The Trapped Librarian

Make your library the center of your school

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Home
  • Blog
  • Topics
    • Books for Kids
    • Bulletin Boards and Displays
    • FUN!
    • Helpful Hints
    • Library Advocacy
    • Life
    • Organize It!
    • School Library
    • Technology
    • TPT
  • Shop
  • ABOUT
  • CONTACT
You are here: Home / Books for Kids / Empower Girls With These 4 Picture Books

January 22, 2018 by: Laura

Empower Girls With These 4 Picture Books

Last Updated on February 4, 2018 by Laura

 

I didn’t notice when I stopped by Harper Collins’ booth at the AASL conference that all of the galleys they gave me to review for them were full of GIRL POWER!  What a pleasant and fun situation I found myself in when I came home and read these four picture books.   I was excited to write a brief review of each for Kid Lit Exchange and pass them on to other reviewers.  Every one of these picture books carries an encouraging message for girls of all ages, and represents a diverse group of young women.  I plan to purchase a copy of each of them for my elementary school library!

* This blog post contains Amazon affiliate links.  If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small stipend at no cost to you.* I was given a copy of each of these books from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions are my own! *

Dear Girl by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Paris Rosenthal, illustrated by Holly Hatham, published by Harper

Cover of Dear Girl by Amy Krouse Rosenthal with review by The Trapped Librarian

This beautiful book is fun, touching, encouraging, and most of all uplifting.  A great read for girls of all ages (I was even encouraged!).  It is written as a letter, or message, or conversation, from a mother to her daughter.  I can only imagine that working on this book together was a joy for this mother-daughter team.  Since Amy lost her battle with cancer last March, I’m sure the book is a treasured legacy for Paris.  The illustrations show a great variety of action, feelings, and emotions as the text encourages girls to embrace life’s adventures with self-acceptance and appreciation for oneself and others.  I recommend this for ALL girls!  Not only will I be buying one for my library, I plan to get one for each of my granddaughters and I look forward to reading it with them!

 

Free as a Bird:  The Story of Malala by Linda Maslo, published by Balzer & Bray

Cover of Free as a Bird: the Story of Malala by Lina Maslo with review by The Trapped Librarian

This beautifully illustrated picture book biography is a great introduction to Malala Yousafzai for young readers or listeners at read aloud time.  They will come away with a clear understanding of how much Malala and her family value education and equal opportunity for all.  They will also be inspired to stand up for principles they believe in!  An author’s note, timeline, bibliography, and note about Malalai of Maiwand provide lots of interesting background information.   It would be great paired with Malala’s Magic Pencil (her autobiographical picture book memoir) and I recommend showing at least one video of Malala to your students so they connect the real person with the books.  I think this book belongs in all elementary libraries.

 

I Am Enough by Grace Byers, illustrated by Keturah A. Bobo, published by Balzer & Bray

Cover of I Am Enough by Grace Byers with review by The Trapped Librarian

The author, who experienced bullying herself when she was a child, wrote this book to “empower young girls against the effects of bullying.”  It’s an uplifting, encouraging story told with rhythm & repetition, sure to get the attention of the reader or read-aloud listener.  The illustrations show a great variety of diverse girls in lots of situations that elementary aged students will relate to.  Each 2-page spread could spark a group discussion about friendship, kindness, confidence, and positive self-talk.  I recommend this book for elementary libraries and as a gift for young girls in your life.

 

This is It by Daria Peoples-Riley, published by Greenwillow Books

Cover of This is It by Daria Peoples-Riley with review by The Trapped Librarian

This is a fun, encouraging book that shows a girl preparing for a dance audition while her more confident shadow gives her a pep talk!  Lots of young girls can relate to the preparation and nerves felt by the girl – I know many of my students are dancers.  The whole book is a model of positive self-talk and the illustrations are very interesting and fun.  This would be a welcome addition to an elementary school library.

Do you know of some great picture books that can encourage the young girls in our lives?  Please share them below!

Pin this image to find it later!

4 Picture Books to Empower Girls: Dear Girl, I Am Enough, This is It, Free As A Bird, with reviews by The Trapped Librarian

 

 

 

  • February Read-Alouds and Freebies!
    See the World Through New Eyes with These 5 Picture Books
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

    Past Posts

    Categories

    Find it Fast

    Books for Kids Bulletin Boards and Displays Collaboration Distance Learning Freebies FUN! Helpful Hints Inspiration Library Advocacy Library Decor Library Events Library Lessons Library Management Life Organize It! Professional Development Remote Learning Research School Library Seasonal Technology Tech Tips Test Prep TPT Uncategorized

    TPT Shop

    Facebook

    Pinterest

    Instagram

    thetrappedlibrarian

    📚 Elementary School Librarian
    🌟 NBCT 2011
    👩🏻‍🏫 Teacher Author
    Blog: trappedlibrarian.org

    ⭐️ 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗻 𝗮 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀!⭐️ These book series lists will keep your students reading and hook them on books that they love.

𝗦𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘂𝗽 𝘁𝗼 25% 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗱𝗲 𝗧𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗞𝗬𝗢𝗨25!
 
Features of this time-saving resource:
✅  Lists of popular chapter book series in order
✅  Printable or Digital lists
✅  Printable bookmarks have fun quotes on the back
 
📚  Grab this versatile resource and make it easy for your students to find their next favorite book! 📚

Grab them today! >>>>> https://bit.ly/3efDOze
    𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗽 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗹𝗶𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗻𝘀!
This big bundle of year-round library resources is 𝗮𝗹𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 30% off…
🎉 𝗕𝗨𝗧 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗧𝗪𝗢 𝗗𝗔𝗬𝗦 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝘆 — you can save up to 25% 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 during the TPT sale with code 𝗧𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗞𝗬𝗢𝗨25! (Today & tomorrow May 6-7)

⭐️ ALL of my monthly library bundles
⭐️ 30% off individual prices — plus extra sale savings!
⭐️ Bonus guide to help you plan each month
⭐️ Lessons, bulletin boards & more to carry you through the year

✅ Preview here: https://bit.ly/3v2Pc9R
    ✨ 𝗠𝗔𝗬 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗙𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗧 ✨ 𝗠𝗔𝗬 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗙𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗧𝗛 𝗕𝗘 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛 𝗬𝗢𝗨! ✨ Need some fresh ideas to wrap up the school year? The Library Helpers newsletter has you covered!

Here's a peek inside:
⭐️ An idea for 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿 𝗪𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗗𝗮𝘆 + 19 more fun National Days!
⭐️ Intergalactic Research Report
⭐️ Popsicle-themed trivia game for review fun
⭐️ An ocean-themed library catalog practice

💻 Don’t miss these time-saving resources—click "𝗟𝗶𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀𝗹𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀" in bio!

 #libraryhelpersnewsletter #elementarylibrary #teacherlibrarian #librariansofinstagram #elementarylibrarian #librarymediaspecialist #schoollibrarian #schoollibrary #librariansofig #schoollibrarians
    Looking for a fun way to keep your K–2 students Looking for a fun way to keep your K–2 students moving and engaged? 🎒
⭐️ Grab this FREE School Supplies Scavenger Hunt — it's low-prep, high-fun, and perfect for your library or classroom!
Sign up and get it sent straight to your inbox. 📬

👉 Download it today at the link in bio!

#ElementaryLibrary #LibraryLessons #LibraryActivities #SchoolLibrarian #KindergartenTeacher #FirstGradeTeacher #TeacherFreebies #ActiveLearning
#MovementInTheClassroom #ScavengerHuntFun
    ☀️😎 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝘆/𝗝𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀𝗹𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 is here to help you finish the year strong and start dreaming about summer! This issue is packed with practical ideas for your school library.

 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂’𝗹𝗹 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲: 
 ☀️End-of-year library lesson tips!
 ☀️Lots of book lists!
 ☀️Great ideas to promote Summer Reading!
 ☀️Resources to motivate your kiddos to return their books!

📬 Check your inbox or click the link in bio to read it now!

 #libraryhelpersnewsletter #elementarylibrary #librariansofinstagram #teacherlibrarian #librarymediaspecialist #elementarylibrarian #schoollibrary #schoollibrarian #schoollibrarians
    ☀️Get ready for May with great ideas for your ☀️Get ready for May with great ideas for your library lessons! 

✅ Library Review and Assessment
✅ Ocean-themed storytime
✅ Calming Yoga
✅ Summer Reading Challenge

😎 You'll be 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘅𝗲𝗱 and 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗱 for the month!

🤓 Read it on the Trapped Librarian Blog!
>>>>> https://trappedlibrarian.org/2022/05/18/may-library-lessons/

 #maylibrary #schoollibrarians #elementarylibrarylessons #librariansofig #schoollibrarian #elementarylibrarian #schoollibrary #elementarylibrary #librarymediaspecialist #librariansofinstagram
    ⭐ 𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 ⭐ 𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗼𝗲𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵! ⭐

Do you celebrate Poetry Month in your library??

It's a great time to....
✅ Encourage creativity
✅ Strengthen collaboration with classroom teachers
✅ Renew interest in your library's poetry section

➡️ Get more ideas over on the blog >>>> https://trappedlibrarian.org/2021/04/4-fun-poetry-month-activities-for-the-school-library/

 #poetrymonth #teacherlibrarian #elementarylibrary #librariansofinstagram #librarymediaspecialist #elementarylibrarian #schoollibrary #schoollibrarian #librariansofig
    𝙁𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙏𝙖𝙮𝙡𝙤𝙧 𝙎𝙬𝙞𝙛𝙩: 𝙁𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙨, 𝙌𝙪𝙞𝙯𝙯𝙚𝙨, 𝘼𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙈𝙤𝙧𝙚! By Gena Chester | Capstone Press, 2025 | Ages 8-11 

🩷 Swifties of all ages will love this engaging title packed with vibrant photos, fun facts, and interesting tidbits about the ever-popular Taylor Swift. The book includes interactive quizzes that both test fans’ knowledge and invite future fans  to learn more about the star’s life, music, and career. With its colorful design and high-interest content, it's sure to grab the attention of young readers.

🩵 If your students are anything like mine, they can’t get enough of Taylor Swift — and this book will definitely feed their fascination. It’s perfect for skimming, reading cover to cover, sharing with friends, or diving into solo. 

💜 I highly recommend adding it to your collection, and you might even want to grab more than one copy. It’s bound to be in high demand!

Thank you to NetGalley and Capstone Press for the opportunity to read a digital review copy of this title. Available 8/1/25

 #elementarylibrary #teacherlibrarian #schoollibrarian #librariansofinstagram #swifties #schoollibrarians
    We all know how lively school can get in the sprin We all know how lively school can get in the spring! 🌸 Sometimes, a calming reset is exactly what students need. These yoga books for kids offer a gentle way to introduce mindfulness and movement, helping kids refocus and build self-control. 🧘‍♂️💫
Check out this new blog post for 14 of the best yoga books to add to your library!
🔗 Link in bio. https://trappedlibrarian.org/2025/03/19/yoga-books-for-kids/
#YogaBooksForKids #ElementaryLibrary #MindfulnessInSchools #YogaForKids #LibraryLife #SpringReset
    Follow on Instagram
    • ABOUT
    • CONTACT
    • Privacy Policy

    © 2025 // Design by Laugh Eat Learn // Theme by Pretty Darn Cute Design