The 7 best books to empower girls (and that you can read too)

Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani activist, said it with this poetic phrase: “there are few weapons in the world as powerful as a girl with a book in her hand”. Literature is one of the most important educational tools that can be used during childhood.

Thus we present you the best books to empower today's girls, to let them know in a fun and entertaining way that they can achieve everything they set out to do.

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Inspiring books to empower girls

Here is a selection of the best children's books away from stereotypes.

1. Goodnight stories for rebellious girls

Editorial Planeta brings us this inspiring work by Elena Favilli and Francesca Cavallo, which also includes illustrations by more than 60 cartoonists from around the world. The book collects the stories of 100 formidable women who have marked history and they have left their mark as brave and determined women.

Frida Kahlo, Nina Simone or Coco Chanel are some of the protagonists who serve as an example in which it has already become a best seller and one of the best books to empower girls. A work to show that they can achieve everything they set out to do.

2. Me, jane

Award-winning illustrator Patrick McDonell tells the story of Jane, an English girl who dreams of traveling to Africa. Thanks to her imagination, she manages to travel to the continent to live adventures in the company of a monkey that accompanies her.

This fun and emotional book brings us closer to the life of the famous Jane Goodall, the famous primatologist and naturalist who dedicated her life to the study of chimpanzees. Her narration infects us with Goodall's love for nature and the passionate spirit of her that she allowed him fulfill her dreams in adulthood, making it one of the best books to empower girls and inspire them to pursue her dreams.

3. I will kill monsters for you

This beautiful book is written by the singer of the Spanish indie group Love of Lesbian, Santi Balmes, and features illustrations by the artist Lyona. The book immerses us in the nocturnal fears of Martina, a girl who is afraid of being left alone in her room at night.

This play invites children to put their fears aside to face the unknown. With the help of her father, the protagonist will end up bringing out the bravest side of her and will learn to face her fears on her own. A whole lesson in empowerment in childhood.

4. Wild

This magnificent work by illustrator Emily Hughes tells the story of a girl who lives in the forest, cared for and educated by the animals that live there. One fine day a couple of humans appear who pick her up and take her to her city, where they will try to give her another life that she does not feel comfortable with.

This story is an ode to freedom and the different ways of living life. History presents us with the problems that arise when setting limits and not respecting personal decisions, and that to be happy you have to be yourself. Beautiful and detailed illustrations accompany this beautiful story of freedom and empowerment ideal for small beasts.

5. Malena Ballena

Another of the most interesting titles of recent years It comes from the hand of the Swiss Davide Cali. The book tells the story of Malena, whom her swimming partners call "whale", making fun of her high weight. Malena feels insecure until her monitor gives her good advice to overcome her insecurities.

With a sense of humor and a lot of respect, the author wittily approaches what is a reality for many girls. I feel a whole lesson in values, the book works on trust and promotes self-esteem, so that girls achieve everything they set their mind to Leaving aside the complexes.

6. The Red Book of Girls

Another of the best books to empower girls is this beautiful work on the road to maturity. This book places the readers before an imaginary tribe of girls, who will accompany them and show them to have confidence in themselves, to value their bodies and the changes they experience as women.

Like all the books on the list, this is a story suitable for adults as well, to learn to reconcile ourselves with topics that are usually as silenced as menstruation. It is an empowering book to teach them that we are powerful and that we should not hide.

7. Frida Kahlo for girls and boys

This is the first volume of the collection of Argentine stories Antiprincesas. This colorful picture book chronicles the life of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo in a very special and imaginative, dealing with themes ranging from art and revolution to the struggle of gender.

A story aimed at boys and girls that manages to break stereotypes and barriers, faithfully representing the life of this outstanding woman in history in a suspicious and trustworthy way. The collection of which it is part seeks to narrate the lives of extraordinary women to bring their struggles to the little readers of the house in a faithful and natural way.

With all these books you will not only be entertaining the smallest of the house, but you will be enriching their education. And best of all: you can read them too!

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