Books by Theme
Then and Now: Interesting Girls and Women in Fact and Fiction
Being told they couldn’t didn’t stop the girls you’ll read about in the pages of these books from studying hard to achieve their goals. You’ll meet girls and women who work hard to make sure that girls have access to an education, study the sky, break sports records, and use wit and imagination to thrive. You’ll discover that courage comes in lots of forms when you read about these girls and women — in fact and fiction. Find many more titles in our Book Finder.
Caroline’s Comets: A True Story
Caroline Herchel, born in 1750, enjoyed looking at the night sky with her father. She would become the first woman to receive the Gold Medal of England’s Royal Astronomical Society. Caroline’s own words punctuate the lucid narrative. Expressive watercolor and line illustrations effectively evoke the time and place. A timeline and glossary conclude the book.
Curious Jane: Science + Design + Engineering for Inquisitive Girls
“Curious Jane” activities started as a summer project to keep the author’s girls engaged. It has since grown, encouraging young readers to make, experiment, and explore crafts as well as ideas for budding designers and inventors. All activities are clearly presented, easy to follow, use readily accessible materials, and let kids know when an adult should be called in. Sure to inspire young scientists and makers!
Fanny in France: Travel Adventures of a Chef's Daughter, with Recipes
Fanny is a girl who knows a lot about food and cooking since she’s grown up in and around the famous restaurant Chez Panisse in Berkeley, California. Join Fanny as she helps cook a huge bouillabaisse in Provence; learns how to make fresh cheese from a shepherd high up in the Pyrenees mountains; hunts for wild oysters off the coast of Bordeaux, and discovers how one chicken can feed nine people, if served a certain way.
King & Kayla and the Case of the Secret Code
Kayla is a human girl who solves mysteries with a bit of help from her dog, King. Together they figure out who has sent Kayla and her friend, Mason, the same anonymous coded letter. King may use his nose to help solve the mystery, but it is Kayla and Mason who break the code! A likeable new series for newly independent reader is accompanied by cheery illustrations.
Lost and Found Cat: The True Story of Kunkush’s Incredible Journey
The true story of a mother, her four daughters, one son, and a handsome white cat named Kunkush is a journey out of war-torn Iraq to resettle in Norway. It is also the tale of valiant volunteers who reunite Kunkush with his brave family after being separated during the grueling jouney. Richly hued, realistic illustrations accompany the straightforward text. Photos of the family, Kunkush, and the volunteers conclude the book.
Malala: Activist for Girls’ Education
Malala’s story is one of the resilience that comes from strong conviction. It is told through a present tense narrative and dramatic, vivid, stylized illustrations. The early life of the girl and her supportive family, her struggle against the Taliban and her ultimate recovery from a murder attempt is further enhanced by extensive back matter which includes photographs and additional information and resources.
Princess Tales Around the World
Retellings in verse present a host of memorable females in traditional stories from around the world. Join Prince Ivan’s quest, revisit the girl in the tower, listen to Sheherazade as she spins her tales. Then examine the detailed, luminous illustrations to find hidden people and things in this inventive recasting of familiar folktales.
Skunked! Calpurnia Tate, Girl Vet
In early 20th century Fentress, Texas, girls aren’t veterinarians and skunks are not pets. That doesn’t stop Calpurnia from aspiring to be a vet nor her younger brother Travis from rescuing two kits — baby skunks — and calling on Callie for help. Humor and pathos emerge as Callie narrates this episode. Gentle line drawings add flavor to the setting and characters in the first of a new easier to read historical fiction series.
Sonia Sotomayor: A Judge Grows in the Bronx / La juez que crecio en el Bronx
Poverty didn’t stop this girl from working hard, reading lots of books, and graduating top in her class. Meet young Sonia Sotomayor, the child who grew up to become the first Latina Supreme Court justice. Her life is presented through a jaunty, positive narrative and warm-toned illustrations that capture the warmth and joy of Sotomayor's family and story. A bit of background information concludes the engaging glimpse of a contemporary figure.
Trudy's Big Swim: How Gertrude Ederle Swam the English Channel and Took the World by Storm
It was August 6, 1926; Gertrude Ederle was about to become the first woman to swim the English Channel. Not only did she swim the channel, she did so faster than the fastest time of any man. Dramatic illustrations and complete endnotes conclude Trudy’s riveting story.
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