Women's Mentoring Network Resources
Children's Books
The books listed here have all been recommended by WMN members. To add a book, email ajuda@ithaca.edu. Note that some books are available at the Ithaca College Library, but others are available through Tompkins County Public Library.
Jump to:
Ages 0-4
- Feminist Baby by Loryn BrantzCall Number: Available at TCPLISBN: 9781484778586Publication Date: 2017This hilarious board book about a baby who loves being herself gleefully breaks gender stereotypes, making it the perfect baby-shower gift for today's new parents.
- Feminist Baby! He's a Feminist Too! by Loryn Brantz (Illustrator, Cover Design by)Call Number: Available at TCPLISBN: 9781368022996Publication Date: 2019He toots! He hoots! He wiggles and giggles! Feminist Baby is breaking down walls! Loryn continues to celebrate the joys of modern childhood with wit and humour that sets the stage for feminist girls and boys.
- I Can Do It Too! by Karen Baicker; Ken Wilson-Max (Illustrator)Call Number: Available at TCPLISBN: 9780811875608Publication Date: 2010This heartwarming story reminds us how satisfying it is to grow up surrounded by love. I Can Do It Too! affirms a little girl's growing independence as she, too, can begin to do all the things she sees her parents, relatives and neighbors do: pouring juice at breakfast, strumming a guitar, and even riding a bike! The simple cadence of text and direct-to-the-heart art result in a book as warm and generous as its message, providing reading pleasure for toddlers, older siblings, and the grown-ups who love them.
- The Life of / la Vida de Selena (Unauthorized) by Patty Rodriguez; Ariana Stein; Citlali Reyes (Illustrator)Call Number: Not available through libraryISBN: 9780986109997Publication Date: 2018A Lil' Libros Bilingual Biography Selena's career started at a young age when she became lead singer in her family's band, Selena Y Los Dinos. She went on to become an award-winning artist with albums like Amor Prohibido and Selena Live, and earned the title "Queen of Tejano Music." Your little one will learn that Selena's favorite food was pizza and that the most important people in the world to her were her familia and fans.
Ages 4-8
- Ambitious Girl by Meena Harris; Marissa Valdez (Artist)Call Number: Available at TCPLISBN: 9780316229692Publication Date: 2021Anyone who's ever been underestimated or overshadowed will find inspiration in this empowering new picture book from Meena Harris, New York Times-bestselling author of Kamala and Maya's Big Idea, which is based on a true story about her aunt, Vice President Kamala Harris, and her mother, Maya Harris. When a young girl sees a strong woman on TV labeled as "too assertive" and "too ambitious," it sends her on a journey of discovery through past, present, and future about the challenges faced by women and girls and the ways in which they can reframe, redefine, and reclaim words meant to knock them down. As Ambitious Girl says: No "too that" or "too this" will stop what's inside us from flowering.
- Captain Marvel What Makes a Hero by Pamela Bobowicz; Eda Kaban (Illustrator)Call Number: Available at TCPLISBN: 9781368048071Publication Date: 2019Introduce the young reader in your life to the inimitable, expectation-destroying, glass ceiling-shattering, world-saving female Super Heroes of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, from Captain Marvel and Shuri to Gamora, Black Widow, Nebula, and more, in this beautifully-illustrated picture book aimed at the young reader set. The finest heroes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe are here to answer one vital question: What Makes a Hero? Whether they're fighting evil throughout the realms, or defending humanity on Earth, these heroes have their own approaches to strength, goodness, and heroism. Join these incredible women as they explore what it means to be a hero, where we find real strength, and how to find your very own super-power.
- The Guardian of the Dragon Gem (Disney Raya and the Last Dragon) by RH Disney (Illustrator)Call Number: Not available through libraryISBN: 9780736441100Publication Date: 2021Raya and the Last Dragon introduces Raya, a lone warrior from the fantasy kingdom of Kumandra who teams up with a crew of misfits in her quest to find the last dragon and bring light and unity back to their world. Awkwafina lends her voice to Sisu, the last dragon, who was left on Kumandra in case dark forces return to the world, and Keey Marie Tran voices the lead character, Raya. Exploring themes of community and hope, and inspired by the beautiful and diverse cultures of Southeast Asia.
- Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry; Vashti Harrison (Illustrator)Call Number: Available at TCPLISBN: 9780525553489Publication Date: 2019Zuri's hair has a mind of its own. It kinks, coils, and curls every which way. Zuri knows it's beautiful. When Daddy steps in to style it for an extra special occasion, he has a lot to learn. But he LOVES his Zuri, and he'll do anything to make her -- and her hair -- happy. Tender and empowering, Hair Love is an ode to loving your natural hair -- and a celebration of daddies and daughters everywhere.
- I am enough by Grace ByersCall Number: Available at TCPLISBN: 9780063054073Publication Date: 2018Shares a story of loving who you are, respecting others and being kind to one another.
- Not Quite Snow White by Ashley Franklin; Ebony Glenn (Illustrator)Call Number: Available at TCPLISBN: 9780062798602Publication Date: 2019Tameika is a girl who belongs on the stage. She loves to act, sing, and dance--and she's pretty good at it, too. So when her school announces their Snow White musical, Tameika auditions for the lead princess role. But the other kids think she's "not quite" right to play the role. They whisper, they snicker, and they glare. Will Tameika let their harsh words be her final curtain call? Not Quite Snow White is a delightful and inspiring picture book that highlights the importance of self-confidence while taking an earnest look at what happens when that confidence is shaken or lost. Tameika encourages us all to let our magic shine.
- Parker Looks Up by Parker Curry; Jessica Curry; Brittany Jackson (Illustrator)Call Number: Available at TCPLISBN: 9781534451872Publication Date: 2019Parker Looks Up follows Parker, along with her baby sister and her mother, and her best friend Gia and Gia's mother, as they walk the halls of a museum, seeing paintings of everyone and everything from George Washington Carver to Frida Kahlo, exotic flowers to graceful ballerinas. Then, Parker walks by Sherald's portrait of Michelle Obama...and almost passes it. But she stops...and looks up! Parker saw the possibility and promise, the hopes and dreams of herself in this powerful painting of Michelle Obama. An everyday moment became an extraordinary one...that continues to resonate its power, inspiration, and indelible impact. Because, as Jessica Curry said, "anything is possible regardless of race, class, or gender."
- The Proudest Blue by Ibtihaj Muhammad; Hatem Aly (Illustrator); S. K. Ali (As told to)Call Number: Available at TCPLISBN: 9780316518987Publication Date: 2019A powerful, vibrantly illustrated story about the first day of school--and two sisters on one's first day of hijab--by Olympic medalist and social justice activist Ibtihaj Muhammad. With her new backpack and light-up shoes, Faizah knows the first day of school is going to be special. It's the start of a brand new year and, best of all, it's her older sister Asiya's first day of hijab--a hijab of beautiful blue fabric, like the ocean waving to the sky. But not everyone sees hijab as beautiful, and in the face of hurtful, confusing words, Faizah will find new ways to be strong. Paired with Hatem Aly's beautiful, whimsical art, Olympic medalist Ibtihaj Muhammad and Morris Award finalist S.K. Ali bring readers an uplifting, universal story of new experiences, the unbreakable bond between siblings, and of being proud of who you are.
Ages 8 and up
- Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls by Elena Favilli; Francesca CavalloCall Number: Available at TCPLISBN: 9780997895810Publication Date: 2016Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls is a children's book packed with 100 bedtime stories about the lives of extraordinary women from the past and the present, illustrated by 60 female artists from all over the world. This must-have volume brings readers on an empowering journey, introducing them to the real-life adventures of trailblazing women from Elizabeth I to Malala Yousafzai. The unique narrative style of Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls transforms each biography into a fairytale, filling readers with wonder and a burning curiosity to know more about each hero. Each woman's story is also accompanied by a full-page, full-color portrait that captures her rebel spirit.