Girl Power

Read about real life girls and women:

	Corey, Shana You Forgot your Skirt, Amelia Bloomer: A Very Improper Story Illustrated by Chesley McLaren Believe it or not, wearing pants was once something that women just didn't do; Amelia Bloomer was one of the first to challenge this rule.
	Freedman, Russell Martha Graham, a Dancer's Life Born in Pittsburgh in 1895, Martha Graham revolutionized the world of dance.
	Ehrlich, Amy Rachel The Story of Rachel Carson Illustrated by Wendell Minor This illustrated biography for young readers covers important milestones in Carson's life, starting with her childhood in a small town outside of Pittsburgh. For more about this famous environmentalist, check out John Henricksson's Rachel Carson: The Environmental Movement, Thomas Locker's Rachel Carson: Preserving a Sense of Wonder or try reading some of Carson's own words.
	Matthews, Elizabeth Different like Coco If reading Amelia Bloomer's story makes you curious about the history of fashion, don't miss this biography of Coco Chanel, famous French fashion designer.
	O'Connor, Jane Mary Cassatt: Family Pictures Another famous woman with Pittsburgh connections, Cassatt's artwork hangs in museums all over the world, including our own Carnegie Museum of Art.
	Robbins, Trina Bessie Coleman: Daring Stunt Pilot The first licensed African-American pilot, Bessie Coleman was active in the early part of the 20th century. Read her story in this graphic novel style biography or check out Nikki Grimes' poetic portrait in Talkin' about Bessie: the Story of Aviator Elizabeth Coleman.

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Stories about girls of all ages:

	Birdsall, Jeanne The Penderwicks During an adventurous summer vacation, the four Penderwick sisters and their father rent a cottage on the estate known as Arundel. There they meet the teenage gardener, the owner's son and the mean Mrs. Tifton.
	Cushman, Karen Catherine Called Birdy Written in journal format, this lively introduction to a girl's life in the Middle Ages covers all the aspects of daily life in amusing and occasionally disgusting detail.
	Codell, Esme Raji Vive La Paris When fifth grader Paris McCray and her piano teacher Mrs. Rosen form an unlikely friendship, Paris learns more than just how to play the piano.
	Flake, Sharon The Broken Bike Boy and the Queen of 33rd Street Local author Flake tells the story of a very spoiled ten-year-old named Queen who learns the real meaning of love and friendship when she meets Leroy who claims to be an African prince.
	Pennypacker, Sara Clementine Illustrated by Marla Frazee Another in a long line of rambunctious heroines whose antics have amused readers for generations, Clementine brings to mind classic characters like Ramona Quimby and contemporaries like Junie B. Jones while exhibiting a charm all her own.
	Spinelli, Eileen Someday Illustrated by Rosie Winstead The young narrator contrasts her ambitions for the future with her everyday experiences which just might prompt young listeners to start dreaming big too.

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