You don’t have to be a grown up to make a difference! Being born with cerebral palsy meant that Jennifer had to use a wheelchair to get around, and from a young, age she noticed how inaccessible public spaces were for people with disabilities leading to her involvement and advocacy in the Capital Crawl on behalf of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Jennifer continues to use her voice to speak up for what she believes is right. Recommended for ages 4–8.
Published on Monroe County Public Library, Indiana - mcpl.info (https://mcpl.info)
Women's Experiences
Picture Books and Younger Elementary
All the Way to the Top: How One Girl's Fight for Americans with Disabilities Changed Everything
(Juvenile Nonfiction - J 921 Keelan Pim)
Ellen Takes Flight: The Life of Astronaut Ellen Ocohoa
(Juvenile Nonfiction - J 921 Ochoa Rap)
Series: Big Words
In 1978, the astronaut program finally accepted women of color, and Ellen Ocohoa was the first Latina to reach outer space. She later served as Director of the Johnson Space Center. Throughout her extraordinary career, she traveled to schools and colleges to encourage Hispanic students to study math and science in order to serve their communities. Recommended for ages 4–8.
Ho’Onani: Hula Warrior
(Juvenile Picture Books - EJ Gal)
This story is a celebration of Hawaiian culture and an empowering celebration of identity and acceptance. Ho’Onani is a young girl who learns to lead while also learning to accept who she really is—and in doing so, gains the respect of all those around her. Recommended for ages 4–8.
It Feels Good to be Yourself
(Juvenile Nonfiction - J 305.3 Tho)
Some people are girls, some people are boys, and some people are both—neither or somewhere in between. This book is a straightforward and sweet exploration of gender identity that will give caregivers and children a fuller understanding of themselves and others while also providing vocabulary to discuss this important topic with sensitivity. Recommended for ages 4–8.
Ketanji: Justice Jackson’s Journey to the U.S. Supreme Court
(Juvenile Nonfiction - J 921 Jackson Mag)
Ketanji Brown was raised by her parents to have a deep sense of her West African heritage. After spending many years fighting for social justice and working in a variety of different law positions, including being a public defender, Ketanji became a federal judge and later joined the Supreme Court. A lesson in overcoming adversity, her inspiring story is a powerful message about being an advocate for people who can’t defend themselves and being true to yourself. Recommended for ages 4–8.
Lila Greer, Teacher of the Year
(Juvenile Picture Books - EJ Bea)
Series: The Questioneers
This is an encouraging story about Lila, who starts a new school and is feeling lonely and out of place until she finds comfort in the kindness of a teacher who helps her feel a little less invisible. Lila’s experience inspires her to become an understanding and inclusive teacher, too! Recommended for ages 4–8.
Molly’s Tuxedo
(Juvenile Picture Books - EJ Joh)
Getting dressed is so much more than wearing clothes! Sometimes kids understand this better than adults, and in this book, Molly is very clear about which clothes feel best for her. While preparing for picture day, Molly really wants to feel comfortable and look great…in her brother's tux! But Molly’s mom has a different idea for what she should wear. Recommended for ages 4–8.
Never Give Up: Dr. Kati Kariko and the Race for the Future of Vaccines
(Juvenile Nonfiction - J 921 Kariko Dad)
Even though Kati was discouraged by other scientists in her field, she was determined to find a way to create a vaccine. When COVID-19 started infecting millions of people, her invention was crucial in helping save lives. Recommended for ages 4–8.
Not Yet: The Story of an Unstoppable Skater
(Juvenile Nonfiction - J 921 Lari Lar)
This is an inspiring story about a young girl who dreamed of becoming an ice skater after seeing a movie. Zahra is discouraged by everyone she knows, but she didn’t give up, and eventually became the first skater to compete at the international level in a hijab. Recommended for ages 4–8.
Our House is on Fire: Greta Thunberg's Call to Save the Planet
(Juvenile Nonfiction - J 921 Thunberg Win)
This is a brave and encouraging book about a teenage climate activist named Greta Thunberg who has sparked a worldwide student movement and is inspiring students around the world to take action along with her. Recommended for ages 4–8.
Real Princesses Change the World
(Juvenile Nonfiction - J 920 Pea)
All around the world, there are real princesses who are active members of their local and global communities. This book explores royalty who are athletes, engineers, activists, business women, and so much more. These stories illustrate how even one person can make small changes that add up to a better world! Recommended for ages 4–8.
When I Wrap My Hair
(Juvenile Picture Books - EJ Gra)
This affirming, lyrical ode to hair wrapping is a tribute to the pride in tradition and love from ancestors that one young girl feels when she wraps her hair. This book is both an act of joyful recognition and a demonstration of how knowledge is passed through generations. Recommended for ages 4–8.
Older Elementary
Both Can Be True
(Juvenile Fiction - J Machais)
This book explores identity, gender fluidity, and the power of friendship and acceptance in this dual-narrative story about two kids who join forces to save a dog, but wind up saving each other. Recommended for ages 9–12.
Girl Warriors: How 25 Young Activists are Saving the Earth
(Juvenile Nonfiction - J 920 Sar)
This book includes interviews with young climate leaders that presents a hopeful picture of the future of environmentalism. These fearless girls and young women from all over the world have led hundreds of thousands of people in climate strikes, founded nonprofits, given TED talks, and sued their governments. Recommended for ages 10–16.
Go With the Flow
(Juvenile Graphic Novel - JGN William Go With the Flow)
Good friends help you go with the flow. Best friends help you start a revolution. Four high school students are fed up with their school administration that puts football before female health. The girls confront a world that shrugs―or worse, squirms―at the thought of a menstruation revolution. It’s not easy to make a change, but they find the power of their voice to face the challenge. Recommended for ages 10–16.
Key Player
(Juvenile Fiction - J Yang)
Series: Front Desk
When Mia falls short of the grade she needs to earn a spot at journalism camp, she comes up with a plan to track down the Women's World Cup finalists, interview them, and earn an A, but tracking down the team is harder than she thought. Recommended for ages 9–12.
Lalani of the Distant Sea
(Juvenile Fiction - J Kelly)
This is the story of Lalani Sarita, a 12-year-old girl who must embark on a quest—normally reserved for boys—in the hope of saving her village from life-threatening hazards. Inspired by Filipino folklore, this story is full of magical creatures, epic tests, life-threatening hazards, and finding strength and courage in surprising ways. Recommended for ages 9–12.
Own Your Period
(Juvenile Nonfiction - J 612.662 Qui)
Own Your Period celebrates what the body can do and provides young people with everything they need to be prepared and empowered. This book is a fact-filled and approachable guide that includes honest advice, scientific explanations, practical information, and even busts common myths and misconceptions—all in a positive, insightful, and friendly voice. Recommended for ages 10–16.
Prairie Lotus
(Juvenile Fiction - J Park)
This moving and multilayered historical novel takes place in the Dakota Territory in the 1800s where Hanna, a half-Chinese girl, and her white father face racism and resistance while they attempt to make a home for themselves. Hanna has a few simple wishes for herself: attend school, become a dressmaker in her father's shop, and make at least one friend. Recommended for ages 9–12.
Roller Girl
(Juvenile Graphic Novel - JGN Jamieso Roller Girl)
A graphic novel adventure about a girl who discovers roller derby right as she and her best friend are growing apart. Recommended for ages 9–12.
The Science of Surfing: a Surfside Girls Guide to the Ocean
(Juvenile Graphic Novel - JGN 797.32 Dwi)
This graphic novel is about so much more than surfing and surfing lessons! Sam and Jade take us along for the ride as they explore the world of ocean science, from physics to marine biology to ecology. Recommended for ages 9–12.
Tethered to Other Stars
(Juvenile Fiction - J Leahy)
This is a luminous story about a tween girl navigating the devastating impact of ICE’s looming presence on her family and community. When her family moves to a new all-American neighborhood, Wendy knows the plan: keep her head down, build a telescope that will win the science fair, and stay on her family's safe orbit. But that's easier said than done! Recommended for ages 9–12.