My #pb10for10 - Girl Power Picture Books to Share with My Daughter

I’m thrilled to be joining the #pb10for10 fun again this year!  Many thanks to the wonderful hosts: Cathy Mere (Reflect and Refine), Mandy Robeck (Enjoy and Embrace Learning).   I enjoy the challenge of creating a meaningful list for myself and others, as well as reading all the wonderful lists posted by the community.  

My past #10for10 book collections are:

2017 - Picture Books to Encourage a Growth Mindset

2016 - Picture Books for a Makerspace

2015 - Picture Books that Make Great Read Alouds for Young Readers

As a parent, I encourage my daughter to be kind, positive, creative, confident, determined, resilient, disciplined, hopeful and a dreamer.  These qualities go beyond the love and schooling she receives and they are the toughest to teach.  In February, my #nf10for10 was girl power nonfiction books to share with my daughter.  To piggyback on that topic, my #pb10for10 is a list of girl power picture books to read (and reread) with my daughter.  They highlight female role models and reinforce the notion that girls can do and be anything.  Women can accomplished great things, and so can my daughter!

1. Franny’s Father is a Feminist by Rhonda Leet

Franny’s father knows men play an important role in the empowerment of women.  He’s a stay-at-home dad who supports his wife’s career and raises his daughter to be strong, smart, and self-confident.  He tells Franny that girls can do anything boys can do.  From encouraging her love of ballet and tinkering, he’s a modern dad who isn’t afraid of bucking gender norms.

2.  Dear Girl, by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and her daughter, Paris Rosenthal

This book reminds girls that they no matter their interest or passion, they are strong, powerful, and hold a special place in the world.  Warning, this book is a tear jerker!

3.  Beautiful by Stacy McAnulty

Beauty comes in many forms.  True beauty is about showing kindness, following your heart, conquering challenges, and embracing your uniqueness.  This book empowers young girls to be smart, strong, and true to themselves.

4.  Not All Princesses Dress in Pink by Jane Yolen & her daughter, Heidi E. Y. Stemple

Every girl doesn’t have a passion for pink.  This book depicts various girls (all wearing tiaras like a princess) following their passions.  Some read books and some play soccer.  Some ride bikes and some splash in the mud.  Young girls will enjoy the empowering message of unlimited potential.  

5.  The Princess and the Pit Stop by Tom Angleberger


Nothing can stop the princess from going from last to first place.  I love the multiple fairy tale references and appearances.  This is the ultimate girl power racing book!  

6.  The Princess Knight by Cornelia Funke

Princess Violet wants to do more than just get married.  She sets out to prove to her father and brothers that she is brave and strong.  Disguised as a boy, she competes and wins a knight's jousting tournament.  Her prize is respect and freedom.  

7.  Piggybook by Anthony Browne

This book was originally published in 1986 and way ahead of it’s time.  An over-worked mother teaches her husband and sons a modern lesson.  The message is simple, . . . if mom and dad both work, they should share in the household duties.  This is a must-read for young boys and girls alike.  I love the pig symbolism throughout the book’s illustrations!

8.  Grace for President by Kelly DiPucchio 

Grace learns that there has never been a female president, so she sets out to change it.  First in her schools mock election, and later a foreshadowed presidential election.  This book teaches children about the election process from campaigning and voting (including the electoral college).  Grace is determined, kind, strong, and brave - the perfect role model for the modern girl!

9.  I Am Enough by Grace Byers

This book reads like a beautiful poem.  It's simple text and illustrations encourage acceptance of self, acceptance of others, and inclusion of diversity.  

10.  Violet the Pilot by Steve Breen

Violet is an inventor, an engineer, and a pilot.  To end the teasing she receives at school and show the kids what she’s capable of, she sets out to win the blue ribbon in the Air Show.  While performing, she stops to rescue a Boy Scout troop in peril.  Violet models the importance of following your passions and show kindness, making her a true hero for boys and girls alike.