wearing pink from head-to-toe with a tiara, I'm not going to stop her.  I may try to nip the boy-craze in the bud, because that really isn't necessary, nor probably healthy.  But if she does develop a crush, and I hear her humming "Someday My Prince Will Come", I will probably smile and join in.

So, what is this princess-rambling about?  I don't know.  Too much time on my hands?  Watching too many princess movies?  Maybe.  Probably.  But, I just wanted to say, that I'm a princess-loving-girly-girl, with unrealistic hair expectations, and that's okay.  And I'm not sorry.

Dream big, princess.