We are always looking for creative, educational, and fun ways to celebrate International Women's Day and Women's History Month. I've pulled together a list of the best International Women's Day read aloud books for kids - great books to read all Women's History Month long. There are so many great reasons to love these read aloud books.
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Table of contents
Why read aloud books?
Kids love read aloud books. Yes, studies show that young children enjoy the experience of having books read to them. Whether it is a book read with a parent or teacher, kids love this activity. The connection it builds and the benefits of increasing reading comprehension.
What makes a great read aloud book?
There are a few factors that I look for in a great read aloud book. First, I look for clear language. Clear language helps children comprehend the text. The use of rhyming and repetition is helpful for early readers - they can follow along and start to predict the words. I also look at the illustrations. The illustrations help connect children to the overall story being told. Do they support the words? Are they captivating? And finally, in the case of read aloud books for International Women's Day and Women's History Month I am looking for stories that share women's lives, adventures, strengths, and experiences. Storylines can then be expanded into discussions with kids about women and their experiences.
The Best Read Aloud Books for International Women's Day
Shaking Things Up: 14 Young Women Who Changed the World by Susan Hood (ages 4-10yrs) - This book is filled with the stories of 14 women who made an impact on history. Whether it was inventing the modern-day swimsuit or a woman astronaut the stories are told through short poems that are concise, and simply illustrated. This book is a great jumping-off point for discussions with kids of all ages.
Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré by Anika Aldamuy Denise (ages 4-10yrs) - The story of Pura Belpre is an inspiring portrait of the influential librarian, author, and puppeteer reminds us of the power of storytelling and the extraordinary woman who opened doors and championed bilingual literature
A Is for Awesome!: 23 Iconic Women Who Changed the World by Eva Chen (ages 1-6 years) - Let's make our way through the alphabet featuring the stories of 23 awesome women! Bite-sized pieces of information are presented with simple illustrations to captivate little listeners and early readers.
Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Inspiring Young Changemakers by Jess Harriton, Maithy Vu, and Bindi Irwin (6-10yrs) - The award-winning Rebel Girls book series is a fantastic read aloud bedtime book or classroom book for boys and girls. The book highlights a range of women who come from different countries and backgrounds. Their accomplishments vary widely - from young women like Greta Thunberg, Bethany Hamilton, Taylor Swift, Bindi Irwin, and beyond. The book includes beautiful illustrations and fairy tale-style storytelling that captivates children of all ages.
Drum Dream Girl: How One Girl's Courage Changed Music by Margarita Engle (ages 3-8 years) - Imagine a world where girls can't be drummers? Playing the music they want to. This story is Inspired by the story of Millo Castro Zaldarriaga. When she was finally able to beat her drum and play her music everyone sang and danced. Learn why everyone should be free to bang their drums.
Stacey’s Extraordinary Words by Stacey Abrams (ages 4-8yrs) - When Stacey’s love of words leads her to compete in a spelling bee she will learn about winning and loss. A story that will help take the fear out of failure for kids and ignite their love of words.
Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty (ages 4-8yrs) - When your child looks at a pile of sticks does she reach in and start building? Perhaps you have a little engineer on your hands. Andrea Beaty introduces us to Rosie Revere, an unlikely engineer. Seeing girls exploring engineering, architecture, and scientists is what Beaty brings to life in her book series.
Malala's Magic Pencil by Malala Yousafzai (ages 4-10 years) - Young Malala wished she had a magic pencil. A pencil she could use to change her community. However, as we follow the story of Malala we see that she is able to use her pencil and her voice to change the world. A beautifully illustrated telling of Malala Yousafzai's story. Perfect for early readers.
Rosa Parks (Mini Movers and Shakers Series) by Mary Nhin (ages 4-8 years) - The Rosa Parks edition of the Mini Movers and Shakers Series introduces kids to Rosa Parks's story of standing up for what's right. This story will inspire children to dream big and work hard when they are faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges. The graphic illustrations and simple text are great for early readers.
Change Sings by Amanda Goreman (ages 4-10 years) - Change Sings is a beautiful picture book by the inaugural Youth Poet Laureate and activist Amanda Gorman. The lyrical story is a call to action for children (and adults) to find ways to make a difference in the world, in their communities, and in themselves.
Secret Engineer: How Emily Roebling Built the Brooklyn Bridge by Rachel Dougherty (ages 5-8yrs) - The story of Emily Roebling is another story of history overlooking the contributions of women, especially in the STEM fields. When Emily's husband, the chief engineer on the Brooklyn Bridge project, fell ill she had to step into his role. She learned and provided input into the project at a level that women were not commonly allowed to do back then. Following the opening of the bridge, Emily went on to pursue a law degree and push for the rights of women. The book also includes real images of the bridge and its construction. Will inspire boys and girls to explore STEM.
Forgotten Fairy Tales of Brave and Brilliant Girls by Rosie Dickins, Andy Prentice, Rob Lloyd Jones, and Susanna Davidson (ages 7-10) - The authors have gathered together 8 fairy tales, from around the world, that feature brave girls and women. The stories include Kate Crackernuts, Snow White and Rose Red, The Sleeping Prince, Maid Maleen, Clever Molly, and The Unusual Princess. The stories are illustrated beautifully. These stories are longer than a traditional picture book, so they may need to be read over a few sittings. Children will be delighted by the incredibly brave characters they will meet in these fairy tales.
My Three Best Friends and Me Zulay by Cari Best (ages 4-10) - Here is a fictional story of the strength and perseverance of a young girl who is visually impaired. Through the assistance of her friends, Zulay can participate in the school's Field Day activities. The importance of friendship and self-confidence are highlighted in this book.
My Powerful Hair: A Picture Book by Carole Lindstrom (ages 4-8yrs) - This book explores the connection between Indigenous people, their hair, and their culture. The young girl is empowered to grow her hair long, although her mother and grandmother were not allowed to. A wonderful story to spark further discussion and learning.
Dinosaur Lady: The Daring Discoveries of Mary Anning, the First Paleontologist by Linda Skeers (ages 4-9 years) - All kids love dinosaurs! Learn about Mary Anning and how her curiosity led to the creation of the field of paleontology. How cool is that?!
Counting on Katherine: How Katherine Johnson Saved Apollo 13 by Helaine Becker (ages 5-8yrs) - child, Katherine Johnson loved to count. young Katherine longed to know as much as she could about math, about the universe. not only calculated the course of moon landings but, in turn, saved lives and made enormous contributions to history
We Are Artists: Women Who Made Their Mark on the World by Kari Herbert (ages 8-12yrs) - Beautiful illustrations accompany the stories of 15 female artists from around the globe. Learn their stories, and see their contributions to the world of art. A wonderful collection of stories that is sure to inspire children to want to make their own art.
The Doctor with an Eye for Eyes: The Story of Dr. Patricia Bath by Julia Finley Mosca (ages 4-9 years) - Ready to learn about an amazing scientist?! This is the story of Dr. Patricia Bath a woman who did not let racism, sexism, and fear stop her from pursuing her dream of becoming a doctor. A totally inspirational story for kids of all ages.
Check out our original list of 20+ books for International Women's Day...
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