Inspring Stories About Women For Girls Of All Ages

Little girls, as well as bigger girls, need to be inspired and encouraged every once in awhile.  There are many slogans and catchy hashtags from #girlpower to #throwlikeagirl.  There are plenty more slogans that have been used and each were created to empower girls to think beyond the stereotypes of what girls ought to do or become.  It is inspiring that our society is looking to build girls up instead of tearing them down.    That is a good thing and perhaps a little overdue. As we begin the month of March,  it's time to reflect upon women in history who have paved the way for future generations of women who long to be strong, smart and free to carve out their own place in the world.

Historical fiction is a genre that takes a special talent in weaving the tale.  The details have to be spot on to be believable and enjoyable.  For the educator, the gems in historical fiction are sometimes hard to find because of this fact.  However, when a book is found that makes history turn into a magical adventure,  this book is not to be let out of anyone's sight.  One book in particular that comes to mind is  The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate  by Jacqueline Kelly.  This is the story of Calpurnia's love of  nature and frustrations of the limits society places on her because of her gender.  In 1899, a girl's place was at home with chores and needlework.   What more should a girl do, right?  For eleven year old Calpurnia that is just not enough to keep her happy.  For her, is much more fascinating and lures her to explore creatures along the riverbank, in the trees and everywhere.  The only person to encourage her love of nature is her grandfather who gives her the Darwin's book "The Origin of Species."    The tale is wonderful and inspiring in its prose.  Definitely a book that can inspire young girls to follow their passions, even if society tell them it's not their place.

In the picture book category for inspiring girls of all ages it would only be proper to mention Amelia and Eleanor Go for a Ride written by Pam Munoz Ryan and illustrated by Brian Selznick.  Both Ryan and Selznick have contributed much to children's literature but this book often goes unnoticed. The story is about Amelia Earhart visiting the White House as a guest of then First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt.   Both to these women are revered as trailblazers of their time.   In this fictional tale,  Earhart takes the First Lady for a private plane ride.  This book entices the reader to imagine what that ride might have been like for both women.  What  fans of both women wouldn't do to have had the opportunity to hear that conversation between the two.   It's magical and makes for an interesting story time.

Both books mentioned above are classified as historical fiction but the next one is an actual biography that is wonderfully written by David Adler, who incidentally has written excellent biographies for children.   One of his best works is America's Champion Swimmer: Gertrude Ederle (illustrated by  Terry Widener).  Who is Gertrude Ederle?  In 1924, Gertrude decided to go against the odds and become the first woman to  swim across the English Channel.  Everyone around her said it couldn't be done, especially by a woman.  The water is too choppy, they said.  "The water is too cold",  they said. "It's dangerous.", the said.  Gertrude did it anyways.  After a twenty-one mile long swim which took fourteen hours to complete, she set a world record.  Her perseverance is a testimony to all girls that once a dream is in sight, there's no turning back.  One simply has to go for it.


There are so many other wonderful books that can and should inspire girls to carve out their own destiny.  The three here should be a good start at introducing girls to strong women who had big dreams and accomplished them despite being told they couldn't.   As a popular meme that is posted on Facebook and other social media states: Here's To Strong Women.  May We Know Them, May We Be Them, May We Raise Them.   The easiest way to achieve this is to read books about them, learn from them so we can be like them and share their stories so that more girls will grow up to be strong women.

The Public Relations Magic in March: : St. Patty's Day, March Madness, Women's History and Reading

March is a wonderful time of year. Everyone is waiting anxiously for spring to arrive. The first signs of "green" come on St. Patty's day, everyone either wears green, drinks and eats green things and look for little leprechauns. On the other hand, there are die hard sports fans who track college basketball for March Madness. Don't forget Women's history month to add to the Spring festivities. In the midst of all this celebrating, libraries have tons of programs which celebrate reading. This may make one librarian wondering what could possibly come in April to top all these reasons to celebrate. Oh, Yeah National Library Week. (Ideas on that will be shared at another time.) Suffice it to say, as scattered as all these topics seem to be, they do have something in common. Besides the fact that they are all in March, these celebrations are the perfect time for libraries to promote themselves to local officials and state legislators. Curious on how to get a jump start on advocating for libraries before April? Read on.

All politicians claim to be "Irish" on St. Patrick's Day. Even President O'bama claimed Irish decent when traveling through Ireland. Why not? It's a wonderful heritage, there is good food, good dancing and lots of fun wearing the green. Plus, they are always talking about the Luck of the Irish. Ah, libraries could use a wee bit luck. To tap into our own little bit of luck, librarians could distribute postcards to their patrons, that are ready to be mailed to the local officials, asking the patrons to support the library by simply signing the postcard which will be sent to the Representatives. The cards could say, "The library is our city's LUCKY charm. Please support our library" It's a great little reminder that the library adds value to every community.

March Madness provides a wonderful opportunity to bring sports into the library. Most sports fans figure libraries don't have anything for a sports fans. Not true. Books about team history, statistics and biographies about famous players are just a few items up for grab. Years ago, an energetic school librarian set out to prove that bringing in basketball fun into the school library would not only benefit the students but also the library as well. On the library doors, a sign was posted "March Madness in Progress. Enter if you DARE" Once the students took the "dare" they were directed to the reference desk where the librarian had a huge basketball bracket on display for all to see her picks. If the students, school board member or faculty cared to fill out a bracket, they had to first write on the bracket sheet why they were "mad" about the library. Then they could post their brackets. The amount of traffic through the library was amazing due to the number of students who wanted to see whose brackets came closest to being spot on. As for the librarian, well the "mad about the Library" comments helped demonstrate the important functions that the school library performed for the students. Plus, her bracket picks were pretty off the mark which made for interesting remarks from students. One student offered to help the librarian to find out more about statistics so next year she could make better choices in her picks.

Women's history month proves to be a great way to remind female legislators and officials about the impact that women have had on history. In their own way, these leaders have made an impact on their own community. For libraries who are facing budget cuts and concerns, there is a way to invite these leaders into the library to "celebrate" Women's history month. One inventive (and could be profitable also) way is to have a women Tea party. Inviting key women leaders to come to the Tea to support the library is great PR for the officials as well as the library.

Of course promoting reading is always a good thing for libraries. After all, when thinking about libraries the first thing to come to most minds are books. t is the trademark of libraries. However, it doesn't hurt to do something different to add spice to PR and advocacy. Library events like those mentioned above will lend itself to patrons coming in to check out books to read throughout the month of March. More importantly, it will get elected officials to open their eyes and minds aobut what libraries do and what they offer the community.

Celebrating Women's History Month With Classic Women Authors

Lining the bookshelves of public libraries are several wonderful titles written by women. March is dedicated to celebrating the accomplishment of great women in history which includes a long list of heroines far and near. In literature there are many writers who have inspired their generation and generation of readers that followed. Their words are timeless and their characters are as real as our best friends. Many of the classic writers wrote during an era when women were not considered equal to men. Yet, in their books, the women writers wrote about strong, independent women. Contrast this to today's authors where some create women who are anything but strong or independent. This seems odd since women today enjoy more freedoms then their counterparts two hundred years ago. See if there is any agreement to the three authors listed below.

Jane Austen is the best example of a woman author who challenges cultural wisdom and introduces wonderful female characters who are bright, witty and memorable. Elizabeth Bennet of Pride and Prejudice comes to the forefront of the long list of character. Austen is very careful to let everyone in on the cultural joke and in the end wins not only Mr. Darby's heart but the reader's as well.

Agatha Christie remarkable work changed the formula for rich crime stories that lure readers into reading one more page to find out "who done it". The unforgettable Miss Marple received attention not only for her ability to solve crimes but also from the stand point that she is not the typical detective. Old maids celebrated everywhere that there was finally a character that broke the mold for old maids. For once they were not meek, weepy and alone. Instead, Miss Marple demonstrates characteristics of an endearing, strong and inquisitive person. Who needs a husband when their is crimes to solve in the tiny village of St. Mary Meade.

One of he first example of Science fiction comes from a woman who dreamed about a scientist who created a monster. Mary Shelley's work Frankenstein opens readers to the world of science and the search for the meaning of life. Victor, the scientist who is the sorrowful creator, reveals to his friend Henry how he was able to recreate life and the consequences of his action. Shelley's tome delves into Victor's remorse for greedily looking for the power of life and at he same time explores the "humanity" of the monster who was crafted in a lab only to be shunned by his creator. This is unique point of view taps into the reader's sense of wonder for science and life.

Obviously these are only a few great women authors who changed literature for the better. Throughout the month of March there will be plenty of opportunities to explore others who not only introduced a new genre as Shelley did but also how they have added to the creative landscape of children and Young Adult literature. As the old saying goes, you ain't seen nothing yet.

Cool Chic Picture Books -- Celebrating Girl Power

Girls are awesome. Ask any girl from ages one to ninety-nine, and they will tell you that this is true. Granted, it's a biased opinion, but there are a few gentlemen out there that just may agree with this statement. At least to a certain degree. In 1987, Congress recognized the achievements of women with dedicating an entire month to the topic. Previously, it had been limited to the one week in March. As the old saying goes, We've come a long way, baby. Women's rights and achievements have certainly deserved recognition and applause. The same can be said for picture books with strong women role models. This is not in reference to Olivia, Madeline or Ramona, although each of these characters are endearing. Rather, this is in reference to picture books about real women who have inspired theirs and future generations.

Fortunately for today's young readers, boys and girls alike, there are authors who excel at telling a historical story in an fun yet educational way. This is not your grandmother's history book! It is a lot more fun and inspiring. Which is exactly what a good picture book should do when capturing the hearts and minds of every reader. In a previous blog, the topic of introducing teens to read biographies as a gateway to nonfiction was discussed. For younger readers, its no difference. The books may be shorter in length but they are not short on information or inspiration.

In Amelia and Eleanor Go For a Ride, Pam Munoz Ryan wraps a fictionalized account around two historic women who were known for their courage in action and voice. At the end of the book, the author explains why she choose to fictionalize her story. However, the illustrations along with the text inspires every reader to take the ride with Amelia and Eleanor in hopes of becoming just as bold and daring as they were. Barbara Kerley's What to Do About Alice? is a charming book based on the life of Teddy Roosevelt's oldest daughter Alice. Life in the White House must have been a "riot" as President Roosevelt described it when Alice was greeting guests with a pet snake. However, Alice's love of life and adventure could not be squashed and in the end she slithered her way into American's hearts. If children ever begin to wonder why big hoops skirts are out of style, then share this next book with them. You Forgot Your Skirt, Amerilia Bloomer: A Very Improper Story, a wonderful story about another famous Amelia who changed the way women dressed. Shana Carey introduces her readers to a bold, yet practical writer who not only fought for women to be treated equally, but also for women to be comfortable. Instead of going along with society's demand to where silly hoop dresses that were so heavy and cumbersome, Amelia is inspired by other women visionaries to shed the skirt and wear bloomers instead. Many disapproved of this new fashion trend of women wearing flowing pants, however, many other women were happy to shed the skirt and follow Amelia's example. Who would ever think that wearing pants would label a lady as being "improper"?

Two wonderful titles about women athletes who broke records in the Olympics will inspire all readers to focus on their goals and not their obstacles. Kathleen Krull's Wilma Unlimited based on the life of Track & Field legend Wllma Rudolph and Shana Corey's Mermaid Queen, a biography about legendary swimmer, Annette Kellerman are both rich in text and illustrations. What is of particular interest in both of stories, is how these women over came not only prejudices from society regarding women's participation in sports, but also their own physical challenges. Gold medals are wonderful to earn, but the true testimony of their lives is that they never gave up, even when it looked hopeless.

There's only a few weeks left in March to continue celebrating and learning about women's contribution to society. However, let's say we buck the conventional wisdom and celebrate Girl Power all year round.