Feminism can be taught at home. It’s important for young girls to believe that they can grow up to be whoever they want to be, as long as they are wholeheartedly themselves. We’ve compiled a list of books, encouraging parents to read these to their children. These books should inspire these young girls and boys to be themselves and do whatever it is that makes them feel empowered, smart, kind, and happy.

You Are Not A Princess (And That’s Ok!) 

Who says that little girls have to be princesses and have to let a prince rescue them? You Are Not A Princess (And That’s Ok!) is an ode to those young girls who want to be themselves – whoever they choose to be – while they live their beautiful, messy, wild lives and not waiting around for some fairytale ending.

Aunt Harriet’s Underground Railroad in the Sky 

When young Cassie doesn’t board a train her brother Be Be climbs on, she is then guided by Harriet Tubman on the journey to reunite with her brother, all while retracing the steps of the escaping slaves on the Underground Railroad. Aunt Harriet’s Underground Railroad in the Sky is a walk in someone else’s shoes.

Good Night Rebel Girls 2 

These are bedtime stories with an empowering, rebellious message. Good Night Rebel Girls 2 features the adventures and accomplishments of amazing women in history, showing young girls that they can be whoever they want and do whatever they want.

I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark

This picture book is a biography in celebration of the amazing Supreme Court justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark will show (and tell) young girls how important it is to stand up for yourself and for others and to fight for equality.

Skit-Scat Raggedy Cat: Candlewick Biographies: Ella Fitzgerald

Young girls reading this can get a look into the life of one of the greatest, most beloved jazz singers in America: Ella Fitzgerald. Skit-Scat Raggedy Cat: Candlewick Biographies: Ella Fitzgerald is a biographical picture book of how she went from nothing, pushed her way through tough times, to achieve greatness.

A Girl’s Guide To Life

Written by a mother for her own daughter, A Girl’s Guide to Life is a collection of advice on how to navigate life through compassion, empathy, creativity, helpfulness, gratitude, friendship, and the importance of saying no.

Pippi Longstocking

This is the beloved story of the wonderful Pippi Longstocking – the strong, funny, capable, adventurous young girl. Pippi Longstocking reminds young girls to be expressive and creative and adventurous and whoever else they want to be.

Stone Girl Bone Girl: The Story of Mary Anning

Mary Anning was a well-known fossil collector and paleontologist who discovered many fossils, including the most prehistoric fossil of her time. Stone Girl Bone Girl: The Story of Mary Anning is a biographical picture book about the beloved Princess of Paleontology.

The Dot

Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon

Do you want your kids to learn really good lessons? Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon is a book that will teach readers to not bully others, to not let others’ bullying be an influence, to be themselves, and to not care what others think of them. It’s inspiring and motivating and a great lesson for kids.

Little Feminist Board Book Set

This illustrated book is a collection of important women in history, as the artists, leaders, activists, and scientists they were. Little Feminist Board Book Set and inspires them to follow in their footsteps on the path towards greatness.

Pink Is For Boys

Pink Is For Boys wants to break the gender stereotypes (blue is for boys and pink is for girls) and empower kids to express themselves whichever way they please, and encourages parents to be accepting of their children and their decisions. This is an illustrated book to inspire readers to enjoy doing what they love, no matter what.

My First Book of Feminism (for Boys)

Feminism begins at home. My First Book of Feminism (for Boys) is an illustrated book showing that everyone – boys and girls – should be treated equal. These young boys will come to understand equality for all, “women’s rights are human rights,” and “no means no.”

Strong Is the New Pretty: A Celebration of Girls Being Themselves

There’s a stigma that girls need to be beautiful – by looks – in order to be celebrated. Strong Is The New Pretty: A Celebration of Girls Being Themselves will show girls, through empowering photographs of girls being themselves,  that they are beautiful however they portray themselves: fearless, strong, stubborn, adventurous, confident, smart, and so much more.

Today I Feel . . .: An Alphabet of Feelings