Hey there, parents! Have you taken a moment to peek at your child’s bookshelf? You might be in for a surprise. Just how many of those stories feature a girl as the main character? Sadly, you might find the numbers a bit disheartening.
A comprehensive study of nearly 6,000 children’s books from 1900 to 2000 revealed a staggering gender disparity: 57% of children’s books spotlight male protagonists, while almost all include them in some capacity. In contrast, a mere 31% feature female characters. Time magazine’s list of the top 100 children’s books? Only 53 of them have female characters that actually speak, according to the book Rebel Girls.
But don’t fret! There are some fantastic books out there with girls at the forefront. It’s our duty to expose both our daughters and sons to stories where equality shines, and girls are just as fierce as their male counterparts. Here are a few titles that inspire all kids to aim high and challenge outdated gender norms.
- Galactic Cinderella
Once upon a time in a galaxy far away, a girl named Cinderella, surrounded by tools and gadgets, dreamed of launching rockets into space. - Rosie Revere, Inventor
Meet Rosie, who might seem shy by day, but at night she creates amazing inventions and dreams of becoming a top engineer. When her great-great-aunt Rosie (yes, that Rosie!) visits and mentions her dream of flying, Rosie sets out to make it happen! - Violet the Pilot
Violet Van Winkle can fix just about anything by age two and, by eight, she’s crafting incredible flying machines like the Tubbubbler and the Bicycopter. The kids at school may tease her, but they have no idea what she can do! - Ada Twist, Scientist
When Ada encounters a mysterious, awful smell in her house, she takes it upon herself to investigate. Fearless in the face of failure, she embarks on a quest filled with scientific experiments to uncover the truth. - Firebird
In her debut picture book, Misty Copeland narrates the story of a girl who struggles with self-doubt. Misty inspires her to rebuild her confidence, showing her that through hard work and determination, she too can soar. - I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark
Discover the life of the iconic Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg in this delightful picture book that demonstrates how disagreement can lead to progress. - Isabella, Girl in Charge
Inspired by trailblazing women in politics, Isabella aims to witness history in the making as she tries to usher her parents out the door and into the voting booth. - Ada’s Ideas: The Story of Ada Lovelace, the First Computer Programmer
This biography captures the essence of Ada Lovelace, a visionary who recognized the artistic potential of numbers. - Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls
This enchanting collection features 100 bedtime stories about extraordinary women, beautifully illustrated by 60 female artists from around the globe. Each tale reads like a fairy tale, celebrating the achievements of women throughout history.
So grab these empowering reads and let your kids dream big! For more insights on parenting and fertility, check out our other posts, including our guide on home insemination kits over at Make a Mom. If you’re curious about fertility and related health topics, Science Daily is an excellent resource to explore. Also, if you have questions or need guidance, feel free to reach out to us at Intracervical Insemination.
Summary:
Explore these empowering children’s books that promote girl power and challenge gender stereotypes. Featuring strong female protagonists, these stories inspire both girls and boys to dream big and embrace equality.