I would like to say I was shocked when I heard about the incredibly sexist Barbie: I Can Be a Computer Engineer Book (warning: profanity in the link). Unfortunately, this is the norm rather than the exception. As much as I love a good rant against the pervasive sexism our girls encounter in consumer culture, I thought this time I would offer some alternative picture book ideas for STEM girls, instead. There are tons of awesome biographies of female scientists, technology specialists, engineers, and mathematicians, but, since this list was inspired by Barbie’s misstep, I am starting with fictional stories.
Here are a few fiction picture story books that will inspire girls in science, technology, engineering, and math with bonus positive messages about community, perseverance, tolerance, curiosity, and confidence–and no body dismorphia-inspiring illustrations, too!
Rosie Revere, Engineer: Rosie invents brilliant gizmos and gadgets and dreams of a future career in engineering. In the meantime, she wants to fulfill her great-great aunt’s (Rosie the Riveter) dream of flying. This book highlights the all-important STEM message that mistakes are not failures–they are just steps along the road to success.
Violet the Pilot: Another flying-centric girl stem book, this time focusing on a young inventor named Violet Van Winkle. In this story, Violet and her brilliant invention help save a Boy Scout troop and even the mayor!
I Wonder: A young girl walks with her mother and wonders about all the amazing things she sees. This book is a springboard for scientific inquiry and curiosity that also tells young readers it is okay not to have all the answers.
Sophie Scott Goes South: When nine-year-old Sophie goes on a month-long adventure to Antarctica with her dad, the captain of an icebreaker, she learns about the ecology of Antarctica.
Amanda Bean’s Amazing Dream (Marilyn Burns Brainy Day Books): This tale of a young girl who loves to count both shows a girl who enjoys mathematics and encourages children to embrace a challenge.
The Most Magnificent Thing: Our young female protagonist is “..going to make the most MAGNIFICENT thing! She knows just how it will look. She knows just how it will work. All she has to do is make it, and she makes things all the time. Easy-peasy!” Of course, nothing is as easy as it seems at first. Again, the focus is on hard work and perseverance. Evocative action words will increase any kid’s maker vocabulary.
One Grain Of Rice: A Mathematical Folktale: We included this elegantly illustrated book in our recent study of South Asia but I love how it shows a woman using mathematics to outsmart the Raja and give back to her community.
Seems it would be better to state these feature STEM girls. Boys can benefit from reading these as well. Maybe seems trivial but I think it is not. Boys and girls should see girls interested and engaged in a variety of activities.