Want to raise a feminist kid? A child who embraces their individuality, is inclusive, and stands up for what’s right?
Books are a great place to start!
So today we have more than 25 feminist books for kids (27, to be exact).
Many important parent-child conversations grow from books. From body hair, gender identity, and immigration to discrimination, activism, and masculinity, this book list contains critical topics that every mini feminist must learn.
Earlier this year, Think or Blue hosted Feminist Kids Story Time in the Feminist Parents Unite Facebook group with live readings of many of the books on this list. Several authors provided guest readings, too, and are linked below.
What IS feminism? your child may ask.
Keep it simple at first, and use the definition that resonates with you. I like to say simply, “A feminist is someone who wants everyone to be treated equally, no matter what their gender is. And they’re willing to do something about it!”
What is the age range for each book?
Most reviews below do not contain age ranges because every child is developmentally different, despite their age. Some children are extremely sensitive and may have a hard time with bullying or dragons. Some kids may wish to re-visit board books from their baby years when they first learn to read. If you’re uncertain, leave a comment below or check out the book from the library before you commit. We’ve also included affiliate links for most books – see disclosures here.
So let’s get started!
25 FEMINIST BOOKS FOR KIDS
(Pin this photo so you can consult this post again and again.)
Ada Twist Scientist, by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts
From our beloved Rosie Revere, Engineer to Ada Twist Scientist, it seems that Andrea Beaty can’t go wrong. Ada loves to experiment, sometimes to her parents’ dismay. But like every good scientist, she asks tons of questions (to make every parent chuckle) and tries new things. Pull this book out every time your child wants to give up.
Since then, we also borrowed Sofia Valdez, Future Prez from the library and loved it, too.
Listen to the live reading. Buy it here.
A is for Awesome! 23 Iconic Women Who Changed the World, Eva Chen
Teach little kids their letters while they learn about AWESOME women, both past and present. The descriptions are quick and snappy, meant not as in-depth biographies, but an introduction to these changemakers. Combined with its board book style, A is for Awesome, written by Eva Chen, a first-generation Chinese-American, works well for little ones.
Aidan the Wonder Kid & And Pip, Too! By Colleen Brunetti
If your child has a food allergy or intolerance, Aidan the Wonder Kid will make them feel less alone. Even if certain foods bother your tummy, you can still be a super hero!
In author Colleen Brunetti’s second book, And Pip, Too! we learn the charming story of Pip, a young girl determined to keep up with her big brother. No challenge is too big or scary for this spunky kid.
Live reading by Colleen here. Buy books here.
All Are Welcome, Alexandra Penfold and Suzanne Kaufman
If we conquered both COVID and racism in America, this is what an ideal school would look like. “In our classroom safe and sound, fears are lost and hope is found.” Perfect for introducing the concept of acceptance for what is unique about ourselves and others. Almost every child can find themselves represented on the pages of “All Are Welcome.”
Live reading here. Buy it here.
Bessie, Queen of the Sky, Andrea Doshi and Jimena Duran
Calling all future pilots! Your little one may love toy airplanes, but do they know that women, especially Black women, were discouraged from becoming pilots?
Bessie, Queen of the Sky tells the story of real-life pilot Bessie Coleman, who faced much adversity on the way to her dreams. She read books about flying every night, but had to learn French and travel far to complete pilot school. One of our favorite feminist books for kids!
Live reading by Catherine Bailey here. Buy it here.
Be Who You Are, Todd Parr
When my child was 4, she had memorized every page of this book. Todd Parr excels at highlighting important concepts with a bit of silliness. Simple phrases like “Be proud of where you’re from” is accompanied by illustrations of six different types of homes, including a dog house. Each page reminds us to embrace our individuality, even when it’s silly, colorful, or not quite understood by others.
Live reading here. Buy it here.
Billie Jean! How Tennis Star Billie Jean King Changed Women’s Sports, by Mara Rockliff
During Feminist Kids Story Time, Saranya Raghavan of Toddlers Who Read introduced this book to our families. Every feminist kid should learn the legendary story of Billie Jean King, a star tennis player who faced sexism at every turn.
Children and their caregivers can continue the conversation in many different ways. How do you think Billie Jean was feeling? Why do you think reporters asked her these questions? Are girls and boys both good at sports? How would you feel if people told you you couldn’t play sports?
Live reading by Saranya Raghavan. Buy it here.
Dreamers, Yuyi Morales
Dreamers illustrates the challenges, the worries, and the beauties of immigration. At a time when many show hostility toward newcomers, this book is breath of fresh air. The parent and child duo in Dreamers find comfort and learning in the library.
Foster a love of books and a compassion for others with Dreamers by Yuyi Morales. Buy it here.
Feminism is for Boys, Elizabeth Rhodes
Feminism is not just for girls. It’s for boys, too! And in fact, while options have “opened up” for girls over the last few decades, boys are still often discouraged from engaging in anything considered traditionally feminine. “Feminism is for Boys” reminds us that boys can play with dolls, cook, and wear dresses, too.
Check out author Elizabeth Rhodes’ live reading of the book during Feminist Kids Story Time. Buy it here.
Feminist Baby, Loryn Brantz
Feminist baby likes to play with all kinds of toys. She throws things on the floor. And often refuses to wear pants. Have you ever met a baby like that? The opposite of a feminist killjoy, Loryn Brantz’s illustrations make us laugh. A fun and not-so-serious way to introduce the F word to your little ones.
Lucky for you, Loryn has a couple sequels. A perfect baby shower gift, too!
Live reading here. Buy it here.
Freedom Soup, Tami Charles
Ti Gran dances with joy in the kitchen as she teaches young Belle how to make Freedom Soup to celebrate the new year. We learn more about how Freedom Soup embodies the Haitian revolution, and the traditions and history of the soup. Illustrated by Jacqueline Alcántara, you and your kids will be dancing and clapping as you read along, too!
Look out for Charles’ upcoming book, “All Because You Matter” in October.
Buy Freedom Soup here.
Free to Be Incredible Me, Joelle Retener
“On Manny’s first day of school, he is told there are things ‘that boys just shouldn’t do,’ like dressing like girls or playing with dolls. This made his Dad mad and sad. So Dad finds ways to teach Manny that he is free to be the incredible boy that he is… even if he likes dolls and wears pink.”
Free to Be Incredible Me by Joelle Retener is a MUST for any feminist parents raising children, especially boys, outside of strict gender stereotypes. Bonus points for a father of color who sews, bakes, wears pink pants, and teaches his child about gender roles – a figure often missing from children’s books.
Live reading by Joelle here. Buy Free to Be Incredible Me here.
Hair, Kate Bullen-Casanova
“HAIR is a celebration of hair diversity; long, short, straight, curly, body hair, covered hair, facial hair and hair on people of all genders.”
We love HAIR, written and illustrated by two mothers from Australia – Kate Bullen-Casanova and Freya Bennett, for the thought-provoking conversations it prompts. Do women have to shave their leg hair? Can boys have long hair? Is that a he or a she? What’s a hijab? What we choose to do with our hair can be a gender, religious, or racial justice issue – and sometimes all three!
The short, sweet, and poetic narrative works for young children, but we will come back to this book at every age, when questions about hair arise.
Live reading by Kate here. Buy Hair here.
I Am Enough, Grace Byers
Bring on more messages for mini feminists about the power of self-acceptance and embracing people who are different from you. I Am Enough by Grace Byers (actor in Empire) does exactly that. A collection of positive self-affirmations, more than a storyline with a plot, pull this book out every time your child needs a self-confidence boost – or even a reminder to include other children.
Live reading here. Buy I Am Enough here.
If You’re Going to a March by Martha Freeman, illustrated by Violet Kim
To raise little activists to be aware of inequities in the world and empower them with the tools to enact social change, this book is a perfect primer. “If You’re Going to a March” makes activism fun – grab a pizza box! Pack snacks! All the tips you need to help your young feminists become changemakers.
Live reading by Ana Clara Blesso here. Read our full review here.
Julian is a Mermaid, by Jessica Love
One day on the subway with his abuela, Julian sees three people dressed up glamorously as mermaids. Julian LOVES mermaids. But can he dress like one, too? Or are mermaids just for girls? This heartwarming book encourages children to embrace their individuality and be exactly who they are.
The dreamy-magical illustrations take us on a very special with Julian and his deeply-supportive abuela. (If only every grandparent could be this supportive! More tips for grandparents here.) For sensitive children, especially, it’s sometimes helpful to read a story of “being who you are” without preceding bullying or teasing by other children.
Listen to reading by Lauren of Killing Venus. Buy Julian is a Mermaid here.
Little Feminist Board Book Set
The perfect gift for a new baby or an expectant parent. This board book set has categories of inspiring women: artists, pioneers, leaders, and activists. Featuring leaders like Harriet Tubman, Malala Yousafzai, and Frida Kahlo, the box set is a helpful introduction for any feminist kid, especially babies and toddlers.
Live reading here with help from a 4 year-old. Buy the set here.
Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed
Young Mae Jemison dreams about becoming an astronaut, but not everyone encourages her goals. She overcomes the naysayers, including her teacher, to become the first Black woman in space. Stasia Burrington’s nighttime illustrations bring a dreamy, magical tone to the story, in contrast to the adversity Mae faced.
Mae Among the Stars is a beautiful teaching tool for children in moments of discouragement or fear of failure.
Buy it here.
Mika and Lolo by Virginia Méndez
Not kidding – 30 seconds after we read “Mika and Lolo” for the first time, my 5 year-old put on a cape (and probably a hat or crown on her head) and raced around the room. “I’m a superhero, Mom! And my super power is making the world better!”
As a feminist parent, could I have designed it any better myself? No, definitely not.
We loved this cheerful and upbeat book that challenges gender stereotypes and helps kids embrace their individuality. The coolest part? Each book comes in two languages: English and your choice of Spanish, German, Italian or French.
The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch
A funny twist on fairy tales! Princess Elizabeth plans to marry Prince Ronald when a dragon attacks the castle, kidnaps Ronald, and Elizabeth’s clothes are destroyed. But she isn’t discouraged – she throws on a paper bag and sets out to save Prince Ronald.
Any princess-obsessed kids (and their parents) will laugh at the ending of The Paper Bag Princess, which defies gender stereotypes and reminds readers that princesses don’t need to be saved!
Live reading by Russell Rhodes here. Buy it here.
Rainbow Revolutionaries: 50+ LGBTQ People Who Made History, Sarah Prager
Rainbow Revolutionaries is the history book we need that no school ever gave us. It highlights accomplishments by queer figures, both historical and current. Some you know – Sally Ride, Marsha Johnson; while others may be new, like Cleve Jones and Gilbert Baker.
This celebration of LGBTQ+ heroes is a great foundation for a school report for children in the middle grades. Every child should know this history! Author Sarah Prager gave Feminist Parents Unite a sneak preview of the book right before its release – watch it here.
Buy Rainbow Revolutionaries here.
Red: A Crayon’s Story, Michael Hall
A young crayon lives in a red wrapper, but when Red draws, it always comes out blue! No one can figure out why. Friends and family wonder if Red needs to hang out with more red crayons. Or maybe put a scarf on.
Red: A Crayon’s Story is the perfect book to open up a conversation about gender identity, even though it never mentioned terms such as male, female, or transgender.
But the book isn’t JUST about gender, and encourages individuality on many levels. Says one Think or Blue community member:
I bought this book for my autistic son because the crayon reminded me of an autistic child. People think they’re not trying hard enough, don’t look autistic enough, should cover up their stims, or just stay home altogether. I love the book’s message about the importance of accepting (and sharing) who we truly are on the inside.”
Live reading here. Buy Red: A Crayon’s Story here.
Si, Se Puede: Yes We Can! By Diana Cohn, illustrated by Francisco Delgado
This book is an in-depth look at the janitor strikes in Los Angeles years ago, and the basis of what a labor union is all about. Young Carlitos’ mama explains that she has to work all week for low pay AND wash clothes on the weekend because her full-time job alone won’t fund the medication his grandmother needs, along with their food and home. Carlitos sees his mama rally her friends and co-workers to fight for fair wages and watches as she steps up to help other unions, too.
Perhaps most beautiful is how Carlitos describes his mama’s cleaning profession with appreciative, sparkling words, marveling at how she makes the floors shine bright.
Live reading by Catherine Bailey here. Buy Sí Se Puede here.
Speak Up, Miranda Paul
Many of us use feminist parenting to ensure that our children can be themselves, free of restriction. But we also want them to recognize injustice and speak up when they notice it – even if they’re not the target.
Speak Up shows, with beautiful, kid-friendly, diverse illustrations by Ebony Glenn, how just a few words from a child can dissipate bullying and other unfair situations. In order to raise anti-racist children, an integral part of feminist parenting, we must teach our children to speak up.
Teddy’s Favorite Toy, Christian Trimmer
I’ve heard parents worry: “I’m not sure if I’m ready to tell my child about gender stereotypes because I don’t want to put ideas in their head too early. I want them to feel like they can play with any toy, and none are off limits.”
This concern is completely valid, and I felt this way, once, too. For parents who want to normalize boys playing with dolls without any teasing or bullying, Teddy’s Favorite Toy is a helpful first book for feminist kids. Teddy’s favorite toy, Bren-Da, winds up in the trash! In superhero fashion, his mom swoops in to help save the day – a refreshing portrayal for mothers today.
The Day You Begin, Jacqueline Woodson
Angelina feels excluded from a question poised by a teacher at school. Soon we learn that many of the students feel like outsiders for lots of reasons – culture, socioeconomic, abilities. The Day You Begin was named Think or Blue’s most inclusive book of 2018, and will remain a go-to book in our collection, as it teaches not only the beauty of diversity but the importance of acceptance and inclusion.
Buy it here.
The Start of Something Big, Annahita de la Mare
Cousins Alice, Hannah, and Rosie discover something intriguing in their grandmother’s storage – a hot air balloon! Naturally, they fix it up and try it out. This IS the start of something big – the beginning of adventures by three girls who use teamwork, take risks, never stop to fret about their appearance, and exercise compassion for others.
My number one suggestion to parents who are tired of nonstop princess stuff marketed to girls, read Think or Blue’s full review of the four hot air balloon adventure books. Plus, a few months ago, author Annitahia de la Mare graciously gave us a sneak peek of her new material here. Buy The Start of Something Big here.
What are your favorites? Share below, and pin this to save for later:
Be sure to sign up for our free e-book 7 Ways to Parent without Stereotypes here:
Excellent collection of books. Liked your unique an insightful approach towards parenting.
Thank you! I’d love to hear if you end up trying any 🙂