Learning "Herstory" for Kids
Are your kids history buffs? Maybe, maybe not. For me there's so much to delve into that I could spend unreasonable amounts of time on it. Believe me, I've spent many hours in cemeteries and archives soaking up all that info! Much more than just dates in a textbook, history is made up of family dramas, battles and wars, advancements in science, math, philosophy, etc. I think there's a lot to learn from, but also to appreciate. Now, if your kiddos are into personal stories of individuals throughout history (as the popularity of Hamilton seems to attest to), there are certainly some budding historians among the newest generations. Maybe it's that they love George Washington as much as I do or anything on Madame C.J. Walker is automatically added to the "want-to-read"shelf. Clearly there are a few people throughout history who really pique our interests. And so, as March is celebrated as Women's History Month, I would like to share some wonderful book options for young readers looking to have their interests piqued by women of "herstory." Below are some titles to explore. All can be found on our library catalog here: Learning "Herstory" for Kids List
1. Cleopatra by Diane Stanley.
This introductory children's biography is beautifully illustrated and told in an almost storybook style. Readers won't feel overwhelmed by excess information or complicated historical points.
2. Ten Queens: Portraits of Women of Power by Milton Meltzer.
From the biblical Esther to Russian Catherine the Great, this nonfiction features women who were queens in their own right, not just by marrying a king. I was pleased to see that Queen Boudicca of the celtic tribe Iceni is included in the work. Kids will enjoy learning about rulers who may not be as well known to them.
3. Amazing Women of the Middle East by Wafa' Tarnowska.
This new addition to our library collection features many inspiring people.Often overlooked in Western education, the book covers women from ancient days through the present.
4. Bold & Brave : Ten Heroes who Won Women the Right to Vote by Kirsten Gillibrand
Colorful and just as bold as the women discussed, this picture book biography does a great job at describing what and why the ten women featured were so influential.
5. Eliza : The Story of Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton by Margaret McNamara.
My love of the musical had to show up somewhere on this list. Here it is. Eliza's story unfolds throughout this biography in her own words. She's "telling her story" so to speak. The first person perspective really allows us the readers to relate to Eliza Hamilton and the history in general. Readers who have a tough time reading biographies may do well with this one because of the format.
6. Kamala Harris: Rooted in Justice by Nikki Grimes.
Our newest Vice President has previously written a picture book titled Heroes are Everywhere. Now, children's writer Nikki Grimes's own picture book biography details Harris's life.
7. 33 Things Every Girl Should Know about Women's History : From Suffragettes to Skirt Lengths to the E.R.A., editor Tonya Bolden.
Middle schoolers and high schoolers could benefit from picking up this history book detailing the early days of the Suffragette movement to the Equal Rights Amendment. Editor Tonya Bolden explains many events in between the two mile markers of women's history. Timelines, posters, and portraits are throughout the book. I found these particularly useful in understanding the material.