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You all saw this coming a MILE away, I bet. Feminism is sooooooooo important for kids to learn, because it’s vital that kids (of all genders!!!!) grow up knowing how important it is to know that they are allowed to be emotional, they are allowed to love whoever they want, and that they are allowed to be (their own empowered) selves. It’s important that young girls can see themselves reflected in books and films so that they truly BELIEVE it when we tell them that they can do anything; let’s give every girl with a dream someone to look up to. Here’s a list of some of my favourite kids’ books that feature strong girls and women:

1. Feminist Baby by Loryn Brantz | Feminist Baby is based off of some comics Loryn Brantz has done. It’s a fantastic book (super cute, easy read, adorable, realistic as heck), and it’s definitely a great addition to any kid’s library! It’s a BOARD BOOK, too, so you can read it to them when they’re itty bitty without worrying they’ll destroy it (unless you’ve got a biter… and, well,  I can’t help you). Brantz has also written a few more books (that I don’t own, yet), so if you’re feeling extra feminist-y, check out the whole Feminist Baby board book box set here!
2. A is for Activist by Innosanto Nagara | This is a fantastic book to teach the ABC’s of politics and fighting for human rights. Nagara’s choices for each letter are stellar (think: activism, democracy, people), and the book is written to an incredible rhythm that’s reminiscent of a spoken word poem. My only regret is that I didn’t buy it the second it came out (or sooner)!
3. Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty | This little engineer is based off of (and a descendant of) the iconic Rosie the Riveter; she is an ordinary kid by day, and an extraordinary inventor by night. The Riveter herself makes a cameo to remind little Rosie that she should never give up — a reminder all of us living under this glass ceiling can use every once in a while.
4. Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty | Another incredible book by Beaty; this one highlights Ada, a young scientist who is determined to solve problems via experimenting solutions. She ends up making mistakes along the way, but like her friend Rosie, she doesn’t give up! Ada’s determined to solve “why”; it’s a great book for kids who are constantly asking that question (assuming it’s not just mine?)
5. The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch | Where my fellow 90’s babies at? This one is an oldie but a goodie. Munsch tells the story of a princess who doesn’t need saving — she saves herself in this one (and kicks the salty prince to the curb). It also comes in a short-but-sweet board book version (you can find the board book here)! Everyone wins (except Prince Ronald, who sucks #sorrynotsorry).
6. Malala’s Magic Pencil by Malala Yousafzai | This sweet picture book by the one and only Malala is about young Malala’s wish for a magic pencil to change things that need fixing. She knows that magic isn’t real, but she realizes that there are some things she can fix herself. This is a great book to teach children how to remain hopeful and how to follow their dreams.
7. Olivia by Ian Falconer | This little piggy does what she wants, and she’s not afraid to be herself. Olivia is a great role model for girls who are “too bossy” (read: determined) or “too loud” (read: speak their mind). It’s OK to let girls yell, to let girls be the boss, and to let girls be the star of the show.
8. The Bossier Baby  by Marla Frazee | Speaking of girls being the boss: the Boss Baby has a new baby sibling, and she’s bossier than ever. She’s also keeping the house going (not sure if this is because the second child is easier, or if it’s a reference to emotional labour, but either way, I’m here for it), and she ends up being her big brother’s biggest confidante. We’re big fans of Frazee’s books!
9. Counting on Katherine: How Katherine Johnson Saved Apollo 13 by Helaine Becker | The biography of the incredible Katherine Johnson, who loved math from a young age. If you loved Hidden Figures (and if you didn’t, I have 99 questions and all of them are WTF?!), then you’ll love being able to share this story about Johnson with your kids! Johnson teaches young kids that they, too, can land among the stars, regardless of the odds against them.
10. When I was Eight by Christy Jordan-Fenton and Margaret Pokiak-Fenton | Based on the book, “Fatty Legs” by the same duo, this story tells the real-life hardships of a young Inuk girl (Margaret Pokiak-Fenton) who goes to a residential school, where her hair is cut off, her name is changed (from Olemaun to Margaret), and she is targeted by a nun. If you love this one, check out Not My Girl about Margaret’s struggle to reconnect with her family when she returns to Inuit territory two years later.
11. The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin by Julia Finley Mosca | Mosca introduces youngsters to the early life of Dr. Temple Grandin, who has a PhD in animal science. Dr. Grandin was diagnosed with autism at an early age and was expected to be non-verbal. Grandin is a visual thinker, and her neurodivergent way of thinking lends itself to her numerous advances in animal science. Mosca writes books about the childhoods of other incredible women, too! Check out her stories about naval engineer Raye Montague and ophthalmologist Patricia Bath.
12. Dear Girl, by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Paris Rosenthal | A love letter to the resilient, incredible, extraordinary girl in your life who needs to know how amazing they are; this book reminds girls that they are wonderful EXACTLY the way they are. What’s more empowering than that?

 

What are your favourites from this list? Did I miss a book for little feminists that you love? I wanna read them all, so let me know! I hope you find something that you love and that you can share with the small humans in your life!