womxn’s history month reading list · womxn’s history month reading list brooklyn children’s...

WOMXN’S HISTORY MONTH READING LIST

Brooklyn Children’s Museum (BCM) works to ensure that all children have access to cultural learning opportunities

that build empathy, encourage creative thought and problem solving, and inspire global citizenship. We believe in the power of culture to help children and families find comfort, resilience and stimulation. We are releasing a series of booklists curated by The Conscious Kid National Children’s Social Justice Library, an organization that promotes multicultural literacy, anti-bias and empowerment through access to diverse children’s books. All books featured in this reading list support our commitment to cultural learning and will be available to read at BCM throughout Womxn’s History Month.

Brooklyn Children’s Museum • brooklynkids.org • The Conscious Kid Library • theconsciouskid.org

MY NAME IS CELIA/ME LLAMO CELIA: THE LIFE OF CELIA CRUZ/LA VIDA DE CELIA CRUZ Monica Brown, Illustrated by Rafael Lopez This bilingual book allows young readers to enter Celia Cruz's life as she becomes a well-known singer in her homeland of Cuba, then moves to New York City and Miami where she and others create a new type of music called salsa. School Library Journal has named My Name is Celia “[a]n exuberant picture-book biography...a brilliant introduction to a significant woman and her music.” Ages 5-8.

I DISSENT: RUTH BADER GINSBURG MAKES HER MARK Debbie Levy, Illustrated by Elizabeth Baddeley Get to know celebrated Supreme Court justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg—in the first picture book about her life—as she proves that disagreeing does not make you disagreeable! Supreme Court justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has spent a lifetime disagreeing: disagreeing with inequality, arguing against unfair treatment, and standing up for what’s right for people everywhere. This biographical picture book about the Notorious RBG, tells the justice’s story through the lens of her many famous dissents, or disagreements. Ages 4-8.

Brooklyn Children’s Museum • 145 Brooklyn Avenue, Brooklyn, NY • brooklynkids.org • (718) 735-4400

SHINING STAR: THE ANNA MAY WONG STORY Paula Yoo, Illustrated by Lin Wang Born in 1905, Anna May Wong spent her childhood working in her family's laundry in Los Angeles’s Chinatown. Whenever she could afford it, Anna May slipped off to the movies, escaping to a world of adventure, glamour, and excitement. After seeing a movie being filmed in her neighborhood, young Anna May was hooked. She decided she would become a movie star! Anna May struggled to pursue an acting career in Hollywood in the 1930s. There were very few roles for Asian Americans, and many were demeaning

and stereotypical, but she made the most of each limited part. Finally, after years of unfulfilling roles, Anna May began crusading for more meaningful opportunities for herself and other Asian American actors. As the first Chinese American movie star she was a pioneer of the cinema. Her spirited determination in the face of discrimination is an inspiration to all who must overcome obstacles so that their dreams may come true." Ages 6-11.

WILMA UNLIMITED: HOW WILMA RUDOLPH BECAME THE WORLD’S FASTEST WOMAN Kathleen Krull, Illustrated by David Diaz Before Wilma Rudolph was five years old, polio had paralyzed her left leg. Everyone said she would never walk again. But Wilma refused to believe it. Not only would she walk again, she vowed, she'd run. And she did run—all the way to the Olympics, where she became the first American woman to earn three gold medals in a single olympiad. This dramatic and inspiring true story is illustrated in bold watercolor and acrylic paintings by Caldecott Medal-winning artist David Diaz. Ages 4-7.


MAMA MITI: WANGARI MAATHAI AND THE TREES OF KENYA Donna Jo Napoli, Illustrated by Kadir Nelson Through artful prose and beautiful illustrations, Donna Jo Napoli and Kadir Nelson tell the true story of Wangari Muta Maathai, known as “Mama Miti,” who in 1977 founded the Green Belt Movement, an African grassroots organization that has empowered many people to mobilize and combat deforestation, soil erosion, and environmental degradation. Today more than 30 million trees have been planted throughout Mama Miti’s native Kenya, and in 2004 she became the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize. Wangari Muta Maathai has changed Kenya tree by tree—and with each page turned, children will realize their own ability to positively impact the future. Ages 4-8.

SKY HIGH: THE TRUE STORY OF MAGGIE GEE Marissa Moss, Illustrated by Carl Angel Maggie dreamed of flying—just like her favorite pilot, Amelia Earhart. She told her brothers and sisters stories of flying across oceans and deserts, and all around the world. But in the 1920s and 1930s, few girls took to the sky. Then, when Maggie grew up, her whole world changed overnight: the United States entered World War II, and everyone in her family was affected. Maggie knew that this was the time to support her country—and it was her chance to fly. Young Maggie Gee became one of only two Chinese American Women Airforce Service Pilots to serve in WWII. Based on the true adventures of a girl not bound by gravity, Marissa Moss's stirring story and Carl Angel's brilliant

illustrations depict what determination, bravery, and boundless possibilities look like when dreams are allowed to soar sky high. Ages 5-8.


THE YOUNGEST MARCHER: THE STORY OF AUDREY FAYE HENDRICKS, A YOUNG CIVIL RIGHTS ACTIVIST Cynthia Levinson, Illustrated by Vanessa Brantley Newton Meet the youngest known child to be arrested for a civil rights protest in Birmingham, Alabama, 1963, in this moving picture book that proves you’re never too little to make a difference. Nine-year-old Audrey Faye Hendricks intended to go places and do things like anybody else. So when she heard grown-ups talk about wiping out Birmingham’s segregation laws, she spoke up. As she listened to the preacher’s words, smooth as glass, she sat up tall. And when she heard the plan—picket those white stores! March to protest those unfair laws! Fill the jails!—she stepped right up and said, I’ll do it! She was going to j-a-a-il! Audrey Faye Hendricks was confident and bold and brave as can be,

and hers is the remarkable and inspiring story of one child’s role in the Civil Rights Movement. Ages 5-10.

TALLCHIEF: AMERICA’S PRIMA BALLERINA Maria Tallchief & Rosemary Wells, Illustrated by Gary Kelley Growing up on the Osage Indian reservation, Maria Tallchief was a gifted pianist and dancer. According to Osage tradition, women are not permitted to dance, but Maria's parents recognized her gifts and allowed her to break the rule. Then when Maria reached the age of twelve, her father told her it was time to choose between her two loves. Maria chose ballet. It was a decision that would change not only the course of her life, but the face of classical ballet in America. The fascinating story of Maria Tallchief's rise to become America's prima ballerina will captivate young readers. Ages 5-8.


JARS OF HOPE: HOW ONE WOMAN HELPED SAVE 2,500 CHILDREN DURING THE HOLOCAUST Jennifer Roy, Illustrated by Meg Owenson Amid the horrors of World War II, Irena Sendler was an unlikely and unsung hero. While many people lived in fear of the Nazis, Irena defied them, even though it could have meant her life. She kept records of the children she helped smuggle away from the Nazis’ grasp, and when she feared her work might be discovered, she buried her lists in jars, hoping to someday recover them and reunite children with their parents. This gripping true story of a woman who took it upon herself to help save 2,500 children from the Warsaw Ghetto during the Holocaust is not only inspirational; it's unforgettable. Ages 9-12.

THAT’S NOT FAIR!/¡NO ES JUSTO!: EMMA TENAYUCA’S STRUGGLE FOR JUSTICE/LA LUCHA DE EMMA TENAYUCA POR LA JUSTICIA Carmen Tafolla & Sharyll Tenayuca, Illustrated by Terry Ybáñez A vivid depiction of the early injustices encountered by a young Mexican-American girl in San Antonio in the 1920's. Emma Tenayuca learns to care deeply about poverty and hunger during a time when many Mexican Americans were starving to death and working unreasonably long hours at slave wages in the city's pecan-shelling factories. Through astute perception,

caring, and personal action, Emma begins to get involved, and eventually, at the age of 21, leads 12,000 workers in the first significant historical action in the Mexican-American struggle for justice. Emma’s story serves as a model for young and old alike about courage, compassion, and the role everyone can play In making the world more fair. Ages 5-7.


DOLORES HUERTA: A HERO TO MIGRANT WORKERS Sarah Warren, Illustrated by Robert Casilla A Jane Addam's Children's Book Award Honor Book for Younger Children. Dolores is a teacher, a mother, and a friend. She wants to know why her students are too hungry to listen, why they don't have shoes to wear to school. Dolores is a warrior, an organizer, and a peacemaker. When she finds out that the farm workers in her community are poorly paid and working under dangerous conditions, she stands up for their rights. This is the story of Dolores Huerta and the extraordinary battle she waged to ensure fair and safe work places for migrant workers. The powerful text, paired with Robert Casilla's vibrant watercolor-and-pastel illustrations, brings Dolores's amazing journey to life. A timeline, additional reading, articles, websites, and resources for teachers are included. Ages 6-8.

SHE LOVED BASEBALL: THE EFFA MANLEY STORY Audrey Vernick, Illustrated by Don Tate Effa always loved baseball. As a young woman, she would go to Yankee Stadium just to see Babe Ruth’s mighty swing. But she never dreamed she would someday own a baseball team. Or be the first—and only—woman ever inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. From her childhood in Philadelphia to her groundbreaking role as business manager and owner of the Newark Eagles, Effa Manley always fought for what was right. And she always swung for the fences. From author Audrey Vernick and illustrator Don Tate comes the remarkable story of an all-star of a woman. Ages 4-8.


DRUM DREAM GIRL: HOW ONE GIRL’S COURAGE CHANGED MUSIC Margarita Engle, Illustrated by Rafael López Girls cannot be drummers. Long ago on an island filled with music, no one questioned that rule—until the drum dream girl. In her city of drumbeats, she dreamed of pounding tall congas and tapping small bongós. She had to keep quiet. She had to practice in secret. But when at last her dream-bright music was heard, everyone sang and danced and decided that both girls and boys should be free to drum and dream. 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 an inspiring true story for dreamers everywhere. Ages 4-7.

I AM JAZZ Jessica Herthel & Jazz Jennings, Illustrated by Shelagh McNicholas The story of a transgender child based on the real-life experience of Jazz Jennings, who has become a spokesperson for transkids everywhere. "This is an essential tool for parents and teachers to share with children whether those kids identify as trans or not.”—Laverne Cox. From the time she was two years old, Jazz knew that she had a girl's brain in a boy's body. She loved pink and dressing up as a mermaid and didn't feel like herself in boys' clothing. This confused her family, until they took her to a doctor who said that Jazz was transgender and that she was born that way. Jazz's story is based on her real-life experience and she tells it in a simple, clear way that will be appreciated by picture book readers, their parents, and teachers. Ages 4-8.


AANI AND THE TREE HUGGERS Jeannine Atkins, Illustrated by Venantius J. Pinto Based on true events in India in the 1970s, young Aani and the other women in her village defend their forest from developers by wrapping their arms around the trees, making it impossible to cut them down. Aani and the Tree Huggers is an important story about ecological consciousness, community, and environmental activism. Ages 6-9.

MISSING NIMAMA Melanie Florence, Illustrated by Francois Thisdale Based on a true story of over 1,000 missing indigenous womxn in the United States and Canada. This book is included in honor of womxn who, as a result of oppression and marginalization, lose their lives or go missing—they are part of womxn's history too. A young mother, one of the many missing indigenous womxn, watches over her small daughter as she grows up without her nimama, experiencing important milestones—her first day of school, first dance, first date, wedding, first child—from afar. A free verse story of love, loss, and acceptance told in alternating voices. Missing Nimama shows the human side of a tragic set of circumstances. An afterword by the author provides a simple, age-appropriate context for young readers. Includes a glossary of Cree terms. Ages 6-7.


RAD AMERICAN WOMEN FROM A-Z: REBELS, TRAILBLAZERS & VISIONARIES WHO SHAPED OUR HISTORY...AND OUR FUTURE! Kate Schatz, Illustrated by Miriam Klein Stahl Like all A-Z books, this one illustrates the alphabet—but instead of "A is for Apple", A is for Angela—as in Angela Davis, the iconic political activist. B is for Billie Jean King, who shattered the glass ceiling of sports. And the list of great women continues, spanning several centuries, multiple professions, and 26 diverse individuals. There are artists and abolitionists, scientists and suffragettes, rock stars and rabble-rousers, and agents of change of all kinds. American history was made by countless rad—and often radical—women. By offering a fresh and diverse array of female role models, we can remind readers that there are many places to find inspiration, and that being smart and strong and brave is rad. Ages 8-16.

RAD WOMEN WORLDWIDE: ARTISTS & ATHLETES, PIRATES & PUNKS, & OTHER REVOLUTIONARIES WHO SHAPED HISTORY Kate Schatz, Illustrated by Miriam Klein Stahl Rad Women Worldwide tells fresh, engaging, and amazing tales of perseverance and radical success. The book features an array of diverse figures from 430 BCE to 2016, spanning 31 countries around the world, from Hatshepsut (the great female king who ruled Egypt peacefully for two decades) to Poly Styrene (legendary teenage punk and lead singer of X-Ray Spex) and Liv Arnesen and Ann Bancroft (polar explorers and the first women to cross Antarctica). An additional 250 names of international rad women are also included as a reference for readers to continue their own research. Grades 6-8.


EXTRAORDINARY WOMEN FROM THE MUSLIM WORLD Natalie Maydell & Sep Riahi, Illustrated by Heba Amin Multi-award winning picture book chronicling the lives of 13 Muslim women in history who have lived extraordinary lives and influenced their communities in a positive way, often overcoming extreme hardship and inaccurate stereotypes that have been placed on the role of women in Islam. Grades 5+.

WOMEN IN SCIENCE: 50 FEARLESS PIONEERS WHO CHANGED THE WORLD Written and Illustrated by Rachel Ignotofsky A charmingly illustrated and educational book, New York Times best seller Women in Science highlights the contributions of fifty notable women to the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) from the ancient to the modern world. Full of striking, singular art, this fascinating collection also contains infographics about relevant topics such as lab equipment, rates of women currently working in STEM fields, and an illustrated scientific glossary. The trailblazing women profiled include well-known figures like primatologist Jane Goodall, as well as lesser-known pioneers such as Katherine Johnson, the African-American physicist and mathematician who calculated the trajectory of the 1969 Apollo 11 mission to the moon. Women in Science celebrates the achievements of the intrepid women who have paved the way for the next generation of female engineers, biologists, mathematicians, doctors, astronauts, physicists, and more! Ages 10+.


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