While the idea of “history” may be outside the understanding of a very young child, we can still celebrate Women’s History Month with them by reading books together that celebrate the potential and achievements of girls and women.
10 Books to Celebrate Women’s History Month With Your Little One
Celebrate Women’s History Month by introducing your child to inspiring stories recommended by our early education experts that celebrate the achievements and vital role of girls and women in America.
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Young children are constantly learning about the world and what is possible for them. Themed history months offer a wonderful opportunity to take stock of your home or classroom library and ask yourself: am I presenting a rich view of the world? Am I offering children ideas and possibilities? Am I fostering a strong sense of self, and an openness towards difference? Books are windows and mirrors, they can reflect children’s own lives, and they can offer glimpses into the lives of others. Women’s History Month presents us with a wonderful opportunity to explore the infinite paths a child might choose to pursue, regardless of gender.
When you select a new book to read with your child, choose something you think you will also enjoy. Your enthusiasm will be catching! Look for books with features that appeal to young children’s imaginations—not too many words on each page, rhythmic or rhyming text and illustrations that invite wonder. The books below are chosen for their appealing texts, rich illustrations and simple—but not simplistic—concepts. While the titles are sorted by age, all the books for the youngest readers will work with preschool-aged children also, and some, (like I Am Enough,) are books you might want to read even without a small child at your side! A high-quality picture-book with beautiful illustrations works for every age, (including adults!) because images are texts that foster meaning-making.
Children’s Books to Read During Women’s History Month
Whether your child is a toddler, in pre-K or on their way to kindergarten, here are some great book recommendations from Anne-Marie Akin, our Educare Chicago librarian to read during this month and beyond:
Books recommended for infants:
- I Like Myself! by Karen Beaumont
- Maya Angelou (Little People, Big Dreams) by Lisbeth Kaiser
- Frida: A Bilingual Counting Book by Patty Rodriguez and Ariana Stein
Books recommended for toddlers:
- A is for Awesome! 23 Iconic Women Who Changed the World by Eva Chen
- I Am Enough by Grace Byers
- ABC What Can She Be? by Jessie Ford and Sugar Snap Studio
Books recommended for children in pre-K or kindergarten:
- Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré by Anika Aldamuy Denise
- Like a Girl by Lori Degman
- Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed
- Women Artists A to Z by Melanie LaBarge
About the Author
Anne-Marie Akin
Library Consultant & Musician-in-Residence, Educare Chicago
Anne-Marie Akin, MFA, incorporates diverse stories and music into Educare Chicago’s curriculum to help support students’ learning and development.
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