Books
14 Feminist Kids' Books To Give The Young Activists In Your Life This Holiday Season
For readers, there is obviously no better gift during the holiday season than a book. And while your first instinct when it comes to buying something special for all of your nieces, nephews, godchildren, and any other kid in your life might be grabbing the first toy you see on the shelf, I implore you to resist. Because there are so many spectacular books for kids hitting the shelves these days, and even better, a ton of them have feminist themes that you'll feel good about imparting to the next generation. And better yet, these will all last longer and have a deeper impact than any doll, teddy bear, or the latest video game.
Below are 14 picks, all released in 2017, that would make ideal gifts for every young feminist in your life. From picture books about some of the biggest feminist icons around, to middle grade novels featuring kick butt heroines, there is something on here for every kid, from toddlers to pre-teens. But be prepared: chances are high that whoever you gift these books too will totally fall in love with them and expect one from you every year henceforth. Luckily, the stream of feminist books for kids doesn't seem to be trickling away anytime soon.
'Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Tales of Extraordinary Women' by Elena Favilli
Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls is packed with 100 bedtime stories about the lives of 100 extraordinary women, past and present, illustrated by 60 different female artists from all over the world. From Elizabeth I to Serena Williams, this book hopes to inspire girls with the stories of great women.
'Frida Kahlo And Her Animalitos' by Monica Brown
The fascinating Mexican artist Frida Kahlo is remembered for her dramatic self-portrait paintings featuring bold and vibrant colors. Her artwork brought attention to Mexican and indigenous culture with images renowned in celebrating the female form. In Frida Kahlo and Her Animalitos, Brown ecounts Frida's beloved pets—two monkeys, a parrot, three dogs, two turkeys, an eagle, a black cat, and a fawn—and playfully considers how Frida embodied the many wonderful characteristics of each animal.
'Women In Sports: 50 Fearless Athletes Who Played To Win' by Rachel Ignotofsky
A fascinating collection full of striking, singular art, Women in Sports features 50 profiles and illustrated portraits of women athletes from the 1800s to today including trailblazers, Olympians, and record-breakers in more than 40 different sports. The book also contains infographics about relevant topics such as muscle anatomy, a timeline of women's participation in sports, and influential female teams.
'The First Rule Of Punk' by Celia C. Perez
The First Rule of Punk follows 12-year-old Malu who feels out of place in her new school, and new town. Her dad, who now lives a thousand miles away, says things will get better as long as she remembers the first rule of punk: be yourself. And when she assembles a group of like-minded misfits at school and starts a band, Malu finally begins to feel at home. And she'll even stand up to an anti-punk school administration to fight for her right to express herself.
'Girls Who Code: Learn To Code And Change The World' by Reshma Saujani
Girls Who Code has been leading the charge to get girls interested in technology and coding since 2012. Now its founder, Reshma Saujani, has put together a book that will inspire every girl to code. Bursting with dynamic artwork, down-to-earth explanations of coding principles, and real-life stories of girls and women working at places like Pixar and NASA, this graphically animated book shows what a huge role computer science plays in our lives and how much fun it can be.
'The Princess In Black And The Mysterious Playdate' by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale
The latest installment in hugely popular The Princess in Black series, which follows Princess Magnolia who is secretly a crime-fighting ninja in her downtime, chronicles Princess Magnolia and Princess Sneezewort's have princess playdate. But then a shout from outside Princess Sneezewort’s castle interrupts their fun. It's a monster trying to eat someone's kitty! This is a job for the Princess in Black. Yet when the Princess in Black gets there, she finds only a masked stranger and no monster in sight...or is there?
'She Persisted: 13 American Women Who Changed The World' by Chelsea Clinton
She Persisted contains vivid art and compelling stories about influential women like Harriet Tubman, Sally Ride and Sonia Sotomayor, that show readers that no matter what obstacles may be in their paths, they shouldn’t give up on their dreams. Persistence is power.
'This Little Trailblazer: A Girl Power Primer' by Joan Holub
With This Little Trailblazer, even the youngest kids can get in on the feminist action. Highlighting ten memorable women leaders who paved the way, this boardbook is filled with small biographies, age-appropriate facts and bold illustrations. that will hold even the fussiest toddler's attention.
'More Girls Who Rocked The World: Heroines From Ada Lovelace To Misty Copeland' by Michelle Roehm McCann
More Girls Who Rocked the World offers a fun and uplifting collection of influential stories with 45 more women who made a difference before turning 20. From Annie Oakley and Queen Victoria to Malala Yousafzai and Adele, you’ll get to know these capable queens of empires and courageous icons of entertainment. Also included are profiles of gutsy teenagers who are out there rocking the world right now.
'Malala's Magic Pencil' by Malala Yousafzai
As a child in Pakistan, Malala made a wish for a magic pencil. She would use it to make everyone happy, to erase the smell of garbage from her city, to sleep an extra hour in the morning. But as she grew older, Malala realized that even if she never found a magic pencil, she could still work hard every day to make her wishes come true. This beautifully illustrated volume tells Malala's story for a younger audience and shows them the worldview that allowed Malala to hold on to hope even in the most difficult of times.
'The Youngest Marcher: The Story of Audrey Faye Hendricks, A Young Civil Rights Activist' by Cynthia Levinson
9 year old Audrey Faye Hendricks intended to go places and do things like anybody else. So when she heard grown-ups talk about wiping out Birmingham’s segregation laws, she stepped right up and said, I’ll do it! Meet the youngest known child to be arrested for a civil rights protest in Birmingham, Alabama, 1963, in The Youngest Marcher, a moving picture book that proves you’re never too little to make a difference.
'The World Is Not a Rectangle A Portrait of Architect Zaha Hadid' by Jeanette Winter
Zaha Hadid grew up in Baghdad, Iraq, and dreamed of designing her own cities. After studying architecture in London, she opened her own studio and started designing buildings. But as a Muslim woman, Hadid faced many obstacles. In The World is Not a Rectangle, get to know Zaha Hadid and her triumph over adversity to become one of the most famed architect's in the world.
'Fancy Party Gowns: The Story of Fashion Designer Ann Cole Lowe' by Deborah Blumenthal
As soon as Ann Cole Lowe could walk, her momma and grandma taught her to sew. When her mom died, Ann continued sewing dresses. It wasn't easy, especially when she went to design school and had to learn alone, segregated from the rest of the class. Rarely credited, Ann Cole Lowe became "society's best kept secret." Fancy Party Gowns shines the spotlight on a figure who proved that with hard work and passion, any obstacles can be overcome.
'It Takes A Village' by Hillary Rodham Clinton
It Takes a Village tells the heartwarming and universal story of a diverse community coming together to make a difference. All kinds of people working together, playing together, and living together in harmony makes a better village and many villages coming together can make a better world. Together we can build a better life for one another. Together we can change our world. The book will resonate with children and families, as it encourages readers to look for a way they can make a difference.
