International Women’s Day is the time to celebrate the women who have made a difference in our lives, and our world. It’s also a time to reflect, question, and challenge stereotypes and bias towards women.
![By Paul Thompson [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a8283c70abd04d82648a2ee/1520528940592-M9DB4306ZYT9NG6XM4ZX/Suffragettes%2C_New_York_Times%2C_1921.JPG)
By Paul Thompson [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
One such way to reflect, question, and challenge stereotypes and bias towards women, is to introduce young children through a dialectical process involving picture books, articles, literature and online pieces where they can examine characters, real people and their contributions to society. And learn to become fearless!
Or, just have fun reading a good story together in the morning, during lunch or bedtime. As Emilie Buchwald said, "Children are made readers on the laps of their parents."
Photo via Instagram @the_gaf
“If You’re Offered a Seat on a Rocket Ship, You Don’t Ask What Seat. You Just Get On.”
Here is just a few of my favorite books, old and new, to inspire, think bigger, aim higher, and become a fearless girl!
Shaking Things Up: 14 Young Women Who Changed the World by Susan Hood
14 poems about remarkable young women and also illustrated by women.
She Persisted: 13 American Women Who Changed the World By Chelsea Clinton
The opening lines of this book are on point, “Sometimes being a girl isn't easy. At some point someone will probably tell you no, will tell you to be quiet and may even tell you your dreams are impossible. Don’t listen to them. These 13 American women certainly did not take no for an answer.”
Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History by Vashti Harrison
40 short biographies of phenomenal women in academia; art, economics; entertainment; film; letters; science; social causes and space travel.
Jane Addams
The House That Jane Built by Tanya Lee Stone
The story of Jane Addams the he first American woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, and some call the mother of social work.
Notorious RBG!
When Marian Sang: The True Recital of Marian Anderson by Pam Munoz Ryan
A beatuiful voice and a lot of courage. She performed at Lincoln Memorial on Easter Sunday in 1939 in front of 75,000 people.
Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls
Short biographies of 100 remarkable women and their extraordinary lives.
Malala's Magic Pencil by Malala Yousafzai
Malala’s own empowering story of finding her voice, through her own horrific experience.
The PaperBag Princess by Robert Munsch
This is a very funny story about a feisty princess. This book is a must if you you have girls. My students loved this book.
Riding Freedom by Pam Munoz Ryan
A chapter book about the life Charlotte Parkhurst as she first finds work as a stable hand, becomes a famous stage-coach driver. Great read aloud for 2nd grade.
Bad Girls Throughout History: 100 Remarkable Women Who Changed the World
I can not resist this title!
Stand Tall Molly Lou Melon by Patty Lovell
This book is about being courageous and standing up to your bully.
Princess Smartypants by Babette Cole
A funny story about a Princess who wants to maintain her independence.
The Youngest Marcher: The Story of Audrey Faye Hendricks, a Young Civil Rights Activist
A young girl, Audrey Faye Hendricks, who is involved in the Civil Rights Movement, and arrested in 1963.
Brave Girl: Clara and the Shirtwaist Makers' Strike of 1909
by Michelle Markel
Clara Lemlich, a young girl, in the 20th century, who was a labor leader, and fought for women's rights and social justice.