Celebrating Girl Power With 4 Incredible Kids’ Books

A list of incredible kids’ books for celebrating girl power and activism.
The Children’s Book Review

There has never been a better time for kids to get involved in activism. From Emma Gonzalez’s stand against gun violence to Malala Yousafzai’s continuing fight for girls’ education, girls are rising up like never before in history to stand up for what is right. Here are four fantastic publications that provide an excellent opportunity to learn about girl activism and get involved in some good causes. Taken together, these four volumes offer girls mirrors through which to see themselves as empowered, empowering, and powerful. And remember – these stories are not just for girls.

What to Expect: Feminism, Activism, and Biography.

Just Like Me

Written and illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton

Ages 4-8 | 32 Pages

Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers | ISBN-13: 978-0525582090

To start with, Just Like Me is a simply beautiful collection of illustrated poems that celebrates the uniqueness that makes each girl different and special. From girls who “love these freckles” to girls who “love a good scare” and those who are “willing to fight the good fight,” this volume is a celebration of the fiery spirit that girls everywhere share, no matter how different they may be. Each page of this picture book is illustrated in a different style, as if underscoring the fact that even where there is variety and diversity, together we make a strong whole.

Girls Resist: A Guide to Activism, Leadership, and Starting a Revolution

Written by Kaelyn Rich

Ages 9-12 | 240 Pages

Publisher: Quirk Books | ISBN: 978-1-68369-059-7

Girls Resist! is a practical guide to activism, emphasizing “practical.” It covers important definitions and vocabulary, creating a campaign plan, action tactics, and even media outreach. It also contains a reading list of further resources and even self-care tips to prevent activism burn-out. The book has a crisp, solid feel—care and attention has gone into its production, and checklists, activities, and call-out boxes make this volume easy to read. The comic-style illustration adds a touch of fun. This book would be a great choice to support a home-schooling or classroom project—or just because activism is cool.

Greta’s Story: The Schoolgirl Who Went On Strike To Save The Planet

Written by Valentina Camerini

Illustrated by Veronica Carratello

Translated by Moreno Giovannoni

Ages 8-12 | 144 Pages

Publisher: Aladdin | ISBN: 978-1-53446-877-1

Greta’s Story, as more of a traditional biography, is perfect for rainy-day inspiration. It tells the story of fifteen-year-old Greta Thunberg, who sparked the “Fridays for Future” movement in 2018 to protest against political inaction in the face of climate change and environmental disaster. Comic-style illustrations add minimalist detail to the text, and a glossary of key terms at the end provides additional educational value.

Make Trouble Young Readers Edition: Standing Up, Speaking Out, and Finding the Courage to Lead

Written by Cecile Richards and Lauren Peterson

Ages 10+ | 256 Pages

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books | ISBN: 978-1-53446-877-1

Finally, Make Trouble provides an autobiographical account of the triumphs and challenges that face a girl who is willing to speak out. Written by former Planned Parenthood president Cecile Richards, this memoir shares the story of a lifetime of protest. From Cecile’s 7th-grade stand against the Vietnam War to her work as a public speaker standing up for women’s reproductive rights, genuine photographs add authenticity and personal interest to this inspiring story.

The book list Celebrating Girl Power With 4 Incredible Kids’ Books was curated by Dr. Jen Harrison. Follow along with our articles and reviews tagged with Books with Activism, Girl Empowerment, and Women’s History.