2. Rationale This “Being a Girl” Literature Cluster was designed with the interests and concerns of young girls in mind. From first through sixth grade, girls can enjoy these books while identifying with the joys, triumphs, and struggles of the 31 unique heroines. The sometimes sensitive issues that affect and appeal specifically to girls are often underrepresented in the elementary school classroom, and this Literature Cluster seeks to highlight the complex and wonderful experience of being a girl. Because people tend to identify more easily with heroes or heroines that remind them of themselves, this gender focused Literature Cluster is diverse in terms of racial identity, geographical location, and socioeconomic status. From the classic girlhood story of Heidi to the recent picture books Madam President and Grace for President, young female readers will discover the many similarities in the experience of growing up as a girl that persist despite changes in circumstance and opportunity. Most of all, this Literature Cluster is constructed to encourage young female readers to learn from the experiences of other girls and women. It is intended to serve as a literary source of inspiration for girls to strive to love themselves, follow their dreams, and live life to the fullest.
3. Themes of being a girl The following themes are represented in the 31 books of this Literature Cluster: Daydream Getting along with others Feel pretty Self-discovery Stand up for yourself Appreciating change Taking risks Believe in yourself Acts of heroism Try your best Explore your talents Never give up Having fun Value education Make history Help others Self-expression Follow your heart Adapting to change Looking on the bright side
4. Quotations about being a girl “If particular care and attention is not paid to the ladies, we are determined to foment a rebellion, and will not hold ourselves bound by any laws in which we have no voice or representation.” – Abigail Adams “It was we, the people; not we, the white male citizens; nor yet we, the male citizens; but we, the whole people, who formed the Union…Men, their rights, and nothing more; women, their rights, and nothing less.” – Susan B. Anthony “A woman is like a tea bag: You never know how strong she is until she gets in hot water.” – Eleanor Roosevelt “Some of us are becoming the men we wanted to marry.” – Gloria Steinem
5. More quotations “Being powerful is like being a lady: If you have to say you are, you aren’t.” – Margaret Thatcher “The best judge of whether or not a country is going to develop is how it treats its women. If it’s educating its girls, if women have equal rights, that country is going to move forward. But if women are oppressed and abused and illiterate, then they’re going to fall behind.” – President Barack Obama “We have all a better guide in ourselves, if we would attend to it, than any other person can be.” – Jane Austen
6. Songs about being a girl “Beautiful” ~ Glee Cast version “Breakaway” ~ Kelly Clarkson “Defying Gravity” ~ Glee Cast version “Happy Girl” ~ Martina McBride “The Heart of Every Girl” ~ Elton John “I am Woman” ~ Helen Reddy “I Dreamed a Dream” ~ Susan Boyle “I Enjoy Being a Girl” ~ Flower Drum Song “I Have a Dream” ~ Mamma Mia! “In My Own Little Corner” ~ Cinderella “Isn’t She Lovely” ~ Stevie Wonder “Mama Said” ~ The Shirelles “She’s Got a Way” ~ Billy Joel “She’s Not Just a Pretty Face” ~ Shania Twain “Sister Suffragette” ~ Mary Poppins “Today was a Fairytale” ~ Taylor Swift “Tomorrow” ~ Annie “You Belong with Me” ~ Taylor Swift
22. Ella Sarah Gets Dressed This is the core book around which the Being a Girl Literature Cluster is constructed. Young Ella Sarah insists on choosing her own outfit despite the efforts of her family to get her to wear clothes that fit their own tastes. The young heroine’s independence and prerogative in determining her own attire exhibit a sense of self-esteem that all young girls can benefit from. Ella Sarah’s individuality and initiative to express herself makes her an admirable role model for young girls in elementary school. Award: Caldecott Honor Book.
23. Olivia A bright, fun-loving piglet enjoys life to the fullest in this picture book about the daily activities and emotions of young girls. The feisty and theatrical Olivia never hesitates to express herself openly and honestly. Young readers will enjoy Olivia’s zest for life, as she thoroughly enjoys a range of interests, including singing, exercising, dressing up, going to the beach, touring museums, painting, dancing, and reading. Award: Caldecott Honor Book.
24. Big-Enough Anna This is an empowering and moving true story written by Pam Flowers, the first woman to travel across the North American Arctic alone. Even though the little dog Anna is much smaller than the other sled dogs on her team, her perseverance, dedication, and hard work make her an excellent leader during an emergency. Awards: ORA Patricia Gallagher Picture Book Award.
25. Heidi This early classic of children’s literature tells the heartwarming tale of Heidi, the sweet, lively, gentle-natured Swiss girl whose modest upbringing in the Alps instills in her a nurturing softness, a concern for others (both humans and animals), and an innocent faith in those things that are truly important in life. When young Heidi is sent to the bustling city of Frankfurt to be a companion to the crippled daughter of a wealthy businessman, she must rely on her positive attitude, her proclivity for fun, and her faith in God to make the best of her situation until she can return to her beloved home in the Alps.
26. Madeline This classic rhyming story of the adventures of a young girl living in a children’s home in Paris has brought humor and delight to countless children throughout the years. Madeline’s bravery and vivacity make her a relatable heroine for young girls of all ages. Award: Caldecott Honor Book.
27. Lily Brown’s Paintings This picture book describes a young African-American girl’s talent for painting and how it inspires her to use her imagination and see the very best of what the world has to offer. At the heart of Lily’s creativity and unique artwork is a love for her family and an appreciation for the simple pleasures of life. Awards: Author Angela Johnson has won three Coretta Scott King Awards for her children’s books in addition to other awards. Illustrator E. B. Lewis has won the Caldecott Honor as well as the Coretta Scott King Award.
28. Tar Beach Imagination rules in this magical story, as eight-year-old Cassie Louise Lightfoot flies through the sky and dreams that all she sees belongs to her. As Cassie wishes for an easier life for her hardworking mother and father, the vibrant illustrations depict the hardships and inequities that confronted African-Americans living in the urban Northeast in 1939. In a genuine yet fantastical blend of text and illustrations, this book presents a good-hearted and imaginative heroine that all young girls can admire. Awards: Caldecott Honor Book, Coretta Scott King Award.
29. The Rough-Face Girl This retelling of the Cinderella fairytale portrays the earnest good-heartedness of the Algonquin “Rough-Face Girl,” who became disfigured due to all of her strenuous work near the fire. As the young women of the village vie to marry the strong and powerful Invisible Being, the inner beauty of the Rough-Face Girl makes her the only one worthy of the great honor. Awards: IRA Teachers’ Choice Book, ABC Children’s Booksellers’ Choice, Georgia Children’s Picture Storybook Award, Nebraska’s Golden Sower Award.
30. The Secret Olivia Told Me This picture book, written in the form of a poem, illustrates the process of secret sharing that is universal to friendships among young girls. When the nameless protagonist accidentally lets Olivia’s secret slip to one of her friends, the secret spreads among the students and eventually becomes bigger than it was originally. The main character and her friend Olivia learn the valuable lessons that secrets are hard to keep and that they can change drastically when passed from person to person. Award: Coretta Scott King Award.
31. The Librarian of Basra This picture book portrays the extraordinary heroism of an ordinary librarian in the Middle Eastern city of Basra. When war ravages the city, she takes it upon herself to protect the books that she so values. By preserving the stories and ideas contained in the library’s many books, Alia Muhammed Baker does her part to preserve peace in a time of war. Award: ALA Notable Children’s Book, Bank Street College of Education Flora Stieglitz Straus Award for Nonfiction, Parents’ Choice Recommended Title, Notable Children’s Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies (NCSS/CBC), Skipping Stones Honor Award, Middle East Outreach Council Honorable Mention.
32. Minty: A Story of Young Harriet Tubman This biographical picture book tells the story of the young Harriet Tubman, who was called “Minty” as a child. Young readers will enjoy reading about the lessons and experiences from her childhood that instilled in this famous American woman the desire for freedom and the courage to free herself and others. Awards: Coretta Scott King Award, Golden Kite Award.
33. Wilma Unlimited: How Wilma Rudolph Became the World’s Fastest Woman This biographical account of the inspiring story of the Olympic gold medal winner who overcame a serious physical disability shows that the loving support and encouragement of family can empower an individual to defeat the odds in surprising and remarkable ways. The book begins with Wilma’s childhood in Tennessee as the weak, sickly daughter of hardworking African-American parents and ends with her triumph at the 1960 Olympic Games. Young girls who participate in athletics will find Wilma’s story particularly inspiring. Awards: Jane Addams Picture Book Award,ALA Notable Book, Booklist Editor’s Choice, School Library Journal Best Book of 1996, Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books Blue Ribbon, ABA’s Pick of the Lists, Parents’ Choice Award, New York Public Library 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing.
34. Rosa This picture book tells the story of the hardworking African-American seamstress whose famous refusal to acquiesce to the demands of racial segregation brought the Civil Rights issue into the national consciousness. Not only does the book portray the singular historical event on the bus, but it offers an insight into the character of Rosa Parks and a look behind the scenes at the immediate actions of the 25 African-American women who made flyers telling others to boycott the buses in support of Mrs. Parks. Awards: Caldecott Honor Book, Coretta Scott King Book Award.
35. Madam President In this humorous picture book, a young girl imagines how her daily life would be different if she herself were president of the United States. As she reads about the different presidents throughout American history, she reflects on how she would carry out each of the president’s duties. Her self-confidence and obvious respect for her own opinions make her character an example of assertiveness that can inspire young girls who may be uncertain of their own abilities and self-worth. Award: Author and illustrator Lane Smith has received the Caldecott Honor for illustration.
36. I Love My Hair! A young African-American girl reflects on all the wonderful qualities of her hair. As her mother combs her hair into different styles, Keyana celebrates the fun and uniqueness of having hair like hers. Her hair is a source of wonder and inspiration for Keyana, and it brings her closer to her mother because of the time her mother must spend combing and styling it each night. Awards: Blackboard Children’s Book of the Year, Black Caucus American Library Association Top Recommended Book.
37. Grace for President Politics enters the classroom when a young African-American girl says that she wants to be president when she grows up. In support of Grace’s assertion, her teacher organizes a mock election with another class in which each student represents a state in the Electoral College and casts a vote. Grace experiences firsthand the hard work that goes into campaigning and the challenges that female politicians face in a story that shows that in a fair election, the gender of a political candidate should be immaterial.
38. Remember the Ladies This chronological account of the actions and contributions of 100 great American women shows that history is also “herstory.” Older elementary school students will enjoy learning about lesser known women who changed America, such as Sybil Ludington, Elizabeth Gurley Flynn, and Lucy Stone, in addition to Eleanor Roosevelt, Susan B. Anthony, and Gloria Steinem. Award: Notable Children’s Trade Book in Social Studies (NCSS/CBC).
39. Swamp Angel This tall tale features the rich, authentic language of rural Tennessee that enhances the story of a female giant who saves her settlement from a violent bear. Nicknamed “Swamp Angel” because of her good deeds, the heroine uses her superhuman strength and size to help and protect others. She insists that “quiltin’ is men’s work” and refuses to let anyone dissuade her from her goal of taking on the big black bear herself. Award: Caldecott Honor Book.
40. Ramona Quimby, Age 8 This well loved chapter book features a heroine whose adventures showcase her innocence, good intentions, and sweet nature. Third grade students in particular will identify with Ramona, as she brings a fresh, fun, approach to the universal childhood experiences that eight-year-olds will encounter. Ramona also demonstrates a sense of responsibility to her family that students of various socioeconomic classes can relate to. Award: Newberry Honor Book.
41. The Hidden Staircase This is the second book in Carolyn Keene’s classic Nancy Drew mystery series. In response to a request from one of her friends, the teenage Nancy visits an old house to try to determine the cause of strange goings on that indicate that either a thief or a ghost is at work. For decades, girls have enjoyed reading about Nancy’s suspenseful adventures, and the series is still popular among elementary school students today. Nancy’s cleverness, hard work, and composure contribute to her repeated success in solving mysteries. Her shrewdness and independent nature make her an admirable heroine for young girls.
42. Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret. Twelve-year-old Margaret encounters many changes throughout her sixth grade year. From her new house to her changing body to her desire to belong to a religion, Margaret’s experiences offer young readers a new perspective on the inevitable changes in their own lives. Award: Author Judy Blume received the Margaret A. Edwards Award for Lifetime Achievement from the American Library Association in 1996.
43. Heartbeat This short chapter book is written in free verse from the perspective of Annie, a 12-year-old girl who finds solace and a sense of control through running. From her mother’s pregnancy to her grandfather’s increasing senility, Annie faces emotional challenges and must adapt to huge changes. When her art teacher gives the assignment to draw a picture of the same apple for 100 days, Annie deepens her self-reflection and develops an appreciation for the little things in life. Awards: Author Sharon Creech received the Newberry Medal for her book Walk Two Moons.
44. Kira-Kira This realistic fiction book for older children is told in first person through the eyes of Katie, a 10-year-old Japanese-American girl who deeply loves and idolizes her older sister Lynn. When the Takeshima family moves from the Midwest down to Georgia, Katie’s hardworking parents must struggle to make ends meet as discrimination and racism hinder their extensive efforts. When Lynn becomes very sick, the entire family, especially Katie, must face enormous challenges. Award: Newberry Medal.
45. Olive’s Ocean This emotional novel for older children tells a touching and often sad story of self-discovery, growing up, and coping with grief. One day, the mother of a shy girl who was killed in a car accident shows up at Martha’s house with a page from her daughter’s diary that lists her hopes – to become a novelist, to go to a real ocean, and to become friends with Martha, who she describes as “the nicest person in my whole entire class.” As Martha begins to reflect on her own hopes, she searches for a way to help Olive realize hers. This book portrays family diversity in that Martha’s father is a stay-at-home parent who is the primary caregiver of her baby sister Lucy. Award: Newberry Honor Book.
46. Becoming Naomi Leon As the title implies, this chapter book tells the story of Naomi Leon’s journey to self-discovery. Living in a trailer park with her devoted Gram and her younger brother whose physical exceptionalities make him a target for bullying, Naomi’s life has been quiet and simple. Then one day, her mother, who abandoned Naomi and her brother when they were little, returns and demands custody of Naomi. Throughout the course of the book, Naomi gains the confidence to develop her talents, celebrates the richness of her Mexican heritage, and learns who she is and what is important to her. Awards: Pura Belpre Honor Book, Tomas Rivera Mexican American Children’s Book Award, International Reading Association Notable Book for a Global Society, ALA Notable Children’s Book, ALA Schneider Family Book Award, Americas Award Commended Title for Children’s and Young Adult Literature, and others.
47. Stargirl Told through the first-person perspective of a boy in 11th-grade, Jerry Spinelli’s young adult novel reveals both the benefits and the consequences of being completely true to oneself without any concern for the thoughts or judgments of others. The narrator Leo is fascinated by Stargirl – her name, her ukulele, her pet rat, and her refusal to wear makeup. Stargirl’s offbeat and blatantly nonconformist ways both enthrall and bewilder the student body – until the day when her excessive cheerfulness and unpredictable behavior go too far. Awards: ALA Top 10 Best Book for Young Adults, Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year, Parents Choice Gold Award Winner, New York Times Bestseller.
48. Ella Enchanted Ella of Frell faces a most extraordinary dilemma: A fairy’s curse has made her completely obedient in every way. She is magically compelled to fulfill every request made of her, from the most subtle mandatory statement to an outright order. This book presents a new twist on the familiar Cinderella fairytale, as Ella must endure the abuse of her silly and selfish stepsisters while working constantly not to be ruled by her curse. When Ella begins to explore how to get rid of her curse, she finds herself in pursuit of the right to free will, autonomy, and self-expression. Awards: Newberry Honor Book, ALA Notable Children’s Book, ALA Best Book for Young Adults, ALA Booklist Editors’ Choice, and many others.
49. Boxes for Katje This historical fiction picture book tells the heartwarming story of the friendship between Katje, a young Dutch girl living in Holland during the aftermath of World War II, and Rosie, a young American girl living in postwar Indiana. When Rosie’s care package through the Children’s Aid Society reaches Katje, the girls begin writing to each other and quickly strike up a friendship. The generosity of Rosie and her neighbors and the thankfulness of Katje and her townspeople make this a good story to read during the Thanksgiving holidays, as young readers will be inspired to take notice of the conveniences they take for granted that others may not have. Award: Oppenhem Toy Portfolio Gold Medal; Publisher’s Weekly Best Book of 2003.
50. The Midwife’s Apprentice This historical fiction book set in medieval England features an impoverished, young orphan girl as its heroine. Often sad, harsh, and stark, the author’s vivid descriptions of the daily struggles of the medieval peasant class bring the setting to life as Alyce fights numerous obstacles in order to realize finally her own self-worth. When the world seems to be against her, Alyce creates a name and a place for herself within society, using her talents to better her own life and fulfill her craving for respect. Award: Newberry Medal.
51. Number the Stars This historical fiction book tells the story of young Annemarie’s experience as a Christian Dane during the German occupation of Denmark. When Annemarie’s best friend Ellen and her family face danger because they are Jewish, Annemarie’s family devises a plan to help them reach safety. Annemarie’s courage and resolve are tested many times throughout the book, but when everything depends on her, she must conquer her fear and do what she knows is right. Awards: Newberry Medal, ALA Notable Children’s Book, School Library Journal Best Book of the Year.
52. Morning Girl This book portrays a family of Taino Native Americans living in Hispaniola prior to Columbus’ arrival in the New World. Deep-thinking and soft-spoken Morning Girl and her younger brother Star Boy alternate as narrators of the book. Through their eyes, the reader learns much about life in this time and place as well as about the universal issues that impact all families, such as the birth of a baby sibling. At the end of the book, Morning Girl sees a canoe of Europeans coming toward the beach, and the reader is left to draw her own conclusions about how Morning Girl will react to the historical events that will follow. Award: Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction.
53. Books Bemelmans, L. (1939). Madeline. New York, NY: Puffin Books. Blume, J. (1970). Are you there, God? It’s me, Margaret. New York, NY: Bantam Doubleday Dell Books for Young Readers. Chodos-Irvine, M. (2003). Ella Sarah gets dressed. New York, NY: Harcourt, Inc. Cleary, B. (1981). Ramona Quimby, age 8. New York, NY: Harper Trophy. Creech, S. (2004). Heartbeat. New York, NY: HarperCollins Children’s Books. Cushman, K. (1995). The midwife’s apprentice. New York, NY: HarperTrophy. DiPucchio, K. (2008). Grace for president. (L. Pham, Illus.). New York, NY: Hyperion Books for Children. Dorris, M. (1992). Morning girl. New York, NY: Hyperion Paperbacks for Children. Falconer, I. (2000). Olivia. New York, NY: Atheneum Books for Young Readers. Fleming, C. (2003). Boxes for Katje. (S. Dressen-McQueen, Illus.). New York, NY: Melanie Kroupka Books.
54. Books, cont’d. Flowers, P., & Dixon, A. (2003). Big-enough Anna: The little sled dog who braved the Arctic. (B. Farnsworth, Illus.). Portland, OR: Alaska Northwest Books. Giovanni, N. (2005). Rosa. (B. Collier, Illus.). New York, NY: Henry Holt & Co. Harness, C. (2001). Remember the ladies: 100 great American women. New York, NY: HarperTrophy. Henkes, K. (2003). Olive’s ocean. New York, NY: HarperCollins Children’s Books. Isaacs, A. (1994). Swamp angel. (P. O. Zelinsky, Illus.). New York, NY: Puffin Books. Johnson, A. (2007). Lily Brown’s paintings. (E. B. Lewis, Illus.). New York, NY: Orchard Books. Joy, N. (2007). The secret Olivia told me. (N. Devard, Illus.). New York, NY: Scholastic, Inc. Kadohata, C. (2004). Kira-kira. New York, NY: Atheneum Books for Young Readers. Keene, C. (1930). The hidden staircase. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster. Krull, K. (1996). Wilma unlimited: How Wilma Rudolph became the world’s fastest woman. (D. Diaz, Illus.). New York, NY: Harcourt, Inc.
55. Books, cont’d. Levine, G. C. (1997). Ella enchanted. New York, NY: HarperCollins Children’s Books. Lowry, L. (1989). Number the stars. New York, NY: Dell Publishing. Martin, R. (1992). The rough-face girl. (D. Shannon, Illus.). New York, NY: Penguin Putnam Books for Young Readers. Ringgold, F. (1991). Tar beach. New York, NY: Crown Publishers, Inc. Ryan, P. M. (2004). Becoming Naomi Leon. New York, NY: Scholastic, Inc. Schroeder, A. (1996). Minty: A story of young Harriet Tubman. (J. Pinkney, Illus.). New York, NY: Dial Books for Young Readers. Smith, L. (2008). Madam President. New York, NY: Hyperion Books for Children. Spinelli, J. (2000). Stargirl. New York, NY: Alfred A. Knopf. Spyri, J. (1880). Heidi. New York, NY: Children’s Classics. Tarpley, N. A. (1998). I Love My Hair! (E. B. Lewis, Illus.). New York, NY: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. Winter, J. (2005). The librarian of Basra: A true story from Iraq. New York, NY: Harcourt, Inc
