Countless women have shaped history with their writing, leadership, and relentlessness in the fight for a better tomorrow. In this edition of Three to Read Jr., we want to highlight three inspiring women in particular: literary powerhouse Maya Angelou, groundbreaking first female vice president of the U.S. Kamala Harris, and fearless political pioneer Shirley Chisholm. Through engaging and accessible books, children can learn about their achievements, resilience, and dedication to making the world a better place.
EARLY READERS
Maya Angelou: A Little Golden Book Biography by Anne Wynter, Illustrated by Courtney Lovett
SYNOPSIS:
If you attended high school, you have most likely heard of or studied Maya Angelou and her famous autobiographical book, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (1969). In this powerful memoir, she recounts her early life and the traumatic experiences that shaped her childhood. Angelou masterfully incorporates fiction-writing techniques such as dialogue and plot to bring her story to life. In her subsequent books, she explores her later experiences, including her acting and writing career, as well as her work as a civil rights activist alongside Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. Her writing has resonated with countless readers and is widely studied in schools. In Maya Angelou: A Little Golden Book Biography, your little one will learn all about Maya Angelou’s incredible life and career!
WHY:
What better way to introduce young readers to nonfiction than with an illustrated 24-page book that delves into the life of this extraordinary poet, singer, actress, writer, and activist? Maya Angelou’s contributions to literature earned her numerous accolades, including the prestigious Literarian Award in 2020. If you are looking to introduce your early reader to nonfiction literature, consider picking up Maya Angelou: A Little Golden Book Biography by Anne Wynter, as it is a child-friendly overview of the life and major accomplishments of this great author and inspiring woman.
ELEMENTARY READERS
She Persisted: Kamala Harris by Raakhee Mirchandani, Illustrated by Jessica W. Clark
SYNOPSIS:
This book highlights the remarkable journey of Kamala Harris, tracing her dedication to public service and her community. Harris has broken barriers from her early days as a lawyer to becoming a senator and, ultimately, the first female vice president of the United States. She is also the first African American and South Asian American woman to hold this position, paving the way for future generations. Throughout her career, Harris has championed criminal justice reform, fought for equitable policies, and co-sponsored the Green New Deal, a plan aimed at transitioning the U.S. to 100 percent renewable energy. She also played a key role in advocating for desegregation in public schools and ensuring fairer treatment for all Americans. Mini-bookworms can learn more about her extraordinary life in She Persisted: Kamala Harris!
WHY:
In politics, women are often underestimated and dismissed, yet more women today are making their voices heard in every branch of government. Young readers need to know that they have the power to create change and shape the future. To inspire them, we introduce She Persisted: Kamala Harris. Understanding our political leaders and what they stand for helps us engage more deeply with government and recognize those working toward a better future; this book introduces one such figure in an engaging, thought-provoking way book lovers of all ages will enjoy.
MIDDLE GRADE READERS
Who Was Shirley Chisholm? by Crystal Hubbard
SYNOPSIS:
When discussing women in politics, we cannot overlook the groundbreaking achievements of the first Black woman in Congress: Shirley Anita Chisholm. A bold and ambitious politician, Chisholm displayed her passion for leadership early on while studying at Brooklyn College. She was recognized for her exceptional debate skills and became a champion for inclusion in the Harriet Tubman Society. Throughout her career, Chisholm fought tirelessly for the rights of Black Americans and women. In 1968, she made history as the first Black woman elected to Congress, representing New York’s 12th district until 1983. She later co-founded the National Women’s Political Caucus and became a fierce advocate for the Equal Rights Amendment, dedicating her life to justice and equality. Little ones can read more about her amazing accomplishments in Who Was Shirley Chisholm?.
WHY:
Understanding the political history and the ongoing fight for equal rights helps us appreciate how far we’ve come and recognize the importance of continuing the fight today. Women like Shirley Chisholm are powerful role models, inspiring the next generation to stand up and create change. Who Was Shirley Chisholm? puts the importance of history and politics into perspective for young readers, all while educating them on the legacy of a groundbreaking political leader.
Figures like Maya Angelou, Kamala Harris, and Shirley Chisholm continue to inspire young readers, proving that courage and determination can reshape the world. While fantasy and magic transport us to extraordinary places, real-life stories of resilience and leadership remind us that the real world is just as remarkable and worth reading about.
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Find more books about and by inspiring female authors on our Author’s Corner Spotlight: Female Authors bookshelf on Bookshop.
