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Picture books are one of our first windows into who we can be. After a certain age, dozens of things are fighting for a person’s attention: friend groups, television shows, music, sales ads, and influencers shape identity as we move through the world. No book, parenting concept, or magic potion can completely armor a young person against the pressures of changing to conform to a group. However, a foundation of love, acceptance, and powerful role models can go a long way in helping someone young have a healthy baseline to return to as they navigate life and grow into themselves.
We live in a golden age of picture books that break gender roles. Books like Sparkle Boy and Big Boys Cry teach that softness and beauty are not confined to the female spectrum, while When Aidan Became a Brother and Except When They Don’t remind us that gender assumptions, in general, are unnecessary. As it is Women’s History Month, I wanted to feature some books where girls stomped out pesky gender roles and portrayed the strength and fierceness we all know they can have.
Jovita Wore Pants: The Story of a Mexican Freedom Fighter by Aida Salazar and Molly Mendoza
Let’s start a real-life leading lady who rejected both the idea that she could not wear pants and the declaration that she could not fight for what she believed. Left behind when her father and brothers went to fight in the Mexican Cristero War, Jovita found her own way to fight for freedom! Girls can wear what they want, and girls can change history.
Thunder Rose by Jerdine Nolen and Kadir Nelson
Give us more tall tales about more fierce girls! Thunder Rose names herself and owns her power in this gorgeous book that revitalizes a worn-out genre. The figurative language and detailed illustrations earn this a spot in any library. Girls are magical, and girls are folktale heroes.
Malala’s Magic Pencil by Malala Yousafzai and Kerascoët
Malala Yousafzai is an amazing activist with a powerful story. There are many books written about her, but this picture book biography tells her story in her own words, with a fantastical edge that is engaging and lovely. Girls deserve education, and girls cannot be silenced.
Hopefully, you’ve found some picture books that break gender roles to empower a young girl in your life. Looking for more books to crush gender stereotypes? Check out this article about books that defy gender stereotypes for more great reads. Down with the patriarchy! Happy reading!