October 11th is the International Day of the Girl Child. This year’s theme is ‘My Voice, Our Equal Future’ – a chance ‘to be inspired by what adolescent girls see as the change they want, the solutions- big and small- they are leading and demanding across the globe.’

One of the ways we can celebrate it is by reading stories of inspiring girls and women who are/were visionaries and leaders, innovators and positive-social-impactors. So today I bring you 10 great books for International Day of the Girl Child. Note that you might not see some obvious selections (like Malala for one); some are in previous reading lists and posts that I have also included here today while others I plan to include in future lists.

It has indeed been gratifying to see the Nobel Prize winners this year – it is empowering, inspiring, and truly wonderful to see more women whose impact is recognized.

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Books for International Day of the Girl Child

111 Trees : How One Village Celebrates the Birth of Every Girl

A girl-power story with a difference that is bound to inspire. While the age range is mentioned as for 5 – 8 year olds, I feel that the content and message is better suited to older elementary as well as middle grade readers. Even older readers will take away a lot from this powerful true story. The story, the illustrations and informative backmatter with photos and more details all add to this story of eco-feminism.

The International Day of the Girl : Celebrating Girls Around the World

Another must-read for all ages; this beautifully illustrated eye-opener of a book tells the story behind celebrating the International Day of the Girl. It also brings to light the issues faced by the girl child in different parts of the world today, including malnutrition, child-marriage, and more; and it does so in an age-appropriate way.

Danbi Leads the School Parade 

A beautiful book with an important message – about inclusivity, and being new, about courage and kindness, about fitting in when you are new. And the illustrations are simply so adorably beautiful! 

Girl on a Motorcycle 

The amazing true story of Anne-France Dautheville, a French journalist and writer, who is known for being the first woman to motorcycle solo around the world! And the illustrations are oh so charming.

I am Anne Frank 

Those of you who are regular visitors to my blog have seen Anne Frank featured many a time; so it is no surprise that this book about Anne Frank captivated me completely. It tells the story of Anne Frank, the good and the bad parts of it, in an age appropriate fashion, and the illustrations complement Anne’s story perfectly. A wonderful way to introduce young readers to Anne Frank.

Love Your Body : Your body can do amazing things… 

This book uses uplifting, inspirational messaging with quirky yet beautiful images to showcase the importance of self-love and positive body image, as well as to include It includes well-researched and useful information written in an approachable, encouraging and sensitive style.

We Are All Greta

A perfect introduction to Greta and to climate-change as well as how to be a part of the mission to protect our planet. An amazing resource for kids and adults alike, a timely and great read.

Wild Girl: How to Have Incredible Outdoor Adventures

Helen Skelton encourages girls and all her readers to have adventures through example; by simply narrating her own numerous exciting adventures throughout the world – from kayaking alone down the Amazon to hiking to the South Pole. Perfect for inspiring one and all.

Fly, Girl, Fly! : Shaesta Waiz Soars Around the World

This is what the description starts with: The story of how Shaesta Waiz became the youngest woman in history, and the first woman from Afghanistan, to circle the globe in a single-engine aircraft. And I immediately wanted to read this book that is sure to be empowering and inspiring. A quote from Shaesta : “You must believe in yourself and allow your dreams to soar.”

All the Way to the Top : How One Girl’s Fight for Americans with Disabilities Changed Everything

Another book I added instantly to my to-read; and am waiting for it both from my local library and on my Edelweiss account to be approved. Can you believe the Americans with Disabilities Act was only passed in July of 1990? This story tells us how Jennifer Keelan-Chaffins helped fight to get the law passed. Truly inspiring indeed that can teach young readers that anyone, no matter how old, can make a difference if you put your mind to it.

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Disclaimer: Thanks to NetGalley/Edelweiss and the publishers for the eARCs of these featured books

More Reading

If you are looking for more reads, fear not! You can check out these earlier posts:

• Celebrate International Day of the Girl Child With These Books
• Girl Power – In Fairy Tales and the Real World
• More Girls Who Rocked the World: Book Review
• 12 Books for Malala Day
• 12 Women Poets to Read -Inspired by World Poetry Day
• 25 Books To Read for National Women’s History Month: A Round-up Post
• Brilliant Ideas from Wonderful Women: Book Review
• RadWomen are Everywhere: RadBooks to Inspire You
• Days in Fictional Towns – Meeting Radical Elements

Check out my BookShop List of Girl-Power Books

And Now, the End of this Post

Dear reader, have you read any of these books? What are your thoughts on those? If not, which would be your first picks? I would also love to hear your recommendations.