The best part of being a librarian is inspiring, motivating and encouraging kids and families everyday. We do that through awesome, hands-on programs so kids can feel what it’s like to be a paleontologist or a roboticist, and through great books that match and expand their interests. This Women’s History Month I wanted to share an unique booklist that does just that.
Each year I get to be part of the Amelia Bloomer Project, a committee of librarians that chooses amazing books with significant feminist content each year. The annual list is meant to inspire and advocate for the equality of people of all sexes and genders through well-written and well-illustrated books for ages birth – 18.
Though International Women’s Day was earlier this month, we should celebrate the achievements and stories of young girls and boys who challenge gender stereotypes and overcome challenges to empower others every day.
This year’s list of 56 outstanding titles for kids and teens celebrate equality and empowerment. Some amazing fiction titles for kids include Lucía the Luchadora, Fish Girl and the First Rule of Punk. Start sleuthing with the first female Pinkerton detective Kate Warne in Kate Warne: Pinkerton Detective and follow Anjali and her family as they become involved in the Indian freedom movement in Ahimsa.
Get inspired by these non-fiction titles for kids. Uncover the hidden legacies of women who were influential in the race to space in Hidden Figures: Young Readers Edition, cheer Trudy Ederle on as she swims the English Channel in Trudy’s Big Swim: How Gertrude Ederle Swum the English Channel and Took the World by Storm, and follow Ruth Bader Ginsburg as she confronts challenges head-on on her journey to become a judge on the Supreme Court in Ruth Bader Ginsburg: The Case of R.B.G. vs. Inequality. Some other empowering titles include Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History, Girls Play Rugby, and The Girl Who Ran: Bobbi Gibb, The First Woman to Run the Boston Marathon.
Happy Women’s History Month!
Caitie is the Lead Librarian Supervisor of Children’s and Teen Services at CLP-Allegheny. She loves graphic memoirs, making tiny hats for her cat, hiking and cooking Indian food.