March is Women’s History Month. You can learn more about some fascinating women by reading the following picture books.
NOT YET: THE STORY OF AN UNSTOPPABLE SKATER, by Hadley Davis, Zahra Lari, Sara Alfageeh, Orchard Books, Feb. 6, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)
A universal story about courage and determination that is loosely based on the life of five-time Emirati National Champion, Zahra Lari, who was the first figure skater to compete internationally in a hijab.
After watching an ice-skating movie, young Zahra sets her mind to learn how to ice skate even though her family and friends doubt her abilities. After all, she’s too old to learn, the rink is too cold, and figure skaters don’t look like her… not yet at least! Illustrated with Sara Alfageeh’s energetic lines and colors that pop right off the page, we follow Zahra’s story as she glides across the floors of her house in her socks all the way to the ice rink… and as she repeatedly says ”not yet” to naysayers — including herself — who try to convince her to stop pursuing her dream. An inspiring tale of self-empowerment and perseverance as we see the refrain — not yet — grow from a low, meek mumble to a mantra and promise filled with determination. —Synopsis provided by Orchard Books
LOVE IS IN THE AIR: THE STORY OF AVIATION PIONEER NANCY HARKNESS LOVE, by Dee Romito and Vivian Mineker, Aladdin, Sept. 26, 2023, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)
Take off with Nancy Harkness Love, first female pilot to serve in the Army Air Forces and founder of the Women’s Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron (WAFS) during World War II, in this picture book biography perfect for readers of Fly, Girl, Fly! or Fearless Flyer.
In 1930, when Nancy Harkness was sixteen years old, she took a ride in a biplane and fell in love with flight. But at that time, women weren’t encouraged to pursue careers in aviation.
Despite the barriers, Nancy took to the air and earned her pilot’s license. She continued to fly in college, becoming known as “The Flying Freshman.” After traveling to Boston for a job, she met her future husband and fellow pilot, Bob Love, and began her official career in aviation, eventually becoming director of the WAFS during World War II.
By pursuing her dreams, Nancy paved the way for other female pilots to soar. —Synopsis provided by Aladdin
YOU ARE A STAR, JANE GOODALL, by Dean Robbins and Hatem Aly, Scholastic Press, April 4, 2023, Paperback, $8.99 (ages 5-7)
It’s Jane Goodall like you’ve never seen her before!
Using a unique mix of first-person narrative, hilarious comic panels, and essential facts, Dean Robbins introduces young readers to an scientific trailblazer. The second book in an exciting new nonfiction series, You Are a Star, Jane Goodall focuses on Jane’s lifelong mission to understand the chimpanzees and protect the planet.
Hatem Aly’s spot-on comic illustrations bring this icon to life, and engaging back matter instructs readers on how to be more like Jane! —Synopsis provided by Scholastic Press
SMARTY MARTY TAKES THE FIELD: A PICTURE BOOK, by Amy Gutierrez, Anika Orrock, Alyssa Nakken (Afterword), Harry N. Abrams, March 19, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 6-9)
Smarty Marty Takes the Field is an inspiring picture book from Emmy Award-winning sports journalist Amy Gutierrez—better known as Amy G—and award-winning author/illustrator Anika Orrock about the courage it takes to break down gender barriers in the world of sports and beyond.
Having proven her baseball chops in Smarty Marty’s Got Game, this time Marty is making a play for manager, something no girl has ever done in her town’s Little League history. Unfortunately, not everyone thinks she can do it, but a chance encounter with a very special trailblazer gives her the courage to turn her fear into opportunity.
Complete with plenty of baseball knowledge and go-get-’em-girl empowerment and a special interview with Alyssa Nakken, this story is sure to inspire young readers to ask themselves, “If not you, who?” —Synopsis provided by Harry N. Abrams
THE LIFE-CHANGING MAGIC OF SKATEBOARDING: A BEGINNER’S GUIDE WITH OLYMPIC MEDALIST SKY BROWN, by Sky Brown and Shaw Davidson, Magic Cat, March 26, 2024, Hardcover, $14.99 (ages 6-10)
Drop into the beginner’s guide The Life-Changing Magic of Skateboarding, with secrets from world champion Sky Brown!
Meet Sky Brown, the youngest person to win a medal in skateboarding at the Olympics and discover how she fell in love with the sport. Then, give it a try yourself as she offers tips to get you started.
Learn how to start . . . and stop. Then follow along as Sky takes you through ollies, kick turns, nose grabs, and more.
This practical biographical handbook features:
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- A joy-filled introduction to the sport of skateboarding presented in an engaging graphic-novel style
- Practical tips and inspiration from Sky Brown
- Illustrated step-by-step instructions of basic and advanced skateboarding tricks
- Advice on safety and how to get back up after a fall —Synopsis provided by Magic Cat
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Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.
