The importance of reading books about amazing girls and women to your children is huge. Teaching our little girls (and boys) to think about everyone as equals starts in the home. It’s our responsibility to create conversations about equality and empowerment, and the books we read to our young girls need to demonstrate to them that they are free to be themselves and capable of doing anything they set their mind to.

In honor of International Women’s Day, here are 10 books every family should have in their library:

Dear Girl by Amy Krouse Rosenthal & Paris Rosenthal

This New York Times bestseller reads like a powerful anthem to being yourself and loving yourself. It’s full of wonderful reminders that there aren’t rules about how you should look or act, and the beautifully written lines are impactful and practical, without being over sentimental. We also love that the message in this book is relevant for girls of any ages, from toddlers to teenagers. “Dear Girl, find people like you. Find people unlike you.”

Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls by Francesca Cavallo & Elena Favilli

This book is a collection of one-page stories of 100 brave and incredible women. The women featured come from a variety of backgrounds, eras and cultures, and range from the well-known to the unsung heroes, so there’s sure to be an idol for every little lady. One example: Irena Sendlerowa, a Polish woman who saved the lives of 2,500 Jewish children in WW2.

The Water Princess by Susan Verde and Georgie Badiel

Based on the true story about an African-born girl, Georgie Badiel, and her childhood quest to bring clean drinking water to her village.

Her Body Can by Katie Crenshaw & Ady Meschke

This brand-new book is the first of its kind to tackle a topic that’s relatively untouched in children’s literature: body positivity. It teaches girls that their bodies can do anything and that how they look is irrelevant. “Body positivity is a movement right now in our space as adults, and I love it, but it needs to be taught at a young age, and that’s our goal,” says author Ady Meschke.

Little Feminist Series by Emily Kleinman

This series is a great early introduction into girl power for a baby or toddler! The simple format features female leaders and activists, all in small board books that are easy for little chubby baby hands to grab and flip through.

She Persisted: 13 American Women Who Changed the World by Chelsea Clinton

Written by Chelsea Clinton, She Persisted is a sweet introduction to thirteen young feminists and activists who always spoke out for what they believed in and always persisted.

Think Big, Little One by Vashti Harrison

Featuring female creators, inventors, artists and scientists, this inspirational board book profiles visionary thinkers using beautiful illustrations that are sure to please any little girl or boy.

Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty

Rosie Revere, Engineer follows character Rosie, a young inventor who dreams of becoming an engineer and her journey to finding success. This heartwarming tale teaches the importance in learning from your failures and never letting them stop you from following your dream.

Someday by Alison McGhee

This simple, yet beautiful ode to the journey from childhood to motherhood is a special read for any mother and daughter. It’s beautifully poetic and perfectly captures the immense love a mother has for her little girl, which is inspiring and powerful in itself.

The Thing Lou Couldn’t Do by Ashley Spires

This book has a great message about courage, resilience and facing challenges when they come your way. It also helps model a nice lesson to young girls about compassion, friendship and lifting each other up to succeed.

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