http://chickspeak.com/blog/2010/03/30/childrens-books-with-a-healthy-dose-of-chick-power/Children’s Books with a Healthy Dose of Chick Power
March 30, 2010 by Jasmin Charters

Do you remember when you were six and you cared for nothing else in the world but running through the sprinkler for hours, and then finishing it off with a lime popsicle?
Back then boys were gross, your energy was at full-blast 24/7, and your hero could be anyone from your mom, to Sailor Moon, to that lady you saw on TV go up into space.

Of course, back then also meant that going to bed would never, ever, ever happen unless your parents read Angelina Ballerina to you four times in a row. That was the time when speaking French just like Madeline, and dressing up just like Miss Piggy were your only concerns in life. Those were the days.

As we get older, we start reading the classics. Mary Lennox, Anne Shirley, Elizabeth Bennett, Jo March, these girls had an incredible understanding of the time in which they lived, and a blatant disregard for what that time expected of them. They were individuals with minds of their own.

But these days, things have changed. In a time when Bella Swan’s unlikely dilemma takes center stage, and Hollywood starlet autobiographies make the New York Times bestseller list, it’s easy to see why we lose touch with those initial female role models we all aspired to be.

So let’s get back to basics, back to when Arthur was always on TV, and The Berenstain Bears were hugely popular. Today we’re focusing on the books that were headed by strong female protagonists, the little girls of storybook land who infused in us a little dose of girl power, and a keen sense of self. Were we aware that these were the kinds of girls that would help shape us into the women we are today?

Before you get lost in responsibility, commitments, relationships, papers, and deadlines again, take a deep breath and pick up your favorite children’s book from when you were a kid. Cindy Lou Who, Matilda and Princess Smartypantswant to remind you of something.

Check out this list of children’s book super-girls:

Princess Bubble, A Modern Day Fairy Tale for All Ages by Susan Johnston and Kimberly Web

The message in Princess Bubble is timeless, relevant, and true because she, our princess and our hero, reminds us that “we are special, ‘As Is! Prince or no prince.’” As authors Johnston and Web convey to their readers, “our value is not determined by our dress size, age, or marital status.

The book’s unique message of hope speaks to school-aged children claiming their own identity, to college graduates struggling for direction, and to divorcees mapping out an unexpected “plan B” for their future.” Princess Bubble reminds us that breaking convention, learning about different cultures, and about ourselves in the process, is a good thing. After all, you’re the author of your own happy ending, prince, or no prince.

Eloise by Kay Thompson

Eloise is a free spirit, something we should all aspire to be. After all, isn’t that what being a kid is all about? As Kay Thompson so brilliantly put it, “Henry James would want to study her. Queen Victoria would recognize her as an Equal. The New York Jets would want to have her on their side. Lewis Carroll would love her (once he got over the initial shock).” The girl has inner resources, and a mind of her own. She is curious, and loves to explore. She loves everything about life, and it’s admirable. As adults, we lose that side of ourselves and Eloise helps us find it again.

Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White

Sure Charlotte is a spider, but she’s the loveliest spider I have ever met. She’s compassionate, and non-judgmental, while Fern, who also helps save Wilbur from an untimely end, is a courageous young girl with a heart of gold. Charlotte’s Web is still read by children in schools all over North America, praised for its sensitively, intelligence and ability to inspire. Charlotte reminds us to be kindhearted, and considerate. When Wilbur judges Charlotte for the way she eats (by capturing and snaring flies), he becomes scared of her. Charlotte helps us to remember that we must try not to judge anyone by his or her appearance, or by what they do, or in Charlotte’s case, how they eat. First impressions are almost always wrong. Meanwhile, Fern reminds us to be a friend to all, including the pigs and spiders of the world.

The Paperbag Princess by Robert Munsch

The Paperbag Princess was born from a simple question conversationally asked by Munsch’s wife Ann: “How come you always have the prince save the princess? Why can’t the princess save the prince?” The rest, you might say, is history. So, the moral of this story is this: bite the bullet and take the bull by the horns. Do as the Paperbag Princess did and do what’s unexpected of you,because you’re a girl. I dare you!

Olivia by Ian Falconer

Olivia is a pig with an overabundance of energy, and like any little girl, she puts it to creative use. In each of Olivia’s books, she embarks on some kind of adventure, whether that’s taming lions, becoming an amateur detective, starting a band, or building a skyscraper out of sand. She’s always getting into mischief, and she does it in style. Olivia reminds us to do what makes us happy, even if it means trying on a few hats before we find what it is we’re looking for.

Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren

In an article by Tiina Meri, Pippi Longstocking is heralded as a “Swedish rebel and a feminist role model” for kids all around the world. Pippi is a strong, level-headed girl with a knack for story-telling and a penchant for swimming. She has faith in her own abilities, and is incredibly intelligent, despite the adults around her who beg to differ. Pippi is not concerned with how she looks, and dresses the way she likes.

And instead of giving into an advertisement asking “Do you suffer from freckles?”, Pippi scoffs the idea that she suffers from anything, and embraces her freckles proclaiming “I like them!” Pippi that reminds us to be who we are, no matter what anyone says, that sharing and respect are of the utmost importance, and that having fun is just as vital in life than playing by the rules.

Hey Chick’s, who would you add to the list?

For more information, check out the Amelia Bloomer Project for a bibliography of books for young readers with a feminist message.