Reading to students is often one of the best parts of the day. It is incredible to look out and see all of the curious eyes and engaged faces. Thankfully, this level of focus means that read alouds are the perfect way to teach students about various topics. For instance, using diverse picture books allows students to see the importance of being kind to others and respecting differences. Additionally, read alouds are a great way to teach about important holidays or events. Furthermore, using picture books to teach during Women’s History Month allows students to learn about strong females!
When is Women’s History Month?
While some days may go slow, time goes so fast. It is easy to look track of special days or months to celebrate. Therefore, this is just a reminder that March is Women’s History Month. Hence, now is the perfect time to spotlight these amazing females below.
Spotlight on Female Librarians
Honestly, there are so many incredible females in history. Thankfully, teachers can focus on many women during Women’s History Month. This year, I recommend concentrating on the women who ensure classrooms have access to incredible books. Hence, the females below are awesome librarians who helped show students just how excellent books are.
Alia Muhammad Baker: The Librarian of Basra: A True Story from Iraq
Author Jeanette Winter shows students how libraries create a safe place for all.
In this true story, Alia Muhammad Baker’s library has been a place for book lovers throughout the past fourteen years. Sadly, war has come, and Alia fears that everything will soon be destroyed. Students will be on the edge of their seats while hearing how this librarian fights to save the collection of books. Baker’s story reminds students how literature can unite all people.
Pura Belpré: Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré
Author Anika Aldamuy Denise and illustrator Paola Escobar developed an inspiring story. It is about a storyteller, puppeteer, and New York City’s first Puerto Rican librarian.
Pura Belpré arrived in America in 1921 and quickly became a bilingual assistant for the New York Public Library. While enjoying her responsibilities, she spread stories to so many listeners. Thankfully, these listeners continued to spread her tales among many generations. Ultimately, this storytelling passion encouraged others to see the importance of bilingual literature.
Clara Breed: Write to Me: Letters from Japanese American Children to the Librarian They Left Behind
Author Cynthia Grady and illustrator Amiko Hirao demonstrate librarians’ heartwarming connections with patrons.
Librarian Clara Breed loves forming relationships with young children. Sadly, many young Japanese American children were sent to prison camps after the attack at Pearl Harbor. However, Clara Breed does not let this stop her from providing books to young readers. Instead, Breed and the young children sent letters back and forth for three years. They even talked about the books she sent. Even in the worst of situations, librarians can help children stay hopeful and strong.
Dorthy Thomas: Miss Dorothy and Her Bookmobile
Author Gloria Houston and illustrator Susan Condie Lamb show readers the passion of dedicated librarians.
In this true story, Miss Dorthy shows readers how to achieve all goals. This librarian has a dream to work in a library like one she visited as a little girl. Sadly, her home in North Carolina has no libraries to visit. Therefore, she drives a bookmobile to ensure all citizens in Appalachia have books. Miss Dorthy does not allow not having a building stop her from showing people how special books are!
Gratitude for Public Libraries
Unlike Miss Dorthy from the story above, many towns now have public libraries. While this aspect is incredible, it creates a neutral feeling about the local library. Since libraries are all over, some people are not as excited about them. However, libraries are amazing places. They are filled with rich literature to ensure everyone can find a story. Additionally, many dedicated librarians work hard to fill shelves with various books. Thankfully, the books above create the perfect way to teach about the power of libraries and honor determined females.
If possible, try to schedule a field trip to a local library. Or, ask a librarian to come in and read to the class!
Student Opinions
Students deserve to have a voice in every classroom! Additionally, it is essential to show them their voice matters at a young age. Luckily, the Reading Log does precisely that! It even allows students to rate each book. Students will love knowing that their teacher cares about their thoughts on books. Best of all, it works great when using diverse picture books in the classroom or while reading at home.
Women’s History Month is the perfect time to teach students about strong, determined females. Using picture books to teach during Women’s History Month will allow students to remain engaged while hearing incredible stories. Luckily, these diverse picture books will help students be thankful for any library close to them. Best of all, they will see how hard work and grit help achieve goals.
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