7 Fun Things to Be When You Grow Up That Aren’t a Princess

Environmentalist
Luna & Me, by Jenny Sue Kostecki-Shaw
This book tells the story of Julia Butterfly’s fight to save Luna, her beloved redwood. It’s a kid-friendly introduction to an event that still inspires environmental activists twenty years later. In this fictionalized telling, Julia is a girl, rather than a young woman, and the author uses a light touch when describing the knotty political issues that surrounded this event in real life. But most important is the way the text and illustrations work together to leave nature-lovers with the same quiet awe they feel in the forest. This is a book that’s sure to inspire your young activist to take action.

Chef
Bon Appétit, by Jessie Hartland
Bon Appétit Bon showcases Jesse Hartland’s signature infographic-style with a mix of handwritten text and illustrations. The biography describes Julia Child’s life, from girlhood to internationally celebrated cook and teacher. There are silly details like Julia’s shoe size and spinach in her teeth, along with a 32-step recipe for a galantine. The result is a delicious mix of ingredients that will have your kiddos wanting to play in the kitchen, and feeling reassured there’s a place for all of us oddballs in this world.

Scientist
Ada Twist, Scientist, by Andrea Beatty and David Roberts
This one is a great way to show that women aren’t so #distractinglysexy that they don’t belong in the lab. Rather, Ada is one of the #girlswithtoys who love beakers, goggles, and more. And when she smells something gross, she doesn’t squeal with disgust. She wants to learn more! Beatty does more than simply show a girl doing science: she captures the spirit of science and celebrates the force that drives it: curiosity. This story is sure to spark questions and curiosity in your reader!

Activist
Wangari Maathai: The Woman Who Planted Millions of Trees, by Franck Prevot and Aurelia Fronty
Nobel Peace Prize winner Wangari Maathai was an environmental activist, feminist, and visionary who found a way to turn the small gesture of planting a tree into a worldwide movement for peace. This biography by Franck Prevot tells the story of how she grew up to be a woman who led the charge to plant 30 million trees in 30 years. Fragments of Swahili, a sophisticated treatment of the hardships Maathai faced, and beautiful illustrations will have readers wanting to follow Wangari’s lead too.

Athlete
Players in Pigtails, by Shana Corey and Rebecca Gibbon
Players in Pigtails is fictional, but perhaps one day it will be common to see women playing Major League Baseball. This story by Shana Corey is inspired by the All American Girls Professional Baseball League and celebrates the spirit of competition. If your daughter is baseball-crazy, this book will make her proud to be a fan and a player!

Inventor
The Most Magnificent Thing, by Ashley Spires
Most people don’t just stumble into success. They need to believe in themselves enough to keep going even when times are tough. As Beyonce says, “a winner don’t quit on themselves.” The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires is all about the grit and creativity you need to succeed as an inventor, but also in life in general. The main character prototypes, tinkers, fiddles, and tweaks until she makes her vision of The Most Magnificent Thing becomes a reality. And along the way, I assure you she does not get distracted by wanting to wear pink, needing a butler, or losing her tiara!

President
Hillary Rodham Clinton: Dreams Taking Flight, by Kathleen Krull and Amy June Bates
Whether it’s Hillary or someone else, we need to be able to tell our daughters that women can be President of the United States without apology or explanation. This picture-book biography of Clinton shows readers the hard work and passion that are necessary to survive the long road to becoming president. It starts with Clinton’s first campaign to be student-body president and ends with her days as Secretary of State. If as Tara Sophia Mohr says, the definition of success is “following our dreams, not our fears,” then Clinton has succeeded, and this picture book will inspire more young girls to follow.