March is Women’s History Month, and while your kids may
encounter activities about famous women from history at school or your local
library, this month is also a good time to open a conversation at home.
You can easily do that by reading a book with your child
about a famous woman from history. Since this month is also National Reading
Month, books can help you talk about ways that women pushed the boundaries in
the work they sought to do, the rights they held in society — like the right to
vote and the right to own property — and more.
Here are a few ideas for great books to read with your
daughter or son this month. Check with your local librarian for even more
suggestions.
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Nonfiction
“Rebel in a Dress: Cowgirls” and “Rebel in a Dress: Adventurers” Written by Sylvia Branzei, illustrated by Melissa Sweet
Ages 8 to 12
Showcases women who pushed the boundaries of their times to
achieve what they wanted. Includes quotes from the women featured and those who
knew them, as well as notes about other events going on in the world during the
times in which they lived. Girls now are mostly told they can do and be
anything they want, and these books show just how far society has come for that
to happen.
“In Disguise! Undercover with Real Women Spies” By Ryan Ann Hunter
Ages 9 to 12
Highlights the stories of women who acted as spies during
the American Revolution, the Civil War, World War I, World War II, and other
conflicts. Readers will also learn about some of the techniques used in spying
over the years and learn how to try a few of them out.
“The Heroine’s Bookshelf: Life Lessons from Jane Austen toLaura Ingalls Wilder” By Erin Blakemore
Ages 13 and up
Pairs favorite heroines in literary history with their
female authors and analyzes both the similarities and differences in their
lives. In the past, women faced multiple barriers in bringing their stories to
print, and many of them, even those we think of as successful, struggled with
poverty their entire lives.
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Fiction
“My Name is Not Isabella: Just How Big Can a Little GirlDream” Written by Jennifer Fosberry, illustrated by Mike Litwin
Ages 5 to 8
Focuses on some of the strongest females in history, like
Sally Ride and Rosa Parks, as seen through the eyes of a little girl who looks
up to them. Brief biographies in the back of the book offer more information
and can lead to further exploration.
“Promise the Night” By Michaela MacColl
Ages 9 to 12
Introduces young readers to Beryl Markham, an Englishwoman
who grew up in the wilds of Africa and became an aviatrix and the first woman
to fly solo from Europe to North America.
“Caddie Woodlawn” By Carol Ryrie Brink
Ages 9 to 12
Depiction of American pioneer life and the role women were
expected to play in it. Caddie has no interest in being a “lady,” preferring to
run in the woods with her brothers. Based on the real-life stories of the
author’s grandmother.
Read more: How to fire up your reluctant reader
Cindy Hudson writes
about books for children and their parents at MotherDaughterBookClub.com. She
is the author of “Book by Book: The Complete Guide to Creating Mother-DaughterBook Clubs.”