Empowering and Inspiring Books for Young Girls

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Nothing Stopped Sophie by Cheryl Bardoe shares the true story of Sophie Germain, a brilliant mathematician. At a time when girls didn't pursue academics, Sophie even pretended to be male. She never gave up and in 1816, became the first woman to win a grand prize from the Royal Academy of Sciences by solving the mathematical formula that would predict patterns of vibrations.

Sophie persevered, worked diligently, and followed her love of math from childhood throughout her life. She paved the way for girls to pursue their dreams and talents, showing that girls can do anything!

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Heart on Fire by Ann Malaspina shares the story of Susan B. Anthony and her fight for women's right to vote. She voted for president in 1872, per the 14th Amendment, but was arrested and put on trial since the government felt women were excluded. People applauded her and she argued her case across the country. She was found guilty but never paid a penny of her fine.

Susan fought her entire life for women's rights and founded the National Woman Suffrage Association. She died in 1906 before women were given the right to vote. In Nov. 1920, 26 million women proudly voted for president.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Elizabeth Started All the Trouble by Doreen Rappaport is a book about the fight for women's equality. Elizabeth Cady Stanton led that fight along with many others, speaking out at events and planning conventions. The book shares the journey of other female heroes that advanced women's rights, such as building female schools and women who became nurses, spies and soldiers.

It shares the fight that new women took in the early 1900s, including picketing, parades, and lecturing to gain the right to vote. The book celebrates the victories and ongoing fight for gender equality.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Ada Lovelace Poet of Science by Diane Stanley is a fitting title since her father was famous poet, Lord Byron. Although she was raised by her mother only, she inherited his imagination and quest for knowledge. She studied science and was a genius with math calculations and programming a computing machine invented by her friend, Charles Babbage. Ada's writing of number coding became the first computer program ever written.

Ada was fascinated by machines, coding and how they could be told to perform calculations. She was also a wife and mother who was determined and ahead of her time.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Lucile "Ludy" Godbold used her unique feature of long arms to excel in athletics and in 1922, set a world record in shot put. This took place at an international track meet, dubbed the Women's Olympics, as women were not allowed to compete in track and field in the Olympics.

In Long-Armed Ludy by Jean Patrick, we learn how Ludy was relentless in her training to be the best. Ludy was blessed with strong moral and financial support, which enabled her to compete. This book encourages people to help others as well as work hard towards your goals.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Elizabeth Cochran (pen name Nellie Bly) was an independent, fearless woman who transformed news writing and investigative reporting at a time when men dominated the field. The Daring Nellie Bly by Bonnie Christensen shows how she went undercover to expose horrific treatment at a mental asylum and traveled around the world alone to rival a fictional character. She fought for women's rights, determined to make a difference.

Nellie wanted to show the world what she was made of, speak her mind and do what no girls had done before. As a famous reporter and activist, she did just that.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Alice Coachman made Olympic history by becoming the first African American woman to win a gold medal in 1948. In Touch the Sky by Ann Malaspina, we learn about Alice's early years and her quest to jump and run. She won a national medal and went on to high school to pursue track and field where she excelled in the sport, and worked to pay her tuition.

Alice's life is inspiring to girls who have dreams and aspirations for their future. Alice pursued her love of jumping and her talent grew which empowers others to follow this path. Keep your eye on the goal and you will achieve it.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Louisa May's Battle by Kathleen Krull shares the inspiring story of Louisa May Alcott and her rise to fame as acclaimed author of Little Women. Louisa served as a nurse during the Civil War amid difficult conditions and at a time when most nurses were only men. She worked to help support her family and believed in equality for all people. Her home was even part of the Underground Railroad.

When the time was right, Louisa wrote Little Women within 10 months. Her work during the war, fierce determination and writing talents enabled her to be an accomplished author of a true classic.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Gertrude Ederle was born to swim. In America's Champion Swimmer by David Adler, we learn how she set 29 U.S. and world records, won 3 Olympic medals and became the first woman to successfully swim the English Channel, amidst stormy weather in 14 hours and beating the men's record. Millions cheered for her at a parade in her honor.

She inspired a nation of girls to take up swimming and sports. She gave them the strength, courage and resolve to know they can do anything they set their mind to. Gertrude was praised and celebrated which empowered women to continue in her footsteps.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Nadia The Girl Who Couldn't Sit Still by Karlin Gray is the story of famed Romanian gymnast Nadia Comaneci and her 7 perfect scores of ten in the 1976 Olympics. She won 5 medals that year as well as 4 medals in the 1980 games.

Nadia had a love of movement and play as a child and practiced hard to be a successful gymnast. Even after falling multiple times in prior competitions, she got right back up and worked even harder. A determined athlete, she inspired other girls to give it their all, have confidence in themselves and above all, never quit.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  In Florence Nightingale, by Demi, we learn about Florence and her desire to help people from a young age. She is self-trained to become a nurse and helped improve conditions in medical facilities and military hospitals around the world. She selflessly worked to improve life for the poor and those who were sick. Florence was an advocate and fighter for better healthcare in a time when most women didn't work. She never gave up, even when she was bedridden for much of her adult life. Her legacy and devotion to others continue to inspire girls to enter the healthcare field.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  The Doctor with an Eye for Eyes by Julia Finley Mosca is a must read that shares the true story of Dr. Patricia Bath and her road to becoming an ophthalmologist to help cure blindness and help the vision of people around the world. She invented the Laserphaco Probe to remove cataracts, was the first woman to start an eye doctor training program, become a professor & had many more accomplishments. Dr. Bath is an inspiration to girls to not let barriers get in your way. Follow your dreams, be a leader and advocate for change, help others less fortunate, and believe in yourself.