What will you find here?
On this page, you will find a text set all about inspirational women from the 21st century who are passionate about advocacy. Each book describes a woman who made or is making positive changes and advancing the status of women and young girls all around the world. Teachers and parents, these are great picks for your fourth or fifth graders who are constantly seeking inspiration.
Greta's Story: The School Girl Who Went on Strike to Save the Planet by Valentina Camerini
This chapter book containing black and white drawings follows the story of the Swedish Activist Greta Thunberg. Unlike the other stories within this text set Greta's Story does not begin with her as a young child but with her first act as a climate activist. This story may seem more attainable to young readers because Thunberg is fifteen when she begins advocating for a solution to climate change. This is a great story to encourage young women who want to make a difference but are not sure where to begin. The end of the book also includes timelines and information on what climate change is and how discussion surrounding it started.
Malala: Activist for Girls' Education by Raphaele Frier illustrated by Aurelia Fronty
This story follows the life of a young Pakistani girl who stood up for the right to receive the same education as boys along how her community is impacted by the Taliban . She notices from a young age that women and men are not treated the same within her culture. Her perspective provides a window into a culture that is often stigmatized for American students. Because of her age, many young readers may feel more encouraged to take action rather than feeling as though they are too young to have an important role in advocacy.
Elizabeth Warren: Nevertheless She Persisted by Susan Wood illustrated by Sarah Green
The life of Senator and 2020 Presidential Candidate Elizabeth Warren is described with the words of Susan Wood in Elizabeth Warren: Nevertheless She Persisted. The story starts with Warren's childhood which provides a possible mirror for a reader whose family is experiencing financial troubles. This particular mirror acts as a means of encouragement for readers to use their experience with hardships to help other people.
Hillary Rodham Clinton: Some Girls Are Born to Lead by Michelle Merkel illustrated by LeUyen Pham
This book, meant for a slightly younger audience tracks the political journey of former first lady, senator, secretary of state and 2016 presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. This a great tool to encourage young readers to use their voice to speak up for those who do not have the power to advocate for themselves. The story also describes Clinton's battle with critics and how she overcame female stereotypes. This is a great book for students who might feel as though the world is against them.
Turning Pages: My Life Story by Sonia Sotomayor illustrated by Lulu Delacre
In her autobiography, Sonia Sotomayor describes her life as a young Puerto Rican girl in New York City who goes on to become a Supreme Court Justice. Her story is provides multiple windows and mirrors describing her diagnosis of diabetes at age seven, her Spanish speaking family and her ability to find solace and inspiration in books. The endpapers include real pictures of Sotomayor and her family giving the reader more context about her life and her connection to her family. The book also gives opportunities for lessons in Spanish language and culture.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg: The Case of R.B.G vs Inequality by Jonah Winter illustrated by Stacy Innerst
This story by Jonah Winter introduces the life of Ruth Bader Ginsburg as a court case. The facts of the case are different aspects of Bader Ginsburg's life starting from her childhood in New York, to her college experience at Cornell, to her work as a Supreme Court Justice. This is a great resource to teach your students or young reader about RBG's influence on the fight for gender equality. The book also includes a glossary of words related to law and the constitution.
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