Corrie is finally done with her spring semester, but she starts a new job tomorrow! She never gets a day off y’all, and she works so hard. Lee starts a new position in the next few weeks as well, so there are many changes afoot in the Tiny Activist house!

Day 13’s theme is books with our favorite #storylines for readers, and we chose a few books that blew our minds with their inventive plots! Characters make their own choices and don’t just follow flat, contrived narratives-they are thoughtful and based on the character of the protagonists involved and don’t exist simply to move the plot along. True storytelling can be found in these fresh characters and situations!

 

Beautiful

Written by: Stacy McAnulty

Illustrated by: Joanne Lew-Vriethoff

For Ages: 5-6 years

This book takes the stereotypes fed to women and young girls through the media and turns them on their head with illustrations. Suddenly, “smiling sweetly” means enjoying sticky orange slices with friends rather than anything else! This book shows a diverse cast of young girls having fun outdoors, playing sports, and playing instruments for their community.

This book is fantastic. It shows girls catching frogs and planting flowers, covered in mud. It makes a statement about makeup and shows a group of friends dressed as pirates! An important part of any book collection that emphasizes kindness, individuality, and strong girls.

 

Natsumi!

Written by: Susan Lendroth

Illustrated by: Priscilla Burris

For ages: 4-8 years

Natsumi is a young Japanese girl that is constantly being told things like “slow down!”, “not so fast!”, and “not so loud!”.  When the community is gearing up for a special holiday, Natsumi wants to try all of the different activities!  She tries dancing, matcha-making, and flower arranging, but none of them are for her.  Luckily, Natsumi’s grandfather has an idea and meets her everyday after school to prepare.  On the night of the event, Natsumi reveals what she’s been working so hard on to her family and community.

This book addresses both cultural and familial acceptance.  Natsumi defies some stereotypes often associated with Asian women, while also finding a place within her community to celebrate an important cultural event.  Having a mentor like her grandfather is an endearing plot point, and helps to frame the book’s interpersonal relationships so readers feel like they are a part of Natsumi’s family!

 

Snowboy and the Last Tree Standing

Written by: Hiawyn Oram

Illustrated by: Birgitta Sif

For ages: 3-7 years

This book is whimsically illustrated, and subtly drives home the importance of natural resource conservation.  It teaches the importance of standing up for what’s right, and Snowboy reaches these conclusions quietly yet independently.  This style shows that activism does not have to be loud, it just has to be done.  Even a single person can have a drastic impact on the world around them, Snowboy saves the forest and the ocean with his animal companions.  This book is a fantastic example of independent thought and doing what’s right, even if you’re all alone at first.

 

Brazen: Rebel Ladies Who Rocked the World

Written and Illustrated by: Penelope Bagieu

For Ages: Teen and up

This graphic novel is a compilation of stories about strong women and historical figures. It is definitely written for teens and above, as some stories include plot lines with domestic violence, death, civil war, and other sensitive topics. The incredible novel includes the stories of Nzinga, Las Mariposas, Lozen, Agnodice, Christine Jorgensen, and Naziq al-Abid, just to name a few!  The illustrations are fantastic and the dialogue sassy.  Brazen is a graphic novel that readers will want to return to again and again, and it also serves as a fabulous jumping off point for more in-depth research about historical feminist figures.  The book fully embodies the rebel path, and it’s perfect to show young people that women don’t have to settle for anything less than what they want.