Five Picture Books for International Women’s Month

As a former gymnast, I have followed Simone’s career for years and have been amazed by her accomplishments and integrity. She has brought so much to the sport and is truly the G.O.A.T.! This wonderful picture book biography tells the story of this incredible woman.

In her own words, the Nobel Peace Prize winner tells a story inspired by her own childhood. As a child in Pakistan, Malala wished for a magic pencil that would grant all the wishes she desired. But as she grew older, Malala saw that there were more important things to wish for. She saw a world that needed fixing. And even if she never found a magic pencil, Malala realized that she could still work hard every day to make her wishes come true.

This book tells that incredible story of Zaha Hadid, a British Iraqi architect whose stunning buildings and fluid lines made her a pioneer in her field. I first found out about her when a new building was going up in New York City. It was the most beautiful building I had ever seen, and I wanted to know more about the architect behind it. Zaha faced discrimination as she pursued architecture, but through it all she persisted and ended up creating some of the most stunning buildings in the world.

I have been so in awe of Greta Thunberg and her devotion to spreading knowledge about climate change. When she was fifteen she learned of global climate change from her teacher, and it impacted her so much that she went on strike, skipping school every Friday to sit outside of the Swedish Parliament building with a sign that read “School Strike for Climate.” At first, Greta was the only one. But gradually, more and more students joined her, until her lone protest had sparked a worldwide student movement for action on climate change.

I have nothing but admiration for Sonia Sotomayor who grew up in New York City and faced many odds on her path to becoming a Supreme Court Justice. In this honest picture book, Justice Sotomayor shares about her childhood and the health issues she encountered. I also love how she continues to write picture books that are focused on empathy and compassion. Check out Just Ask! and Just Help!