March is National Women’s History Month. What better way to celebrate the legacy of female resilience, ingenuity, and limitless possibilities than with rich, diverse, picture books? A good book has the power to shift our thinking and challenge preconceived notions. Intentional Read Alouds provide the opportunity for students to think about and discuss great books while exploring big ideas, themes, and concepts that make reading meaningful. Check out this list of eleven books to use during your Intentional Read Alouds that highlight women characters who, amidst challenges, persisted.
Nonfiction
These nonfiction titles celebrate real women’s contributions to our history.
Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led her People to Freedom – By: Carole Boston Weatherford
Harriet Tubman’s bravery and compassion for all is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. This book’s beautiful illustrations and lyrical text embody strength and hope, a lesson all children can dream from.
When Marian Sang – By: Pam Munoz Ryan
In 1939 it was audacious to think that an African American woman could perform on the steps of the historic Lincoln Memorial, let alone draw a crowd of 75,000 fans. It is this audacity of hope that empowered Marian Anderson to overcome racial barriers and gender stereotypes to rise to the occasion, elevating her as one of the most accomplished artists of the 20th century.
Me, Frida – By: Amy Novesky
In this biography, renowned artist Frida Kahlo takes her loneliness and homesickness for Mexico and transforms them into something beautiful. Finding inspiration in a foreign city and in her exploration, Frida discovers the power of believing in yourself.
Firebird – By: Misty Copeland
American Ballet Theater soloist Misty Copeland tells the empowering story of a young girl who questions her ability to be a graceful dancer. With Misty’s encouragement, the young girl learns that with practice and dedication, she too can become a firebird.
Amelia to Zora: Twenty-Six Women Who Changed The World – By: Cynthia Chin-Lee & Megan Hasley
This alphabetical picture book features stories of remarkable women, from Olympian golfer Mildred Ekka “Babe” Didrikson to the renowned Oprah Winfrey, whose ambitions made the world a better place.
I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes her Mark – By: Debbie Levy
Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s life has been one disagreement after another. She has disagreed, disapproved, and differed with creaky old ideas, with unfairness, and with inequality. In her objection and resistance, Ginsburg stands up for what is right for all people.
Fiction
In these fictional stories, characters strive to become the strong women that define our history and build our future.
Amazing Grace – By: Mary Hoffman
A lover of stories, Grace is told she can’t play Peter Pan in her class performance. Through courage and determination, Grace shows us that you can be anything you want to be if you put your mind to it.
Rosie Revere, Engineer – By: Andrea Beaty
Machines, gizmos, and gadgets galore – nothing is too challenging for Rosie Revere the engineer! In this story, a young inventor learns that the only way you truly fail is if you quit.
Grace for President – By: Kelly DiPucchio
When Grace discovers from her teacher that the United States has never had a female president, it does not sit well with her. Refusing to accept this as the status quo in her school, Grace decides to run for class president proving you can be anything if you work hard.
Ladybug Girl – By: Jackie Davis
When Lulu puts on her ladybug costume, she transforms into Ladybug Girl, a fearless adventurer who builds forts and scales mountains. Lulu ignores naysayers who tell her she’s too little, instead relishing her own sense of freedom and imagination.
Princess and the Pizza – By: Mary Jane Auch
A modern perspective on a classic princess fairy tale, Princess Paulina is a character far from the damsel in distress trope. In a competition vying for a prince’s attention, Paulina discovers her talent for fine pizza making, rejecting the princess career, she instead decides to open her own pizza shop.