I try my best to teach Zo about women’s history (and present), and about strong and outstanding female figures from all around the world. I’ve found that the best way to share these stories with her is through books. She loves looking at the illustrations as I read to her and ask so many questions (sometimes we have to Google a thing or two!). It is important that we teach our children about these stories and women’s history as it instils the idea that women are brilliant and extraordinary from an early age. We should plant those seeds from the very beginning of our children’s lives.

The books below are a mix of what we have in our collection at home and what’s on my wish list. I don’t doubt they are also all excellent choices for your very own collection.

List of Children’s Books

Malala’s Magic Pencil

This book was a must- have for our collection. Malala Yousafzai showcases her bravery and encourages readers to be anything they set their mind to regardless of the obstacles that may come their way. Malala’s Magic Pencil is an inspirational story for both little humans and their parents.

The Life of Selena

The Life of Selena by Patty Rodriguez is part of Lil’ Libros, a collection of English-Spanish board books aimed at bilingual children. Selena is an outstanding female figure within Tex Mex culture and beyond. Other books in the collection, showcasing strong Latin American women, are Counting with Frida and The Life of Celia.

Rad Women Worldwide

This is one of the first books I bought Zo so we could learn about strong and inspirational women together. What I loved about this books is that it featured Rad Women Worldwide, from the first women to cross the Antartica to the great female king who ruled Egypt.

Leaders & Dreamers

This gift set features bold and revolutionary women around the world. One of the highlights of these books is that one of them focuses on bold women in Black history, meanwhile the other focuses on women worldwide. Keep in mind that you can purchase the two Leaders & Dreamers books individually, but this set makes an excellent gift for a beloved little friend in your life.

Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls

The Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls is an awesome collection which includes two books that can be purchased individually or as part of a set. From scientists to boxers, these books feature illustrated stories by women who have impacted history and are an example of female empowerment. “100 Immigrant Women Who Changed The World” was recently added to their collection and I highly recommend it too.

During my most recent trip to Peru I purchased both books IN SPANISH! I was over the moon to find them as I prefer to read to Zo in Spanish to expand on her language skills.

5-Minute Stories for Fearless Girls

I gifted this book to Zo on her first day of kindergarten. I sent her off on her first day with the intention for her to be fearless and put her best foot forward during this significant milestone in her life. 5-Minute Stories for Fearless Girls is an excellent book filled with stories about Emilia Earhart and Michelle Obama, for example, who have paved the way for many women.

Women in Science

Women in Science features 50 fearless pioneers who changed the world. It is so important that we make sure girls and women know that STEM is also an option for them, and this book showcases women who have lead the way in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). From Jane Goodall to Katherine Johnson, the brilliant women in this book have truly changed the world.

She Persisted

She Persisted is a box set of two books, also available individually, written by Chelsea Clinton. They features stories of both American women and women worldwide that have persisted and led positive change in far and recent history.

It is so important that we teach our children about women’s history (and present). I recognize we boldly celebrate women during Women’s History Month in March, however I believe this celebration of women should be something we practice all year round. I hope that you find the books mentioned above to be excellent resources for your family, and/or a wonderful gift for a loved one in your life.

Leave a comment below if you have other recommendations!