If you’ve followed us for any length of time, you know that we’re big fans of children’s books that reflect real-life diversity. The percentage of books that deliver on this is getting better, but still not nearly high enough. But we’ve recently found a subscription box that’s being the change we want to see in our children’s literature: The Little Feminist.
They sent me a sample box, and wow, I’m totally stoked by what I’m seeing. So much so, we included it among our picks for the coolest holiday gift ideas for empowered girls.
Each box includes a handpicked book with a strong female or non-white lead (or both!) to help kids build empathy, understanding, and the knowledge that all kinds of people can be heroes.
Depending on which subscription you choose, kids also receive an art or science activity that helps bring the themes of the book to life in hands-on ways.
Related: Just Like Me: A book subscription box created for children of color.
Shown here: a box featuring Virgina Lee Burton’s seasonal classic, Katy and the Big Snow. However the box I received contained Margarita Engle and Rafael López’s Drum Dream Girl: How One Girl’s Courage Changed Music. It’s a lovely story about a young rebel defying her island culture to become the first-ever female drummer. It also included set of drumsticks and a tambourine. Because what helps young girls and boys own their power better than making some noise and learning a new skill?
(Though apologies to those of you parents living in tight quarters!)
The first boxes won’t arrive until February, so you can pre-order now.
I think The Little Feminist subscription is a perfect gift for a child in your life who needs to see more of themselves in children’s lit, or a kid who needs encouragement to pursue her dreams. Especially if one of those dreams is playing the bongo, even when all her friends are choosing the flute.
You can preorder The Little Feminist book subscription on their website. The first box arrives February, but includes a card that kids can open during the holidays to get excited about the gift that’s still to come.
NOTE: The url is now littlefeminist.com, formerly thelittlefeminist.com
