8 Diverse Children’s Books for a Feminism-Focused Library

Storytime with your little one is an essential part of parenthood. It’s great one-on-one bonding and a chance to learn new words. Growing up, essential children’s books helped shape how we saw the world. If you’re now yourself a parent, you might be searching for the best books that teach diversity or want some craft-focused books to inspire your little maker. But you also know that reading and discussing female-driven, empowering children’s books is part of raising awesome kids, so we pulled together a list of some great feminist books to fill out your family’s library.

<em>I Dissent</em>

Ages 4+)

<em>Where the Mountain Meets the Moon</em>

The Longest Shortest Time (the BEST parenting podcast) interview with her. (Ages 9+)

<em>Bad Girls Throughout History</em>

Ages 12+)

<em>A Sweet Smell of Roses</em>

Ages 5+)

<em>Marisol McDonald Doesn’t Match</em>

Marisol McDonald no combina) by Monica Brown and Sara Palacios ($18): This bilingual Spanish-English children’s book is about a young girl who is mixed race and does things a little differently. She loves peanut butter and jelly burritos (sounds so good!), mixing polka dots and stripes and her own red hair and dark skin. This fun and colorful book is a must for any amazing kid in your life. (Ages 5+)

<em>Interstellar Cinderella</em>

Ages 4+)

<em>Just Us Women</em>

Reading Rainbow — follows the adventures of an aunt and her niece as they go on a road trip together in Aunt Martha’s new car. Give this to your sister to read with your daughter to help them form their own special bond. (Ages 4+)

<em>The Paper Bag Princess</em>

Interstellar Cinderella, this princess’s tale isn’t your average fable of girl meets boy. When a dragon smashes Princess Elizabeth’s castle and burns her clothes, the intrepid princess dons a paper bag and tracks down her kidnapped prince. A favorite among parents since it was published almost 40 years ago, this story is an opportunity for your little one to appreciate a truly independent young lady. (Ages 4+)