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Strong Girls, Whole Boys

BOOKS ON BUILDING STRONG GIRLS/ WHOLE BOYS FOR CHILDREN AND PARENTS

Amazing Grace By Mary Hoffman, Caroline Binch (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Mary Hoffman, Caroline Binch (Illustrator)
$17.99
ISBN: 9780803710405
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Published: Dial Books - September 2nd, 1991

Grace loves stories, whether they're from books, movies, or the kind her grandmother tells. So when she gets a chance to play a part in Peter Pan, she knows exactly who she wants to be. Remarkable watercolor illustrations give full expression to Grace's high-flying imagination.


Packaging Girlhood: Rescuing Our Daughters from Marketers' Schemes By Sharon Lamb, Ed.D., Lyn Mikel Brown, Ed.D. Cover Image
$22.99
ISBN: 9780312370053
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Published: St. Martin's Griffin - May 15th, 2007

Winner of the Books for a Better Life Award

Every parent who cares about empowering her daughter should own a copy."
- Rachel Simmons, author of Odd Girl Out: The Hidden Culture of Aggression in Girls


Pinky and Rex and the Bully: Ready-to-Read Level 3 (Pinky & Rex) By James Howe, Melissa Sweet (Illustrator) Cover Image
By James Howe, Melissa Sweet (Illustrator)
$4.99
ISBN: 9780689808340
Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 Days
Published: Simon Spotlight - April 1st, 1996

Pinky's favorite color is pink, and his best friend, Rex, is a girl. Kevin, the third-grade bully, says that makes Pinky a sissy. Deep down, Pinky thinks Kevin is wrong, but he's still worried. Does Pinky have to give up his favorite things, and worse, does he have to give up his best friend?


It's Okay To Be Different By Todd Parr Cover Image
$17.99
ISBN: 9780316666039
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Published: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers - September 1st, 2001

It's okay to need some help.
It's okay to be a different color.
It's okay to talk about your feelings.


From the bestselling author Todd Parr comes a reassuring book about being who you are.


The Boy Who Cried Fabulous By Leslea Newman, Peter Ferguson (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Leslea Newman, Peter Ferguson (Illustrator)
$7.99
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ISBN: 9781582462240
Published: Tricycle Press - August 1st, 2007

The only thing Roger likes better than exploring the world around him is describing it. And Roger describes most things as fabulous! But his parents have a different view. They want Roger to see things the way they do, so they ban "fabulous" from his vocabulary.


The Sissy Duckling By Harvey Fierstein, Henry Cole (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Harvey Fierstein, Henry Cole (Illustrator)
$9.99
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ISBN: 9781416903130
Published: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers - June 1st, 2005

Elmer is not like the other boy ducklings. While they like to build forts, he loves to bake cakes. While they like to play baseball, he wants to put on the halftime show. Elmer is a great big sissy.


Parenting Beyond Pink & Blue: How to Raise Your Kids Free of Gender Stereotypes By Christia Spears Brown Cover Image
$14.99
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ISBN: 9781607745020
Published: Ten Speed Press - April 8th, 2014

A guide that helps parents focus on their children's unique strengths and inclinations rather than on gendered stereotypes to more effectively bring out the best in their individual children, for parents of infants to middle schoolers. 

Reliance on Gendered Stereotypes Negatively Impacts Kids


Ruby's Wish By Shirin Yim Bridges, Sophie Blackall (Illustrator) Cover Image
$7.99
ISBN: 9781452145693
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Published: Chronicle Books - August 4th, 2015

Ruby is unlike most little girls in old China. Instead of aspiring to get married, Ruby is determined to attend university when she grows up, just like the boys in her family.


William's Doll By Charlotte Zolotow, William Pene du Bois (Illustrator) Cover Image
$8.99
ISBN: 9780064430678
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Published: HarperCollins - May 1st, 1985

"An excellent book about a boy named William who wants the forbidden—a doll. The long-awaited realistic handling of this theme makes it a landmark book."—School Library Journal


Oliver Button Is a Sissy By Tomie dePaola, Tomie dePaola (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Tomie dePaola, Tomie dePaola (Illustrator)
$17.99
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ISBN: 9781481477574
Published: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers - July 4th, 2017

This beautiful edition of Tomie dePaola’s progressive 1979 classic stars a special little boy who won’t give up on the dreams that make him unique.

Oliver Button is a sissy.

At least that’s what the other boys call him.

But here’s what Oliver Button really is: a reader, and an artist, and a singer, and a dancer, and more.
 


Made by Raffi By Craig Pomranz, Margaret Chamberlain (Illustrator) Cover Image
$9.99
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ISBN: 9781847805966
Published: Frances Lincoln Children's Books - September 1st, 2016

New in paperback!

Raffi is a shy boy who doesn't like noisy games and is often teased at school. But when he gets the idea of making a scarf for his dad's birthday he is full of enthusiasm, even though the other children think it is girly to knit. Then the day draws near for the school pageant, and there is one big problem - no costume for the prince.


Big Bob, Little Bob By James Howe, Laura Ellen Anderson (Illustrator) Cover Image
By James Howe, Laura Ellen Anderson (Illustrator)
$16.99
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ISBN: 9780763644369
Published: Candlewick - October 11th, 2016

It’s not easy to become friends with someone who is nothing like you—but surprising things can happen when you give it a try.


Not All Princesses Dress in Pink By Jane Yolen, Heidi  E. Y. Stemple, Anne-Sophie Lanquetin (Illustrator) Cover Image
$17.99
ISBN: 9781416980186
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Published: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers - June 15th, 2010

Not all princesses dress in pink.
Some play in bright red socks that stink,
blue team jerseys that don’t quite fit,
accessorized with a baseball mitt,
and a sparkly crown!

Princesses come in all kinds.


Tatterhood: Feminist Folktales from Around the World By Ethel Johnston Phelps (Editor), Suki Boynton (Illustrator), Gayle Forman (Introduction by) Cover Image
By Ethel Johnston Phelps (Editor), Suki Boynton (Illustrator), Gayle Forman (Introduction by)
$14.95
ISBN: 9781558619296
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Published: Feminist Press - August 2nd, 2016

From Japan to Norway, Scotland to Sudan, Tatterhood brings readers twelve folk tales--and twelve women whose cunning, hard work, and physical strength are celebrated in each story. A family of three women teaches a burly man how to wrestle, a girl battles a fearsome bear, and a young mother rescues her village from an elephant's stomach.


The Paper Bag Princess (Munsch for Kids) By Robert Munsch, Michael Martchenko (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Robert Munsch, Michael Martchenko (Illustrator)
$6.95
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ISBN: 9780920236161
Published: Annick Press - May 1st, 1980

This bestselling modern classic features a princess who rescues a very snooty--and ungrateful--prince.


Tough Boris By Mem Fox, Kathryn Brown (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Mem Fox, Kathryn Brown (Illustrator)
$7.99
ISBN: 9780152018917
Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 Days
Published: Clarion Books - September 1st, 1998

Boris von der Borch is a mean, greedy old pirate--tough as nails, through and through, like all pirates. Or is he? When a young boy sneaks onto Boris's ship, he discovers that Boris and his mates aren't quite what he expected.


No Difference Between Us: Teach children gender equality, respect, choice, self-esteem, empathy, tolerance, and acceptance By Amanda Gulliver (Illustrator), Jayneen Sanders Cover Image
By Amanda Gulliver (Illustrator), Jayneen Sanders
$10.29
ISBN: 9781925089271
Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 Days
Published: Educate2empower Publishing - August 1st, 2016

Jess and Ben are twins. Jess is a girl and Ben is a boy but in all the BIG ways, there is NO difference between them


Nonnie Talks about Gender By Alice M. Burroughs (Illustrator), Mary Jo Podgurski Cover Image
$21.37
ISBN: 9781500621469
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Published: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform - July 23rd, 2014

Do today's children have questions about gender? Of course Nonnie Talks about Gender seeks to open the door to parent/child communication by addressing potentially complicated and controversial issues with sensitivity and warmth.


Lena Likes Lizards By Liza Dora, Jolie Gray (Editor) Cover Image
By Liza Dora, Jolie Gray (Editor)
$17.24
ISBN: 9780692598856
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Published: Liza Dora - December 10th, 2015

Lena Likes Lizards addresses gender stereotypes in an imaginative and fun way, appropriate for ages 3 to 9 years. A young girl is told she's brought the wrong toy to the play ground. She goes on a journey of self-discovery and concludes that people are people and should be able to do what they choose.


Cinderstella: A Tale of Planets Not Princes By Brenda S. Miles, Susan D. Sweet, Valeria Docampo (Illustrator) Cover Image
$9.99
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ISBN: 9781433822704
Published: Magination Press - October 17th, 2016

"Encourages children to expand their dreams beyond traditional gender and socioeconomic roles."--Foreword Reviews

Cinderstella has plans for her own happily ever after. A future princess she is not. Her calculations and equations are simple enough, she'd rather be an astronaut


Tough Guys Have Feelings Too By Keith Negley Cover Image
$17.99
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ISBN: 9781909263666
Published: Flying Eye Books - November 3rd, 2015

A boldly illustrated picture book read-aloud about how everyone gets sad—ninjas, wrestlers, knights, superheroes, everyone . . . even daddies have emotions!

Did you know wrestlers have feelings? And knights. Even superheroes and ninjas feel sad sometimes. In fact everyone has feelings—especially dads who love their children!


When the Bees Fly Home (Tilbury House Nature Book) By Andrea Cheng, Joline McFadden (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Andrea Cheng, Joline McFadden (Illustrator)
$9.95
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ISBN: 9780884484820
Published: Tilbury House Publishers - October 28th, 2015

Worried about the drought that has caused a big decrease in honey production, his dad is irritable and remote, seemingly unable to offer the acceptance that Jonathan yearns for. But one sleepless night Jonathan joins his mother in the kitchen making beeswax candles for sale, and discovers an outlet for his artistic talents that will make a big contribution to the family finances.


Free to Be...You and Me By Marlo Thomas and Friends, Peter H. Reynolds (Designed by) Cover Image
$22.00
ISBN: 9780762430604
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Published: Running Press Kids - October 14th, 2008

This is the book we all know and love by Marlo Thomas and her friends—brought to new life with brand new illustrations to captivate and inspire a new generation of readers on a journey of the heart. Whether you are opening Free to Be . . .


Not Every Princess By Jeffrey Bone Cover Image
$9.95
ISBN: 9781433816482
Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 Days
Published: Magination Press - May 30th, 2014

Who do you want to be: a princess? Pirate? Teacher or scientist? And where would you like to play: a castle? Pirate ship? Library or spacelab? It's your decision to make so think away.


Franny's Father is a Feminist By Rhonda Leet, Megan Walker (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Rhonda Leet, Megan Walker (Illustrator)
$17.99
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ISBN: 9781576878736
Published: POW! Kids Books - February 28th, 2018

Franny's Father is a Feminist. It's simple, really! He knows that girls can do anything boys can do, and raises Franny to believe that she deserves all the same rights, freedoms, and opportunities to fulfill her dreams that he had.


Not One Damsel in Distress: Heroic Girls from World Folklore By Jane Yolen, Susan Guevara (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Jane Yolen, Susan Guevara (Illustrator)
$15.99
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ISBN: 9781328900203
Published: Clarion Books - July 10th, 2018

From celebrated author Jane Yolen comes this inspiring collection of folktales from around the world, all featuring strong female heroes.

These fifteen folktales have one thing in common: brainy, bold, brave women—and not one damsel in distress!


Stories for Boys Who Dare to Be Different: True Tales of Amazing Boys Who Changed the World without Killing Dragons (The Dare to Be Different Series) By Ben Brooks, Quinton Winter (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Ben Brooks, Quinton Winter (Illustrator)
$16.99
ISBN: 9780762465927
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Published: Running Press Kids - September 25th, 2018

New York Times bestseller


101 Changemakers: Rebels and Radicals Who Changed US History By Michele Bollinger (Editor), Dao X. Tran (Editor) Cover Image
By Michele Bollinger (Editor), Dao X. Tran (Editor)
$24.95
ISBN: 9781608461561
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Published: Haymarket Books - November 6th, 2012

In the great tradition of Howard Zinn, 101 Changemakers offers a "peoples' history" version of the individuals who have shaped our country for middle school students.


Giant Steps to Change the World By Spike Lee, Tonya Lewis Lee, Sean Qualls (Illustrator) Cover Image
$19.99
ISBN: 9780689868153
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Published: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers - January 4th, 2011

"On some days your dreams may seem too away far to realize… Listen to the whispers of those that came before..."

Following the success of their much beloved picture books, Please, Baby, Please and Please, Puppy, Please; Academy Award nominated director Spike Lee, and his talented wife Tonya Lewis Lee offer up an inspirational picture book about activism and taking the big steps to se


Heroes for My Son By Brad Meltzer Cover Image
$17.99
ISBN: 9780062439314
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Published: HarperCollins - October 25th, 2016

#1 New York Times bestselling author Brad Meltzer brings together a remarkable group of heroes with one thing in common: they were ordinary people who became extraordinary.


Akira to Zoltan: Twenty-six Men Who Changed the World By Cynthia Chin-Lee, Megan Halsey (Illustrator), Sean Addy (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Cynthia Chin-Lee, Megan Halsey (Illustrator), Sean Addy (Illustrator)
$7.95
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ISBN: 9781570915802
Published: Charlesbridge - July 1st, 2008

This companion to the best-selling AMELIA TO ZORA features twenty-six amazing men. From Akira Kurisawa, filmmaker, to Zoltán Kodály, musical innovator, learn what inspired each man to change the world around him. Detailed collages draw from various events in the men's lives.


Amelia to Zora: Twenty-Six Women Who Changed the World By Cynthia Chin-Lee, Megan Halsey (Illustrator), Sean Addy (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Cynthia Chin-Lee, Megan Halsey (Illustrator), Sean Addy (Illustrator)
$7.95
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ISBN: 9781570915239
Published: Charlesbridge - July 1st, 2008

Twenty-six amazing women; twenty-six amazing stories. From writers to scientists, sports figures to politicians, this diverse collection highlights women who changed the world. Celebrating twenty-six unique voices, visions, and victories, Amelia to Zora, introduces children to the scope of both the struggles and the achievements of women historically and globally.


Want to Play Trucks? By Ann Stott, Bob Graham (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Ann Stott, Bob Graham (Illustrator)
$17.99
ISBN: 9780763681739
Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 Days
Published: Candlewick - August 7th, 2018

Jack likes trucks. Alex likes dolls. What will they play together? Their new favorite game, of course!


High-Five to the Hero: 15 favorite fairytales retold with boy power By Vita Murrow, Julia Bereciartu (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Vita Murrow, Julia Bereciartu (Illustrator)
$19.99
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ISBN: 9781786037824
Published: Frances Lincoln Children's Books - October 1st, 2019

What if heroes were celebrated for the power of their hearts instead of their swords?


Power to the Princess: 15 Favorite Fairytales Retold with Girl Power By Vita Murrow, Julia Bereciartu (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Vita Murrow, Julia Bereciartu (Illustrator)
$22.99
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ISBN: 9781786032034
Published: Frances Lincoln Children's Books - September 6th, 2018

"Brilliant." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

What if princesses didn’t always marry Prince Charming and live happily ever after? In this stunning anthology—elegantly presented in a red, clothbound hard cover with gold-toned metallic debossing—15 favorite fairytales have been retold for a new generation.


Boy oh Boy: From boys to men, be inspired by 30 coming-of-age stories of sportsmen, artists, politicians, educators and scientists By Cliff Leek, Bene Rohlmann (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Cliff Leek, Bene Rohlmann (Illustrator)
$22.99
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ISBN: 9781786038753
Published: Wide Eyed Editions - April 2nd, 2019

Meet 30 positive male role models from throughout history.


Big Boys Cry By Jonty Howley Cover Image
$18.99
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ISBN: 9781524773205
Published: Random House Studio - June 11th, 2019

Let boys cry! This picture book imagines a world in which boys are encouraged to express their full range of emotions.


A Boy Like You By Frank Murphy, Kayla Harren (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Frank Murphy, Kayla Harren (Illustrator)
$16.99
ISBN: 9781534110465
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Published: Sleeping Bear Press - July 15th, 2019

Carolyn W. Field Award (Pennsylvania Library Association) - Honors Award 2020-2021 Keystone to Reading Elementary Book Award List 2020 Amelia Bloomer List Winner of the 2019 Eureka Gold Awards Winner of Best of 2019 Kids Books - Future Classics Category There's more to being a boy than sports, feats of daring, and keeping a stiff upper lip.


Ho'onani: Hula Warrior By Heather Gale, Mika Song (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Heather Gale, Mika Song (Illustrator)
$17.99
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ISBN: 9780735264496
Published: Tundra Books - October 1st, 2019

An empowering celebration of identity, acceptance and Hawaiian culture based on the true story of a young girl in Hawaiʻi who dreams of leading the boys-only hula troupe at her school.

Ho'onani feels in-between. She doesn't see herself as wahine (girl) OR kane (boy). She's happy to be in the middle. But not everyone sees it that way.


Groundbreaking Guys: 40 Men Who Became Great by Doing Good By Stephanie True Peters, Shamel Washington (By (artist)) Cover Image
$16.99
ISBN: 9780316529419
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Published: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers - June 11th, 2019

An illustrated book of biographies highlighting the inspiring and innovative qualities of forty very different men throughout history, for fans of Heroes for My Son and Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls.


Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Tales of Extraordinary Women By Elena Favilli, Francesca Cavallo, Rebel Girls Cover Image
$35.00
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ISBN: 9780997895810
Published: Rebel Girls - November 10th, 2016

The Book of Dares: 100 Ways for Boys to Be Kind, Bold, and Brave By Ted Bunch, Anna Marie Johnson Teague Cover Image
$14.99
ISBN: 9780593302989
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Published: Random House Books for Young Readers - January 5th, 2021

Packed with 100 inspiring, creative, fun challenges for boys, this project from violence-prevention organization A Call to Men answers parents' cries for building healthy manhood, respect, and emotional awareness in their sons.