WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH: Visit

CELEBRATING WOMEN IN MARCH

by Amanda Jones, photos provided by the Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library

March is Women’s History Month, a great time to honor the accomplishments and achievements of the remarkable women who paved the way for the leaders of today and the trailblazers of tomorrow. Throughout March, your local public library will celebrate with online events, booklists for all ages and links to some rad resources that share the stories of women—both well-known and perhaps not-so-well-known—who have made a difference. Below you will find some great ways to participate in National Women’s History Month with your little ones.

Online Events: Join us for online story time where we will read stories, sing songs and share activities surrounding some of our favorite female innovators. Recommended for ages 3-6. Register here: bit.ly/HCPLC-WomensHistoryStoryTime

Aspiring inventors can find inspiration as we explore technological breakthroughs pioneered by women around the world. Register here: bit.ly/ HCPLC-WomenTechPioneers Rad Resource: To add some local flair, check out the Burgert Brothers Photographic Collection for a fun and unique look at women’s history in the Tampa Bay area from the late 1800s to the early 1960s. bit.ly/HCPLC_Burgert-WomensHistory Sharing Stories: A great way to start a discussion about women’s history with your young readers is to share a story. We have highlighted some of our favorite picks. You can find the complete booklist here: bit.ly/HCPLC-WomensHistoryKidsBooks

The black and white photos are from the library’s treasured Burgert Brothers Photographic Collection. The Burgert Brothers Photographic Collection has nearly 19,000 historic images and presents a pictorial record of the commercial, residential and social growth of Tampa Bay and Florida's West coast from the late 1800s to the early 1960s. hcplc.org/research/burgert and digitalcollections.hcplc.org

FEMALE FRIENDSHIPS

“Girl Squads: 20 Female Friendships That Changed History” by Sam Maggs (recommended for grades 8 and up)

This anthology of mini biographies is divided into the categories of athletes, artists, warriors, scientists and social and political activists in brief, well-researched chapters. With an informal, often humorous style, Maggs reminds readers that there is strength in numbers and many women have reached awesome things together. Maggs also shares a diverse array of stories—both throughout history and throughout the world.

“Making Their Voices Heard: The Inspiring Friendship of Ella Fitzgerald and Marilyn Monroe” by Vivian Kirkfield (recommended for grades K-3)

Twentieth-century icons Ella Fitzgerald (singer) and Marilyn Monroe (movie star) formed a friendship based on mutual respect for one another’s talent. This is a true tale of allyship told through simple text and stylized digital illustrations. STEAM STORIES

“Hedy & Her Amazing Invention” by Jan Wahl (recommended for grades 2-5)

Hedy Lamarr was a beautiful movie star from the 1930s and 40s; she was also an inventor who created communications technologies that we still use to this day. Wahl shows how Lamarr overcame many obstacles as an inventor including prejudice, domineering relatives and stereotypes. Lamarr’s story shows that women are multifaceted, and girls do not need to choose to be either an actress or an inventor—they can be both!

AWESOME ACTIVISTS

"Malala’s Magic Pencil" by Malala Yousafzai (recommended for grades 2 and up)

This is the first picture book by Nobel Peace Prize author and education activist Malala Yousafzai. In the story she explains that when she was young, she wished for a magic pencil to overcome life’s hardships. As she grew, she realized she didn’t need a magic pencil to change the world. Yousafzai describes difficult topics such as war, gender disparity and poverty with simple but powerful text. This book may be a good way to start a conversation with young readers about difficult topics in an age-appropriate way.

GET INSPIRED

“Girls Resist! A Guide to Activism, Leadership, and Starting a Revolution” by Kaelyn Rich (recommended for grades 7 and up)

This handbook, full of great tips and indepth interviews with real teen activists, helps young readers put thought to action by effecting changes in the lives, communities and world around them.