From board book biographies to feminist YA, here’s something for every BookKid to enjoy this Women’s History Month!
In a bookstore, we’re surrounded by inspiring women — they’re the characters in the pages of our favorite books and the authors who created them. They’re the illustrators and artists who give them color, and the subjects of unforgettable biographies. But we’re always looking for MORE. Below, some of the booksellers in our children’s department recommend books they love, by and about women, for everyone.
The Princess in Black by Shannon and Dean Hale, illustrated by LeUyen Pham
We are all huge fans of The Princess in Black series, but it’s one of Staci’s absolute FAVORITES to recommend to parents looking for a series their kids will love.
It truly does not matter whether the reader is a boy or girl*, these early chapter books will make anyone giggle and cheer for more! From Staci’s own experience as a parent, The Princess in Black books are guaranteed winners. Her sons and daughter have fallen in love with these hilarious books, over and over and over again…
*We loved this message from Shannon Hale about “boy books” and “girl books”. Please enjoy here.
The Life Of/La Vida de Celia: A Bilingual Picture Book Biography (board book) by Patty Rodriguez and Ariana Stein
We constantly recommend these Lil’ Libros board books to customers. They’re so beautiful and a fantastic way to learn basic concepts and words in English and Spanish.
Natasha also loves this little gem celebrating the life of Celia Cruz. As one of the most popular singers in the world and a fierce trailblazer, readers are never too young to learn about Celia, the queen of salsa!
They Say Blue by Jillian Tamaki
Female illustrators are Maya’s THING. As an artist herself, Maya always has fantastic recommendations for picture books and graphic novels by female artists! Some of her favorites include Carson Ellis and Isabelle Arsenault. Maya adores Jillian Tamaki’s work and is over the moon about her new picture book, They Say Blue.
Our Kids’ Buyer, Meghan, also loves this book. So much that she dedicated an entire blog post to it! Read her post here.
Lucia the Luchadora by Cynthia Leonor Garza
Another beloved picture book at BookKids is Lucía the Luchadora! Eugenia was instantly drawn to the bright and bold cover, and she related to Lucía’s story. How many times have we heard “girls can’t be superheroes”? Puh-lease! Abuela reveals that Lucía comes from a family of luchadoras, and now it’s Lucía’s turn to carry on this important tradition…
This is also a fantastic read aloud and one of Eugenia’s go-tos for Luchador Legends bilingual storytime! You will laugh, gasp, and cheer for the greatest luchadora on the playground!
Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusti Bowling
So turns out Eugenia couldn’t pick just one! Recently, she read and loved this awesome middle grade book starring the unforgettable Aven. Eugenia says: “Aven is my new favorite book heroine! She is whip-smart, funny, creative, warm, generous — plus, she can wipe her own butt with her feet. Oh yeah, ’cause she doesn’t have any arms. But that doesn’t stop her from solving mysteries, saving a failing theme park, trying out for the soccer team, and making the best friends a kid could ask for. I laughed so hard while reading this book about empathy, acceptance, and self-esteem.”
The World is Not a Rectangle: A Portrait of Architect Zaha Hadid by Jeanette Winter
Art Director Tomoko highly recommends this beautiful biography of architect Zaha Hadid! Growing up, Tomoko was always interested in architecture but never really heard of women architects. She knew they were out there, but they were rarely in the pages of her textbooks!
She suggests picking up The World is Not a Rectangle because it’s important for children to have books with depictions of successful women in fields usually considered male, or male dominated. She loves Jeanette Winter’s illustrations and learning more about Zaha Hadid’s fascinating life.
Frida Kahlo: Una Biografía de Maria Hesse
Yet another fantastic biography added to the list! Even though this is not technically a kids’ book, Griffin thinks this is a must-read — or must-see — for everyone!
Inspired by the iconic Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, this book explores her inimitable work and style through the beautiful illustrations of Spanish artist María Hesse. You can find this book online or in our Spanish section on the second floor.
Dumplin‘ by Julie Murphy and Moxie by Jennifer Mathieu
Aha! Another bookseller who couldn’t pick just one, Walden recently read and loved Julie Murphy’s Dumplin’ and Moxie by Jennifer Mathieu.
These are two funny, beautifully written YA books starring strong, smart, ambitious young women — plus, Julie and Jennifer are both Texas authors! If you haven’t read these yet, you MUST do it ASAP. Willowdean and Viv are FIRE.
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