International Women's Day Reads to Inspire Inclusion
Reading is a powerful way to inspire inclusion and progress. In honour of International Women’s Day, Burlington Public Library’s all-women Senior Leadership Team (and all moms of daughters, too!) share their picks for books about the power of women.
Books with Strong Female Characters That Everyone Should Read
Damsels in distress can step aside. These affirming books showcase real-life and fictional femmes who are the heroes of their own stories—perfect to share with the kids in your life!
I Am Enough
Selected by Lita Barrie, CEO – I Am Enough is a timeless ode for all ages about loving who you are, respecting others, and being kind to each other. Written by actor and author Grace Byers and illustrated by artist Keturah A. Boro, this is the perfect gentle yet empowering read. It reminds us all we are enough just as we are.
Borrow I Am Enough by Grace Byers
Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea
Selected by Elise Copps, Director, Communications & Engagement – This colourful and empowering picture book is written by Meena Harris, niece to Kamala Harris, the first Black and South Asian female Vice President of the United States. It shares the true story of young Kamala and her sister’s quest to build a playground at their apartment complex—with some fictionalized embellishments. The story is encouraging and relatable and invites young readers to imagine what they can accomplish with imagination, motivation, and hard work.
Borrow Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea by Meena Harris
Girls Think of Everything
Selected by Nicole Tewkesbury, Director, Finance & Infrastructure – This book is written and illustrated by two entrepreneurial women. It recognizes the woman and girl inventors responsible for advancements in computer and aerospace technology, medicine, and everyday convenience. From chocolate chip cookies to Kevlar to keeping satellites safe from space debris! The ingenious inventions in this book—and the people behind them—show us that the incredible work of women and girls surrounds us every day.
Borrow Girls Think of Everything by Catherine Thimmesh & Melissa Sweet
Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls
Selected by Meg Uttangi Matsos, Director, Service Design & Innovation – Feel inspired by the real-life adventures of trail-blazing women. This book is part of the Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls series. It includes 100 short biographies written in fairy tale style. It showcases women past and present who are ahead of their time, including Amelia Earhart, Maya Angelou, Frida Kahlo, and Malala Yousafzai. The stories are written for a middle-grade audience and might spark interesting conversations about the challenges that women have faced throughout history. And you don’t just have to read it at bedtime!
Borrow Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Tales of Extraordinary Women, edited by Elena Favilli & Francesca Cavalo
Girls Can Do Anything
Selected by Cindy Tchorz, Executive Assistant – This heartwarming book delivers an empowering message that girls can accomplish anything they set their minds to, regardless of what others may say. By following your dreams and listening to your heart, you can unlock endless possibilities for yourself. The book's inspiring verse celebrates girl power, sharing stories of influential women as proof that girls can do anything!
Borrow Girls Can Do Anything by Caryl Hart
Empower Yourself Through Reading
Feeling inspired to take action and empower the next generation of women leaders? Borrow these books and read them with your family to start a conversation about inclusion.
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