Read Like a Girl!

18 books to share with your kids for International Women's Day

International Women's Day is coming up on March 8, 2023. This year's theme is #EmbraceEquity. In helping our kids understand the importance of gender equity, we have curated a list of 18 books about fierce females throughout history who have changed the world and paved the way for future generations.

How Women Won the Vote: Alice Paul, Lucy Burns, and Their Big Idea

From Newbery Honor medalist Susan Campbell Bartoletti comes the page-turning, stunningly illustrated, and tirelessly researched story of suffragists Alice Paul and Lucy Burns—and their valiant fight for women's rights. (8–12 years)

Shaking Things Up: 14 Young Women Who Changed the World

This collection of poems and illustrations introduces 14 revolutionary young women from history. Contributed by award-winning writers and illustrators—all women—this book will inspire the next generation of trailblazers. (4–8 years)

My Name is Truth: The Life of Sojourner Truth

From acclaimed author Ann Turner and award-winning illustrator James Ransome comes the remarkable true story of how former slave Isabella Baumfree transformed herself into the preacher and orator Sojourner Truth. (6–10 years)

Women Who Dared: 52 Stories of Fearless Daredevils, Adventurers, and Rebels

This new compilation from Linda Skeers features women throughout history who risked their lives for adventure, like the first female stunt person, Helen Gibson, and Valentina Tereshkova, the first woman in space. (9–13 years)

All the Way to the Top: How One Girl's Fight for Americans with Disabilities Changed Everything

Experience the true story of lifelong activist Jennifer Keelan-Chaffins and her participation in the Capitol Crawl in this inspiring biographical picture book by Annette Bay Pimental. (4–9 years)

Malala's Magic Pencil

Nobel Peace Prize winner and bestselling author Malala Yousafzai shares her brave journey, tailored for younger audiences, and the worldview that allowed her to hold on to hope even in the most difficult of times. (4–8 years)

Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History

Author/illustrator Vashti Harrison tells the stories of 40 trailblazing black women in the world's history including: nurse Mary Seacole, politician Diane Abbott, mathematician Katherine Johnson, and singer Shirley Bassey. (8–11 years)

Ada Twist, Scientist

Inspired by mathematician Ada Lovelace and physicist Marie Curie, this bestseller—part of the Questioneers series by Andrea Beaty—champions STEM, girl power, and women scientists in a rollicking celebration of curiosity. (5–7 years)

ABC What Can She Be?

Not even the sky is the limit with this fun approach to learning the alphabet! This colorful board book from Sugar Snap Studio encourages young girls by presenting a world of choices for their dreams and ambitions. (3–6 years)

Shark Lady: The True Story of How Eugenie Clark Became the Ocean's Most Fearless Scientist

Born in 1922, Eugenie Clark knew she wanted to study sharks from a young age. Jess Keating tells the story of how she taught the world that sharks were to be admired rather than feared and that women can do anything they set their minds to. (3–8 years)

Rad American Women A–Z

A is for Angela Davis, B is for Billie Jean King, C is for Carol Burnett, D is for Dolores Huerta . . . The remarkable women profiled in this book by Kate Schatz include artists and abolitionists, scientists and suffragettes, rock stars and rabble-rousers. (8–16 years)

Ida B. Wells: Let the Truth Be Told

An inspiration for generations of civil rights crusaders, Ida B. Wells worked bravely as an activist, educator, and writer. Bestselling author Walter Dean Myers uses her own words to tell the story of this legendary figure. (4–8 years)

Little Feminist Board Book Set

Illustrations by Lydia Ortiz and words by Emily Kleinman introduce children to real women who have made historical impact on the world. The set comes with four books: Pioneers, Artists, Leaders, and Activists. (5 years and under)

Elizabeth Started All the Trouble

She couldn't go to college. She couldn't become a politician. She couldn't even vote. But she didn't let that stop her. With vibrant illustrations by Matt Faulkner, this book by Doreen Rappaport shares Elizabeth Cady Stanton's fight for equal rights. (6–9 years)

Courageous World Changers: 50 True Stories of Daring Women of God 

Children of all ages will be captivated by this collection of inspiring stories from Shirley Raye Redmond. Featuring brave, innovative women—from a variety of backgrounds, eras, and ethnicities—who had a profound impact. (8–11 years)

Leave it to Abigail: The Revolutionary Life of Abigail Adams

In this inspiring tribute, award-winning author Barb Rosenstock and New York Times bestselling artist Elizabeth Baddeley tell the true story of one of America's greatest founding mothers: Abigail Adams. (5–9 years)

Mae Among the Stars

When little Mae Jemison dreamed of being an astronaut, her mom told her, "If you believe it, and work hard for it, anything is possible." This beautiful picture book by Roda Ahmed tells the story of the first African-American woman to travel in space. (4–8 years)

Herstory: 50 Women and Girls Who Shook Up the World

Learn about fifty inspiring women who changed the world in this compilation by Katherine Halligan. It's a celebration of not only what girls can do, but the remarkable things women have already accomplished. (8–11 years)

Women throughout history have fought for gender equity even when they were met with tremendous resistance. Sharing these stories with our kids can help them understand that equity isn't just a nice-to-have, it's a must-have and that there's still more work to do. #EmbraceEquity

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Read more by Ashly Moore Sheldon