Children’s books to introduce your kid to feminism

Remember the time when books aimed at girls were only about pink, glitter and princesses? Well, it is not the case anymore. With movies and adult books moving towards a more accurate and powerful portrayal of women, children’s books, too, have begun to paint the right picture in the minds of our children. Books which talk about powerful women, teach you self-love and break the already existing social stigmas are flooding bookstores.

With this very important change we can now introduce our kids, boys and girls alike, to the power that women hold. Here is a list of books that every parent should use to introduce their children to feminism.

This book follows a transgender girl named George, who everyone sees and treats as a boy. She's miserable for not being noticed and being bullied, particularly so when she doesn't get the part she wants to portray in a play, because it was for a girl. The book shows what happens when she starts telling those around her that she is a girl.

The book will teach children that one might not be the gender they were assigned at birth or how they're forced to present, and how hard it is to be a transgender.

Photo: Scholastic

This picture book is inspired by the story of Mary Edwards Walker, a doctor during the suffragist movement who wanted to break the then prevalent social norms and wear pants. This book challenges gender and social norms subtly. It inspires young girls to take decisions for themselves despite being taught otherwise by the people around them.

Picture credit - Balzer + Bray

The story of Emily Roebling, the woman who helped finish the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge after her engineer husband fell ill, this book is a story of determination and grit. Women weren’t welcome to work, let alone be engineers but for this one lady whose persistence helped create this engineering marvel.

Picture credit - Roaring Brook Press

This book is packed with 100 bedtime stories about 100 extraordinary women making it the perfect book for children. The book also has illustrations created by 60 women artists from across the globe. It includes stories of great women like Elizabeth I and Serena Williams and is a great book for inspiring young children. It has been renewed with a second edition titled ‘Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls 2’.

Picture credit - Timbuktu Labs, Inc

This book redefines the idea of a superhero. It features your favourite DC’s women super heroes acting as the perfect catalogue for role models for young girls. The book is a celebration of girl power and the vibrant illustrations make for a super interesting read.

Picture credit - Downtown Bookworks

A perfect read for slightly older children, Matilda is the story of a young girl with magical powers. She escapes from her no-good parents to find happiness with her teacher. She, along with her teacher, fight the evil school principal, who also happens to be the teacher’s aunt, and along the way find love and happiness in each other. The story is about two strong women who, in the toughest of times, fight their way through and are in no wait for a ‘knight in shining armour’ to rescue them.

Picture credit - Puffin Books

The book introduces fourteen revolutionary women to the next generation. The stories are told through a poem and each is illustrated by a famous woman artist. It celebrates women throughout history who have persevered to give the world something to remember them by. The inventor of the modern bathing suit, Annette Kellerman and America’s first known female firefighter, Molly Williams along with many other powerful women are featured in the book.

Picture credit - HarperCollins

Why should the prince be rescuing the princess every time? When Princess Elizabeth’s fiancée, Prince Ronald, is kidnapped by a dragon, it is her courage and wit that helps her rescue her prince. This book breaks not one but two stark gender stereotypes with the princess letting go of her prince after being called un-princess-like.

Picture credit - Annick Press

Self-image issues plagues a large percentage of our generation. This book teaches children to appreciate everything about themselves. Life is about what really matters. The book makes a perfect ode to self-esteem.

Picture credit - HMH Books for Young Readers

The book relates true stories of forty amazing black women who make the perfect role models for young minds. It features stories of breaking boundaries and achieving great heights under the toughest of conditions. The book also brings to light the imminent issue of discrimination on the basis of colour.

Picture credit - Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

There is always more to being a princess than just wearing pretty dresses because with power comes responsibility. Princess Penelope Pineapple realises this and demands that she be allowed to wear pants. The book creates an empowered and decisive female character and celebrates the power of self-expression. There is always more to a woman than how she looks.

Picture credits - Harry N. Abrams