The New York Public Library's Teen Reading Ambassadors program brings together 10th–12th grade students from across New York City to learn about the Library and help further its mission to inspire lifelong learning in others, particularly young children. Below are book recommendations for kids ages 6–12 selected by some of our Teen Ambassadors for Women’s History Month. These titles are written and illustrated (primarily) by women, but they also highlight important current issues of gender, race, ethnicity, identity, and justice (and their intersections) that are relevant to all people (children included!) today.

Go With the Flow by Lily Williams and illustrated by Karen Schneemann

Have you and your best friends ever taken action for what you believe is right? In the graphic novel, Go With the Flow, the author Lily Williams and illustrator Karen Schneemann tell the story of a group of best friends in 10th grade. Abby, Brit, Christine, and Sasha work together to have their voices heard about women’s health issues in the school setting. In Hazelton High bathrooms, there are never enough tampons or pads provided, but they watch as the administration prioritizes football above female health. What will happen next? Will their voices be heard? Read to find out what happens!  Ages 9-12. Recommended by Jamilee C. 

 

My Rainbow by Trinity and DeShanna Neal and illustrated by Art Twink 

My Rainbow written by Trinity and DeShanna Neal is a gem unlike any other. It follows the real-life story of a mother who works to create the perfect rainbow-colored wig for her transgender daughter. The book showcases a diverse character for a diverse audience using beautiful art, touching words, and the genuine love and acceptance of a mother. If you’re looking for something a bit different from what you’ve read before, I would definitely recommend this book. Ages 6-8. Recommended by Norah B. 

 

Black Is a Rainbow Color by Angela Joy and illustrated by Ekua Holmes

This book starts off with a Black girl sitting on the steps outside of her house thinking about the colors of the rainbow. The book then tells the story of how many Black girls feel like they don’t have enough representation in the world. This book is a good example of the necessity of Black representation for kids so that they can see themselves in everyday media. It highlights the history of Black people, particularly Black women, and how they have shaped the community to be what it is today. This book encourages young readers to be proud that they are Black and to be proud of their history and culture. I would recommend this book to both young readers and old readers as well because it’s a reassurance that Black is beautiful and Black is known. It helps remind young Black readers that they should really love themselves and that they should love their community. I would give this book a 10/10! Ages 6-8+. Recommended by Kel A.

The Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab and Family by Ibtihaj Muhammad and S.K. Ali and illustrated by Hatem Aly

Are you a young Muslim girl considering wearing the hijab? Are you fearful of what others may say and how they may perceive you? The Proudest Blue written by Ibtihaj Muhammad and S.K. Ali with vivid illustrations by Hatem Aly follows two young Muslim girls— Asiya and Faizah—as they learn about what it means to wear a religious scarf to school. For her first day of school, Faizah wears her brand-new backpack and light-up shoes, excited about the day's adventures. Asiya, her older sister, sports a lovely blue hijab, the fabric similar to the ocean waving to the sky. Faizah thinks that her sister looks like a pretty princess in her headscarf, but during the day, she notices that not everyone seems to feel the same way. Some even call her sister rude and mean words. Faizah tries to make sense of the bullies' comments and, in the end, learns to love the hijab and wear it proudly—no matter what others might think. The Proudest Blue is a story about being happy about where you come from and your story. Asiya and Faizah show us the power of sisterhood, family, and respecting different cultures. Ages 7-9+. Recommended by Aima R.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg: The Case of R.B.G. vs. Inequality by Jonah Winter and illustrated by Stacy Innerst

Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is an inspiration to women and girls all over the world. But what obstacles did she have to overcome to clear the path for the next generation of female lawyers and activists? In Ruth Bader Ginsburg: The Case of R.B.G. vs. Inequality, we learn about the America that Justice Ginsburg was born into—one that didn’t value women as much as men. Although she was just as capable of achieving and aspiring, during the 1950s, she was discouraged from becoming a powerful lawyer because of her gender. As a Jewish woman, R.B.G. faced even more discrimination at the hands of antisemites, too. Why was she so special? Despite the disapproval she faced, R.B.G. notoriously persisted. She kept her dreams alive and, at every stage of her life, accomplished something not only for herself but for all women in America. This book chronicles the stages of R.B.G.'s life, from precocious girlhood to Harvard Law School to the highest court in the United States. Vibrant illustrations by Stacy Innerst also show us just how much light R.B.G. brought with her on every adventure and the growth she experienced because of those adventures. Over the course of her public service, R.B.G. advanced the rights of women and protections against gender inequality. She ensured that future generations of women could themselves be “in all places where decisions are being made,” where they have always belonged. Read all about her story, presented in the likeness of one of Justice Ginsburg’s dissents! Ages 6-9+. Recommended by Kassidy D. N.

We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom and illustrated by Michaela Goade

We Are Water Protectors is a dive into Native American culture, particularly Ojibwe and Anishinaabe culture. Along with the empowering and resilient words, the vibrant watercolor illustrations paint the importance of water and its connections with Mother Earth, her people, and the plants and animals that live here. The art follows the rallying cry of a little girl, who dons her colorful traditional skirt and calls upon her village to stay strong against the black snake. With her grandmother’s guidance, the little girl tells her people to be united in their courageousness and love for the water and the land. And at the end of the story, you, the reader, can join her cause by signing the “Earth Steward and Water Protector Pledge.” Remember: Mni wiconi. Water is life. Ages 6-9. Recommended by Tara L.

Genesis Begins Again by Alicia D. Williams

Being who you are and loving who you are can sometimes be difficult. For Genesis Anderson, this is a daily battle she has to face. Genesis is a thirteen-year-old Black girl experiencing many challenges. She is dealing with a dysfunctional family who find more ways to disagree than agree. And she is constantly having to move from house to house due to her financial situation. This means she is always forced to be the new girl, which has been difficult especially when she is constantly knocked down by others in school for how she looks. To add on, she also has to deal with her insecurities about being a dark skinned Black girl and hearing people's opinions about it. Her skin becomes an issue that is continuously at the forefront of her mind. She experiments on her skin to make it light like the other girls in her school and family. She wants acceptance so badly that she hides who she is and loses her uniqueness. But it’s when she finds real friends, like Sophie, who accept her for who she is, that she is finally free. She shows her true self—a funny, opinionated, and charismatic girl from Detroit—and finds herself on a path to  self-discovery and acceptance. While reading this book, you will find yourself laughing, loving and enjoying all that Genesis’s story can bring. Ages 9-12+. Recommended by Princess A.

Ivy Aberdeen’s Letter to the World by Ashley Herring Blake

The novel Ivy Aberdeen’s Letter to the World by Ashley Herring Blake, follows the story of young 12-year-old Ivy whose life changes drastically overnight. After her house is destroyed by a swift tornado, her precious drawing journal mysteriously goes missing. The problem is that it holds her deepest “darkest” secret...that she likes girls. Unexpectedly, her private drawings begin to appear in her locker and Ivy goes on a quest to find the keeper of her secrets—while navigating her developing feelings for a girl. Will Ivy Aberdeen find who took her journal and find the courage to accept herself for who she really is?

This beautifully written novel explores identity, family issues, friendship, and self-acceptance. As Ivy struggles through feelings of loneliness and misunderstanding, we are able to see how she blossoms into someone who is proud of who she is no matter the consequences. With easy to follow dialogue, a relatable main-character, and the mysterious yet heartwarming plot, we dive into Ivy’s world and see what it means to truly be your awesome authentic self.  Ages 9-12+. Recommended by Veronica U.