“As parents and teachers, we all want the little girls in our lives to know that they can be anything they want to be. But sometimes, being a girl can feel like an uphill battle. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the five best empowering books for little girls, packed with inspiring stories of real women who changed history through their actions and courage.
From going to space to fighting the Romans, these heroines show our girls – and boys – that nothing is impossible when you set your mind to it. And even though all the protagonists are women, anyone who has ever been told to aim lower or stay quiet will find meaningful examples and role models in these pages.
As Sally Ride famously said, ‘You can’t be what you can’t see.’ So let’s give our children the gift of seeing strong, capable women who have made a difference. Whether your little one dreams of being an astronaut or a scientist, a writer or a politician, these empowering books will show her that she can do anything she sets her mind to.”
5 of the Best Empowering Books for Little Girls:
1. She Persisted
by Chelsea Clinton and Alexandra Boiger
“She Persisted” by Chelsea Clinton and Alexandra Boiger is a beautifully illustrated book featuring the stories of thirteen tenacious women who refused to be intimidated or defeated.
From Harriet Tubman, the African American abolitionist who was born a slave, to Virginia Apgar, the pioneer of obstetrical anesthesiology, to Margaret Chase Smith, the first woman to serve in both houses of the United States Congress, each woman’s accomplishments are narrated through concise prose and stunning illustrations.
Through each inspiring story, readers are shown different examples of women who refused to take no for an answer and fought through discrimination and prejudice to achieve their full potential.
This book is a perfect reminder that no matter what obstacles we may face, we too can persist and achieve our dreams. So take inspiration from these brave women and keep pushing forward, because as they proved, persistence pays off.”
2. Fantastically Great Women Who Made History
by Kate Pankhurst
“Fantastically Great Women Who Made History” is the follow-up to the number one best-selling children’s title, “Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World.” Like “She Persisted,” this book shares the inspiring stories of women with incredible courage and intellect who have left their mark on the world we live in.
What sets “Fantastically Great Women Who Made History” apart from Clinton’s book is its global perspective. Author Kate Pankhurst has curated a collection of stories from all over the world, accompanied by colorful illustrations and typography. The book also provides interesting information about the socio-cultural background of each featured woman.
The list of heroines includes Qiu Jin (the real-life Mulan), Boudicca (Queen of the Celts who stopped the Roman Empire), Valentina Tereshkova (the first woman in space), and Ada Lovelace (the author of the first computing algorithm), among others.
While younger kids will find the stories fascinating, the book also presents valuable opportunities to discuss complex topics such as equality, human rights, racism, and social injustice. “Fantastically Great Women Who Made History” is an engaging and thought-provoking read that both kids and adults will enjoy.
3. Margaret and the Moon: How Margaret Hamilton Saved the First Lunar Landing
by Dean Robbins and Lucy Knisley
“Margaret and the Moon” tells the incredible story of Margaret Hamilton, a pioneering computer scientist who wrote the code for the Apollo space program. She even coined the term “software engineering”!
This book is perfect for any child who loves STEM subjects or space adventures. The story follows Hamilton’s journey from a little girl with a passion for numbers to a director at MIT working with NASA to put the first man on the moon.
With its cartoon-style illustrations and simple writing, “Margaret and the Moon” introduces technical and physics terms that are sure to pique kids’ curiosity and inspire further research.
4. The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: the Story of Dr. Temple Grandin (Amazing Scientists Series)
by Julia Finley Mosca and Daniel Rieley
If you’ve ever felt like you don’t quite fit in, if you’ve ever felt low or different, there’s a name you should know: Dr. Temple Grandin.
“The Girl Who Thought in Pictures” is an inspiring and beautifully illustrated story about Dr. Grandin. She’s a professor of animal science, inventor of the “hug box,” and an advocate for autism. As someone on the autism spectrum herself, she was one of the first to share her personal experiences with the disorder.
This rhyming tale teaches children to embrace their strengths and shows the value of perseverance and self-discipline. It’s a story of hope and determination that’s perfect for any child who feels “different.”
Remember Dr. Grandin’s wise words: “You’ll never fall short once you find what you love.”
5. Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Tales of Extraordinary Women
by Elena Favilli
“Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls” is a remarkable anthology of 100 bedtime stories about extraordinary women, past and present. The Italian author, Elena Favilli, has created a beautiful and creative writing that is accessible for children.
This book is definitely the lengthiest on our list, but it’s well worth the read. Each story is paired with charming illustrations by female artists from around the world, making it a true work of art.
The book is also beautifully designed, with a hardcover and ribbon bookmark that gives it a classic storybook feel. At the end, there’s even a page for kids to write their own story and draw their own portrait, which is a lovely and thoughtful touch.
“Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls” is a perfect gift for any child who wants to be inspired by the incredible women who have changed the world.
In a world where being a girl can feel like an uphill battle, it’s important to give our little ones the gift of seeing strong, capable women who have made a difference. These five empowering books do just that. From thirteen tenacious women who refused to be intimidated or defeated in “She Persisted,” to “Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls” with 100 tales of extraordinary women past and present, these books offer inspiring stories of real women who changed history through their actions and courage.
Have you read any empowering books that you’d like to recommend? Leave a comment below and share your favorite stories of strong ladies.