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10 Great Books for International Day of the Girl Child

October 11th is the International Day of the Girl Child. This year’s theme is ‘My Voice, Our Equal Future’ – a chance ‘to be inspired by what adolescent girls see as the change they want, the solutions- big and small- they are leading and demanding across the globe.’

One of the ways we can celebrate it is by reading stories of inspiring girls and women who are/were visionaries and leaders, innovators and positive-social-impactors. So today I bring you 10 great books for International Day of the Girl Child. Note that you might not see some obvious selections (like Malala for one); some are in previous reading lists and posts that I have also included here today while others I plan to include in future lists.

It has indeed been gratifying to see the Nobel Prize winners this year – it is empowering, inspiring, and truly wonderful to see more women whose impact is recognized.

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Books for International Day of the Girl Child

111 Trees : How One Village Celebrates the Birth of Every Girl

Title: 111 Trees : How One Village Celebrates the Birth of Every Girl
Author: Rina Singh
Illustrator: Marianne Ferrer
Length: 36 Pages
Genre: Juvenile NonFiction
Publisher: Kids Can Press (Oct 6, 2020)

A girl-power story with a difference that is bound to inspire. While the age range is mentioned as for 5 – 8 year olds, I feel that the content and message is better suited to older elementary as well as middle grade readers. Even older readers will take away a lot from this powerful true story. The story, the illustrations and informative backmatter with photos and more details all add to this story of eco-feminism.

The International Day of the Girl : Celebrating Girls Around the World

Title: The International Day of the Girl : Celebrating Girls Around the World
Author: Jessica Dee Humphreys and Rona Ambrose
Illustrator: Simone Shin
Length: 32 Pages
Genre: Juvenile NonFiction
Publisher: Kids Can Press (Sep 1, 2020)

Another must-read for all ages; this beautifully illustrated eye-opener of a book tells the story behind celebrating the International Day of the Girl. It also brings to light the issues faced by the girl child in different parts of the world today, including malnutrition, child-marriage, and more; and it does so in an age-appropriate way.

Danbi Leads the School Parade 

Title: Danbi Leads the School Parade 
Author & Illustrator: Anna Kim
Length: 40 Pages
Genre: Juvenile Fiction (Preschool – 2nd Grade)
Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers; Illustrated Edition (July 7, 2020)

A beautiful book with an important message – about inclusivity, and being new, about courage and kindness, about fitting in when you are new. And the illustrations are simply so adorably beautiful! 

Girl on a Motorcycle 

Title: Girl on a Motorcycle 
Author: Amy Novesky 
Illustrator: Julie Morstad 
Length: 48 Pages
Genre: Juvenile NonFiction (5 – 9 years)
Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers; Illustrated Edition (September 8, 2020)

The amazing true story of Anne-France Dautheville, a French journalist and writer, who is known for being the first woman to motorcycle solo around the world! And the illustrations are oh so charming.

I am Anne Frank 

Title: I am Anne Frank 
Author: Brad Meltzer 
Illustrator: Christopher Eliopoulos
Length: 40 Pages
Genre: Juvenile NonFiction (5 – 8 years)
Publisher: Dial Books (October 13th 2020)

Those of you who are regular visitors to my blog have seen Anne Frank featured many a time; so it is no surprise that this book about Anne Frank captivated me completely. It tells the story of Anne Frank, the good and the bad parts of it, in an age appropriate fashion, and the illustrations complement Anne’s story perfectly. A wonderful way to introduce young readers to Anne Frank.

Love Your Body : Your body can do amazing things… 

Title: Love Your Body : Your body can do amazing things… 
Author
: Jessica Sanders 
Illustrator: Carol Rossetti 
Length: 40 Pages
Genre: Juvenile NonFiction (7 – 12 years)
Publisher: Five Mile (March 3, 2020)

This book uses uplifting, inspirational messaging with quirky yet beautiful images to showcase the importance of self-love and positive body image, as well as to include It includes well-researched and useful information written in an approachable, encouraging and sensitive style.

We Are All Greta

Title: We Are All Greta – Be inspired by Greta Thunberg to save the world
Author: Valentina Giannella
Illustrator: Manuela Marazzi 
Length: 128 Pages
Genre: Juvenile NonFiction (Grades 4 -6)
Publisher: Laurence King Publishing (September 24, 2019)

A perfect introduction to Greta and to climate-change as well as how to be a part of the mission to protect our planet. An amazing resource for kids and adults alike, a timely and great read.

Wild Girl: How to Have Incredible Outdoor Adventures

Title: Wild Girl: How to Have Incredible Outdoor Adventures
Author: Helen Skelton
Illustrator: Liz Kay 
Length: 144 Pages
Genre: Juvenile NonFiction (9 – 12 years)
Publisher: Candlewick Press (Oct 6, 2020)

Helen Skelton encourages girls and all her readers to have adventures through example; by simply narrating her own numerous exciting adventures throughout the world – from kayaking alone down the Amazon to hiking to the South Pole. Perfect for inspiring one and all.

Fly, Girl, Fly! : Shaesta Waiz Soars Around the World

Title: Fly, Girl, Fly! : Shaesta Waiz Soars Around the World
Author: Nancy Roe Pimm 
Illustrator: Alexandra Bye 
Length: 40 Pages
Genre: Juvenile NonFiction (5 – 9 years)
Publisher: Beaming Books; Illustrated Edition (September 22, 2020)

This is what the description starts with: The story of how Shaesta Waiz became the youngest woman in history, and the first woman from Afghanistan, to circle the globe in a single-engine aircraft. And I immediately wanted to read this book that is sure to be empowering and inspiring. A quote from Shaesta : “You must believe in yourself and allow your dreams to soar.”

All the Way to the Top : How One Girl’s Fight for Americans with Disabilities Changed Everything

Title: All the Way to the Top : How One Girl’s Fight for Americans with Disabilities Changed Everything
Author: Annette Bay Pimentel 
Illustrator: Nabigal-Nayagam Haider Ali  
Length: 32 Pages
Genre: Juvenile NonFiction (4 – 8 years)
Publisher: Sourcebooks Explore; Illustrated Edition (March 10, 2020)

Another book I added instantly to my to-read; and am waiting for it both from my local library and on my Edelweiss account to be approved. Can you believe the Americans with Disabilities Act was only passed in July of 1990? This story tells us how Jennifer Keelan-Chaffins helped fight to get the law passed. Truly inspiring indeed that can teach young readers that anyone, no matter how old, can make a difference if you put your mind to it.

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10 Great Books for International Day of the Girl Child

Disclaimer: Thanks to NetGalley/Edelweiss and the publishers for the eARCs of these featured books

More Reading

If you are looking for more reads, fear not! You can check out these earlier posts:

Check out my BookShop List of Girl-Power Books

And Now, the End of this Post

Dear reader, have you read any of these books? What are your thoughts on those? If not, which would be your first picks? I would also love to hear your recommendations.

18 thoughts on “10 Great Books for International Day of the Girl Child

  1. These books are all new to me. How cool, though, that there’ s a book on the woman who helped pass the ADA – I would love to read that with my daughters! One of my fave books for the youngest kiddos is The Paper Bag Princess, which turns traditional fairy tales and “princess stories” on their heads.

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