Did you take a moment to thank an incredible woman in your life on International Woman’s Day, March 8th?  If it slipped by you, there is still plenty of time left this month to celebrate a female that inspires you because every March it’s International Women’s Month. The organization, InternationalWomansDay.com, picks a different theme focused on women’s achievements and forward progress and this year it’s “An equal world is an enabled world”. We believe gender equality is a worthy theme for all to acknowledge… male, female, girls and boys.  If you are looking for some inspiration we’ve got a great reading list to get you started celebrating girl power.  And, we didn’t just pick books for the grown-ups, we’ve got a few good reads for the littlest of ladies too.  Enjoy!

GRETA THUNBURG – No One is Too Small to Make a Difference

At the tender age of 17, she is hailed as the world’s best (and fearless!) known climate change activist. This book is a collection of Thunberg’s fiery speeches on climate change and its effect on the world, especially for the younger generations. This collection is a call to action for all, even the smallest among us!

Burn it Down: Women Writing About Anger – Edited by Lilly Dancyger

I am woman and hear me roar! In a time where female rage is boiling over into movements like #MeToo, this collection of stories proves just how empowering fury can be. Publisher Seal Press quotes the book as a “Cathartic, essential reading for any woman who scorches with rage and is ready to claim her right to express it.”

Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg – SHANA KNIZHNIK and IRIN CARMON

RBG is a tiny, energetic icon and heroine for gender equality and civil rights. Her inspirational life is worthy of a binge reading session immediately.

MICHELLE OBAMA – Becoming

As the first African American First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama created the most welcoming and inclusive White Houses in history. Accomplished all while establishing herself as a powerful supporter of women and girls and an advocate for healthy eating and active lifestyles. Obama reflects about her life – from childhood to a grown woman and chronicles the experiences that shaped her.

Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Tales of Extraordinary Women – ELENA FAVILLI and FRANCESCA CAVALLO

Stories about 100 remarkable women from Serena Williams to Elizabeth the First are highlighted in this children’s book which also happens to be illustrated by 60 female artists from around the world.

Lady Legends Alphabet Book – BECK FEINER

Work your way through the alphabet with your little one(s) with this handbook about lady legends like Amelia Earhart, Rosa Parks, Vivienne Westwood, and Frida Kahlo.  A complete A to Z guide of talented, strong and admired women that every young girl and boy can admire!

The Quickest Kid in Clarksville – PAT ZIETLOW MILLER and Illustrated by FRANK MORRISON

A timeless story about dreams, determination, and friendship. The story follows Alta (in her ratty running shoes with holes) and her new friend (with shiny new shoes) while they attend a parade to see the great female Olympian runner Wilma Rudolph in Clarksville, TN. This parade also happens to be the first integrated event in the town.

Drum Dream Girl: How One Girl’s Courage Changed Music – MARGARITA ENGLE and illustrated by RAFAEL LOPEZ

Inspired by the childhood of Millo Castro Zaldarriaga, a Chinese/African/Cuban girl who broke Cuba’s traditional taboo against female drummers. Drum Dream Girl tells the story of Zaldarriaga as a child who dreamed of pounding congas and tapping bongos. She was found out while practicing in secret and instead of receiving punishment as she feared, the village began singing and dancing. A beautiful story of determination and acceptance.

We hope you enjoy the reading list and now that we got you thinking, go and find some books that epitomize gender equality and share them along with your thoughts about a gender-equal work with whoever will listen!

Deb Fries is a freelance designer and writer and worked at Julianna Rae in Customer Service and Graphics, she writes all her blogs for juliannarae.com in the Heavenly Spa Robe in Shale.