International Women's Day Reads to Inspire Inclusion

Selected by Lita Barrie, CEO – I Am Enough is a timeless ode for all ages about loving who you are, respecting others, and being kind to each other. Written by actor and author Grace Byers and illustrated by artist Keturah A. Boro, this is the perfect gentle yet empowering read. It reminds us all we are enough just as we are.

Borrow I Am Enough by Grace Byers

Selected by Elise Copps, Director, Communications & Engagement – This colourful and empowering picture book is written by Meena Harris, niece to Kamala Harris, the first Black and South Asian female Vice President of the United States. It shares the true story of young Kamala and her sister’s quest to build a playground at their apartment complex—with some fictionalized embellishments. The story is encouraging and relatable and invites young readers to imagine what they can accomplish with imagination, motivation, and hard work.

Borrow Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea by Meena Harris

Selected by Nicole Tewkesbury, Director, Finance & Infrastructure – This book is written and illustrated by two entrepreneurial women. It recognizes the woman and girl inventors responsible for advancements in computer and aerospace technology, medicine, and everyday convenience. From chocolate chip cookies to Kevlar to keeping satellites safe from space debris! The ingenious inventions in this book—and the people behind them—show us that the incredible work of women and girls surrounds us every day.

Borrow Girls Think of Everything by Catherine Thimmesh & Melissa Sweet

Selected by Meg Uttangi Matsos, Director, Service Design & Innovation – Feel inspired by the real-life adventures of trail-blazing women. This book is part of the Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls series. It includes 100 short biographies written in fairy tale style. It showcases women past and present who are ahead of their time, including Amelia Earhart, Maya Angelou, Frida Kahlo, and Malala Yousafzai. The stories are written for a middle-grade audience and might spark interesting conversations about the challenges that women have faced throughout history. And you don’t just have to read it at bedtime!

Borrow Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Tales of Extraordinary Women, edited by Elena Favilli & Francesca Cavalo

Selected by Cindy Tchorz, Executive Assistant – This heartwarming book delivers an empowering message that girls can accomplish anything they set their minds to, regardless of what others may say. By following your dreams and listening to your heart, you can unlock endless possibilities for yourself. The book's inspiring verse celebrates girl power, sharing stories of influential women as proof that girls can do anything!

Borrow Girls Can Do Anything by Caryl Hart