Why do we need books specially written for girls? Women have come a long way from the 1960’s equal rights movement in the USA. Still, there are miles to go. Hence, our 3rd, 4th, 5th grader girls must know that they can be whatever they want to be.
The number of women role models in sports, STEM or any chosen field is fewer compared to men. So, it is crucial to celebrate the success of the women who changed the world.
The below books have the perfect role models for 8 to 11 years olds to read about and draw inspiration from. It is also equally important to empower the girls with the message of positivity and ensure that they are equipped to handle bullying etc.
Below is a selection of books – highly recommended by parents and teachers for 3rd to 5th graders girls.
Table of contents
18 Must-Read Books for 3rd, 4th, 5th Grade Girls (8 to 11 years)
What will I be?
by Jayla Joseph (Author)
This book showcases different career options for kids to choose from the array of options. Featuring a bunch of black girls and boys, this book brings in much-needed gender and cultural diversity, and awareness. It is aimed at the age group of lower primary kids. This is the time when children start becoming more aware of themselves. Girls need to know and believe that they can be whatever they want. Check here on Amazon
Read for: Girls can plan and excel in any career they choose
100 Immigrant Women Who Changed the World
by Rebel Girls (Author), Elena Favilli (Author)
This book is a mini-biography of 100 immigrant women, who achieved fame and success. A motivational book for young girls going through difficult times and self-doubt. The stories are relatable. Pictures are lovely and all illustrated by female artists.. Check here on Amazon
Read for: Inspirational stories about immigrant women
Adventure Girls! Crafts and Activities
by Nicole Duggan (Author)
Empower your young girls to be bold and hands-on with these outdoor crafts and activities. Learn to make a compass, build a shelter or make a rope swing- amongst other things. This book also includes scientific exploration like bird watching, constellation identification. The projects are fun, and instructions are simple and easy to follow. The profiles of women who have achieved success in various outdoor things are a plus. A perfect book for 3rd, 4th, 5th graders – who can do the activities independently. Check here on Amazon
Read for: Outdoor activities and science observation
Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun
by Maria Dismondy (Author), Kathy Hiatt (Editor), Kim Shaw (Illustrator)
This book is about a girl who is bullied – for being different. But when her tormentor faces trouble, she rises above petty things and helps the child. It leaves the readers with a message of positivity and kindness. The story is relatable for today’s kids. A much-needed book for kids to be brave and be what they are. Check here on Amazon
Read for: Being brave and facing bullying with kindness
Nobody’s Perfect
by Ellen Flanagan Burns (Author)
Girls in today’s age are under pressure to look and behave perfectly all the time. But it does not have to be, because childhood is the time to make mistakes and be a child. As does Sally learns in this book. This book is ideal for family or classroom reading. Quite relatable and encourages a conversation at the end. Check here on Amazon
Read for: Learning to handle the pressure for today’s overexposed kids
Junie B. Jones’s Fourth Boxed Set Ever! (Books 13-16)
by Barbara Park (Author), Denise Brunkus (Illustrator)
This one is an all-time favorite classic book series in a four books box set. Adventure stories of Junie B. Jones continue to enthrall generations of children, especially young girls, through decades. The books are funny. The series is loved by all primary graders. Check here on Amazon
Read for: Classic funny and adventure stories
A Wild Ride: The Adventures of Misty & Moxie Wyoming
by Niki Danforth (Author)
A thrilling storybook for girls who love horses. Moxie dreams of becoming a rodeo star. Read on how Moxie meets her horse, Misty. Together they stop bad guys trying to steal mustangs. A perfect positive role model book for girls in 8 to 11 years age group. Check here on Amazon
Read for: Positive role model adventure book
I Can Use an I Statement
by Jenelle French (Author), Karina Yasinova (Illustrator)
A story about a young girl, Gabby, who faces difficult everyday situations and learns to express how she feels. A relevant book for any age and an excellent tool for young kids. The activity sheets that come with this book, help parents and teachers design “I statements”, that can be used by children in conflict situations. An encouraging, confidence-building book in today’s age – especially for young girls. Check here on Amazon
Read for: Learn to express feelings in difficult situations
Hook’s Daughter: The Untold Tale of a Pirate Princess
by R.V. Bowman (Author)
This is the story of an adolescent girl, Rommy – who is determined to find her lost father Captain Hook. Set in nineteenth-century London, the story takes her to the magical island of Neverland. A heroic fantasy adventure story about a spunky girl. This one is the first book in the trilogy The Pirate Princess Chronicles. The entire series is highly recommended.. Check here on Amazon
Read for: Fantasy adventure of a heroic girl.
The No More Bullying Book for Kids
by Vanessa Green Allen M.Ed. NBCT (Author), Emmeline Pidgen (Illustrator)
Bullying has become a global phenomenon. This book helps young kids identify bullying behavior. Also, teaches several techniques on how to counter bullying. A highly recommended book by parents and teachers. Perfect for girls aged 8 years and above. Check here on Amazon
Read for: Learn to identify and counter bullying
I Can Be a Rocket Scientist: Fun STEM Activities
by Anna Claybourne (Author)
What does it take to become a rocket scientist? What do they do. Build a prototype of a rocket and a model solar system. Learn the story and reason behind many design conventions. This book is filled with such and many more fun STEM activities. Along with fun facts about the solar system, gravity, astronaut training, space toilets. An encouraging book for girls to start in the field of STEM. Check here on Amazon
Read for: Build rocket models and learn facts
What Is the Women’s Rights Movement?
by Deborah Hopkinson (Author), Who HQ (Author), Laurie A. Conley (Illustrator)
From the equal rights movements of the 1960s USA to the current time – discover how far women have come. Short informational chapters make the reading interesting. This book is a celebration of the changes that happened and the road ahead. Every child should be aware of the women’s rights movement – not only girls. A compelling read for 3rd, 4th, 5th graders. Check here on Amazon
Read for: Learn about women’s rights movement in USA
The Great Book of Badass Women
by Rachel Walsh (Author), Bill O’Neill (Author)
An interesting book about the accomplishments of some of the awe-inspiring women throughout history. While some names are easily recognizable, many others are not. However, they each deserve recognizations through their bravery and courage. Covering various fields – from prostitute queen to supreme court judge – this book is an ode to women’s power. The Did you know section at the end of each chapter, covering amazing facts about the woman, is a fascinating read. A must-have book for any primary grader’s bookshelf. Check here on Amazon
Read for: Interesting women throughout history who left mark
The Girl Who Struck Out Babe Ruth
by Jean L. S. Patrick (Illustrator)
This book is the answer to skeptics wondering about girls playing baseball. An inspiring story about a 17-year-old girl Jackie Mitchell, whose passion for baseball created history in US sports. She strikes out the greats like the legend Babe Ruth. A highly recommended read for any sports-loving girl. Go ahead and win the world! Check here on Amazon
Read for: A book to encourage girls in sports
Secret Engineer
by Rachel Dougherty (Author, Illustrator)
The story about how Emily Roebling Built the Brooklyn Bridge. In the year 1883 – her husband was the chief engineer building the Brooklyn bridge. Emily was also keenly interested in learning the dangerous and new techniques used to build the bridge. Her husband fell sick mid-construction and was bedridden. Emily supervised every aspect of the project and helped complete the work in his absence. With perfect illustrations and diagrams, the book explains the bridge construction really well. A perfect book for any girl to learn that anything is possible. Check here on Amazon
Read for: Strong, smart women in construction
Lotte’s Magical Paper Puppets
by Brooke Hartman (Author), Kathryn Carr (Illustrator)
A beautifully illustrated book about Lotte Reiniger who created one of the first feature-length animated films. Leaving behind her home Germany during WWII, fleeing of place to place could not dampen her creative spirit. A magical strory about a stunning women. Must read for 8 years and above. Check here on Amazon
Read for: Strong women in art, film
Noisemakers: 25 Women Who Raised Their Voices
by Kazoo Magazine (Author), Erin Bried (Editor)
Raise your voice and be the change you want to see. That was the motto of the 25 women from history featured in this book. Featured in distinct comic style, this book is a tribute to all the powerful women out there. Read about Kate Warne, the first female detective, who saved the life of President-Elect Abraham Lincoln, or Julia child – the bold celebrated chef and many more. A perfect read for girls of age 8 to 11 years. Check here on Amazon
Read for: Strong girl role model
Softball Switch-Up
by Jake Maddox (Author), Katie Wood (Illustrator)
This softball storybook is part of Jake Maddox Girl Sports Stories. The fictional character Raisa Kumar here learns to step down and prioritize need of the team. The entire book series is designed to inspire more girls into playing field. And has positive role models as characters. An engaging read for sports loving girls. Check here on Amazon
Read for: Sports books series with fictional girl players
Read More..
It is also important to introduce the 8 to 11-year-olds to a variety of best available chapter books from different genres. Check here the recommended lists.
23 Best Chapter Books For 3rd Graders Reading | Book Series included
25 Best Chapter Books for 4th graders Reading List (with Book Series)
