For young readers, seeing success in women’s form
March is Women’s History Month, and, to the delight of readers young and old, the theme is “celebrating women who tell our stories.” What better way to recognize the month than by reading books about women doing things both glamorous and challenging — and opening readers’ eyes to the many possibilities that await them.
“A Is for Aretha: 26 Trailblazing Black Women Who Changed Music From A to Z” by Leslie Kwan, illustrated by Rachelle Baker.
(Ages infant through 3. Kokilo. $9.99.) From pioneers like Mahalia Jackson and Nina Simone to new voices like Lizzo, this colorful and creative book offers striking portraits of groundbreaking musicians, paired with brief descriptions of both their music and their activism.
The wide variety of musical styles — from grunge trailblazer Tina Bell to disco star Gloria Gaynor to rap and acting star Queen Latifah — showcases how far-reaching Black women’s talents are.
“Firefighter Flo!” by Andrea Zimmerman, illustrated by Dan Yaccarino.
(Ages 3 through 6. Holiday House. $18.99.)
This bouncy story of a brave female firefighter doesn’t waste any time — it jumps right into the action of howling sirens, gushing hoses and chopping axes.
Author Andrea Zimmerman begins the tale, part of the Big Jobs, Bold Women series, with an energetic shout: “Hey, yo! Firefighter Flo! You’re a hero! You’re a pro!” Flo saves the day, of Course, and then goes back to the fire station to wait until she’s needed again.
“Justice Rising: 12 Amazing Black Women in the Civil Rights Movement” by Katheryn Russell-Brown, illustrated by Kim Holt.
(Ages 4 through 8. Viking. $18.99.) With approachable, inspiring mini-biographies of a dozen Black women in the civil rights movement, Katheryn Russell-Brown encourages a new generation of activists to fight for justice.
The book opens with Norfolk’s own Ella Baker, who helped found the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, and includes student-activist Claudette Colvin — who protested segregated bus seating — and Sheyann Webb, dubbed the “smallest freedom fighter” for beginning her battle for civil rights at age 8.