THE BOOK OF HEROINES

March is both National Reading Month and Women's History Month so what better time to have children read NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC KiDS THE BOOK OF HEROINES -- TALES OF HISTORY'S GUTSIEST GALS to encourage reading while also highlighting with boys and girls noteworthy achievements and advancements made by females that have changed the world.  This 176 page hardcover book that is aimed for children between the ages of 8 and 12 years old is filled with  illustrations and photographs that enhance the profiles of more than 100 women who have left their mark on history.   These real life stories of women making a difference in the world is sure to inspire and have a constructive impact on young readers.  THE BOOK OF HEROINES shows that while fictional super heroes are cool there are plenty of real life people to look up to as role models in our lives.

The book made an immediate impact on my daughter who dreams of being a competitive swimmer and inspirational examples of women athletes really has motivate her.  Especially the segment on  Gertrude Ederle who set the world record for both males and females in establishing the fastest time swimming the English Channel which remained unbroken for 24 years.  THE BOOK OF HEROINES highlights women who are currently some of the world's top athletes such as swimmer Katie Ledecky, ballerina Misty Copeland, and downhill skier Lindsey Vonn. It also tells the stories of groundbreaking athletes such as race car driver Janet Guthrie, tennis player Billie Jean King and gymnast Larisa Latynina.  Sports aren't just for boys and the examples provided in THE BOOK OF HEROINES reinforces that important message.

As the dad of a elementary aged daughter, I don't want their to be any doubts in her mind that she can achieve whatever aspirations she has in life.  National Geographic Kids' THE BOOK OF HEROINES really is a great resource for reinforcing that she should never allow gender biases or stereotypes to hold her back from personal and professional goals and dreams.  This book highlights that women can tackle any job they set their sights on through sharing the stories of Lt. Brenda Berkman (a female New York City firefighter who responded to the 9/11 terrorist attack), Col, Jeannie Leavitt (the first female fighter pilot), Dr. Sally Ride (the first American woman to travel into outer space).  There are also some engaging examples of women scientists and inventors to help motivate girls to have an interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) employment fields which are currently lacking in female professionals .  Read about Marie Curie's discovery of radioactivity, chemist Stephanie Kwolek designing the super strong material Kevlar, and Mary Anderson inventing the automobile windshield wipers that are a standard part on most vehicles today but were a true innovation in 1903.

THE BOOK OF HEROINES also tells the story of Geraldine Hoff Doyle who was inspiration for artist J. Howard Miller's ROSIE THE RIVETER posters the government commissioned during World War II to recruit female factory workers needed to replaced the men who had gone to serve in the military.  Rosie the Riveter has become a cultural icon and a symbol for the modern feminist movement.  This book has numerous examples like this of how women living average lives with common day responsibilities have made a positive difference in our society.

Everybody needs a role model and  THE BOOK OF HEROINES -- TALES OF HISTORY'S GUTSIEST GALS is full of historical figures and present day leaders for children to learn about.  A great read for helping girls have self-confidence in themselves at school and within the workplace as well as for boys in helping them build an appreciation and respect for the opposite sex.  I've been having both my son and daughter read this book from National Geographic Kids and they've both really gotten a lot out of it.

A Geek Daddy is a member of the National Geographic Kids Insider blogger program. Insiders get a behind-the-scenes look at National Geographic’s resources, activities, content and projects for kids and families. They also review copies of books, magazines and toys, and are offered interviews with authors, explorers and editors. I do not receive any financial compensation for my participation as a National Geographic Kids Insider.