Reading to and encouraging children to read is terribly important, though it’s also important that the books they read are empowering and uplifting. When it comes to little girls, it’s particularly helpful to encourage them to believe in themselves and their abilities. The following ten books are fun and absolutely essential for anyone trying to empower young girls.
The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch
The Paper Bag Princess humorously chronicles the bravery of a young princess whose fiancé is kidnapped by a dragon. When she tries to save her prince however, he criticizes her unkempt appearance. A witty tale for young girls, this powerful book shows readers to never settle for less than they deserve.
I Love My Hair by Natasha Anastasia Tarpley
I Love My Hair is a powerful story for young girls. A toddler named Keyana complains about her hair one night while her mother gets her ready for bed. Keyana’s mom helps her to understand why her hair is special and why we should celebrate things that set us apart. A beautifully illustrated story to help little girls accept and be proud of their looks.
Odd Velvet by Mary Whitcomb
Odd Velvet centers around a little girl who sticks out like a sore thumb. Velvet’s odd qualities keep her from getting to know people at school and she starts to feel left out. As Velvet gets a chance to show her qualities to her classmates however, they see her for who she really is. A great book that celebrates every little girl’s uniqueness.
I Like Myself by Karen Beaumont
I Like Myself is a powerful book about self acceptance for little girls. Set to rhyming verse, this upbeat story celebrates a little girl who loves who she is. Sure to help little girls appreciate themselves for who they are, I Like Myself is an enjoyable, humorous read.
Winners Never Quit by Mia Hamm
In this fast-paced story from Olympian Mia Hamm, a young girl learns to love playing a sport more than winning or losing. Emphasizing the joy of pursuing what you love, this book is sure to engage young girls. An encouraging and powerful book, Winners Never Quit is perfect reading material for those with little girls.
Black, White, Just Right by Marguerite W. Davol
This uplifting tale celebrates a multicultural family whose little girl is “just right.” Inclusive and optimistic, this book helps little girls admire differences in themselves and others. It also encourages girls to look past skin color and see a person based on their personality.
The Skin You Live In by Micheal Tyler
Every young child is celebrated in this nursery rhyme, focusing on the ways skin makes us both different and similar. Ultimately the story highlights the importance of who we are beneath the skin, in a fun, upbeat way.
Not All Princesses Dress In Pink by Jane Yolen
This lighthearted book celebrates girls across a wide spectrum of interests and hobbies, all with optimistic rhyming text. The book doesn’t follow a particular story, instead opting to celebrate girls’ uniqueness in a free-form fashion.
Wilma Unlimited: How Wilma Rudolph Became the World’s Fastest Woman by Kathleen Krull
This gripping story follows the life of Wilma Rudolph, who was expected to never walk again at just five-years-old. Instead of giving up, Wilma not only walked, but became an Olympic hero. An uplifting and supportive story, this book encourages girls to shoot for the stars.
Matilda by Roald Dahl
No list of powerful books for girls is complete without this classic book by Roald Dahl. Chronicling the story of a little girl with no one to rely on, Matilda shows little girls to pursue their dreams, even when things look hopeless. An ultimately upbeat and inspiring tale, this book reminds girls they are capable and strong.
Featured photo credit: Dana via flickr.com
