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It’s Women’s History Month and a time to celebrate female empowerment around the world — and one good way to introduce kids to the holiday is to read books starring historical role models.
Little Golden Books, the Random House imprint created in 1942, has you covered with stories about leaders like Vice President Kamala Harris, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles, and country music star and philanthropist Dolly Parton.
Our list of must-have reading material is affordable, with all books costing less than $6, highlights each subject’s most important milestones in simple phrases, and is an easy introduction to biographies, which allow better comprehension of a protagonist’s personal life. For example, kids will learn that actress and animal lover Betty White wished to become a zookeeper as a child and that Mexican artist Frida Kahlo once snuck a donkey into school as a prank.
And it’s not just little girls who benefit from books that support feminist contributions — according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, before the age of 5, all kids understand gender stereotypes, and a study published in Journal of Adolescent Health said that by the time a child turn 10, he or she believes that “girls are vulnerable and boys are strong and independent,” study author Robert Blum of Johns Hopkins University, told ScienceDaily. “And this message is being constantly reinforced at almost every turn, by siblings, classmates, teachers, parents, guardians, relatives, clergy and coaches.”
So if parents can discourage that thinking early on while also encouraging reading habits, let’s celebrate that. Read on for nine inspiring titles to introduce your kids to — this month and every month!
Simone Biles
Simone Biles is the most decorated gymnast ever. Ever. Among her many accolades, Biles has won seven Olympic medals — four of which are gold! — and 32 World Championship medals (19 gold). She has also been awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom and was named one of TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People. When we say she’s the GOAT, that’s no exaggeration.
She is not only known for her unrivaled athleticism but for her advocacy surrounding mental health. Biles withdrew from the 2021 Olympics, prioritizing well-being over winning.
Biles’s story of bravery on and off the balance beam has inspired generations of women to push their limits while staying true to themselves.
Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton isn’t just one of the most successful country singers of all time — she’s a walking inspiration. According to her website, Parton grew up poor on a farm in Tennessee, one of 12 children, and released her first single at age 13. Adults love her songs and her philanthropic spirit and kids adore her Imagination Library book-giving program and of course, her Dollywood theme park.
This Little Golden Book will inspire another generation of Dolly lovers.
Kamala Harris
Kamala Harris deserves her own spot in history, as the first-ever female vice-president of the United States. Not to mention, she is the first Black woman and Asian-American woman to even appear on a presidential ticket.
“While I may be the first woman in this office, I will not be the last,” she said in November 2020 when elected with President Joe Biden.
Lucille Ball
Everyone loves Lucy, even kids! This book tells the story of the iconic producer, comedian, and star of I Love Lucy, the 1950s television show. However, Ball was more than just funny — in 1968, she became the first woman to run her own production company (Lucille Ball Productions) and according to the National Women’s History Museum, she was the first woman inducted into the Television Academy’s Hall of Fame.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Ruth Bader Ginsburg (nicknamed “Notorious RBG”) died in 2020 with a body of work to remember forever. The late Supreme Court justice always fought for justice and equality for race, abortion, equal pay, and LGBTQ rights and is considered one of the greatest feminist heroes of all time.
Misty Copeland
In 2015, Misty Copeland became the first Black dancer to become a principal at the American Ballet Theatre, a position awarded to those considered the best. She’s also a children’s book author, penning Bunheads and Firebird.
This book about Copeland’s life will dance its way into your child’s heart.
A Little Golden Book Biography: Sonia Sotomayor
Sonia Sotomayor is the first Hispanic — and the third woman — to be appointed to Supreme Court Justice (Sandra Day O’Connor was the first and Ruth Bader Ginsburg was the second), nominated by former president Barack Obama in 2009.
Sotomayor has fought for same-sex marriage and criminal justice reform and is also known as “the judge who saved baseball” as her 1995 ruling in a Major League Baseball player strike over salary and working conditions restored the sport for public enjoyment.
Kids will no doubt enjoy reading about Sotomayer and her feminist legacy.
Betty White
When Betty White died in December 2021, she was still enjoying a 70-year career in television, with roles in Hot in Cleveland and Toy Story 4. White is mostly known for her roles as fun-loving Rose Nylund in The Golden Girls and the spunky Sue Ann Nivens on The Mary Tyler Moore Show.
Although children are generally too young to appreciate White’s comedy, they will relate to her love and devotion for animals.
Frida Kahlo
Kids may recognize Mexican painter Frida Kahlo’s self-portraits which showed her famous facial hair. “She pointed out her mustache and joined eyebrows because they show a male aspect to her personality, and Frida always wanted to be both,” art historian Helga Prignitz-Poda told CNN in 2014. “She wanted to be a complete human being and not only the sweet wife, so this makes her look so strong.”
The story of Kahlo’s life will enchant young readers and aspiring artists.
Queen Elizabeth II
At 95, Queen Elizabeth is the oldest reigning queen and she spends most of her time doing charity work. She also has famous grandchildren, two of which are Prince William (the husband of Kate Middleton) and Prince Harry (the husband of Meghan Markle).
Children will love reading about the queen and her fairy tale life — and this soon-to-be-released title is available for pre-order now.
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