Poetry Books about Women’s History

Here is a select list of poetry books that celebrate the unique qualities of girls and women. Some take an historical approach, others consider the roles of girls and women and their place in the world. They offer food for thought for girl readers—and boys—who are growing in their sense of identity and voice.

            The list begins:

            Adoff, Arnold. 1979. I Am the Running Girl. New York: Harper & Row.

Alexander, Elizabeth and Nelson, Marilyn. 2007. Miss Crandall’s School for Young Ladies and Little Misses of Color. Honesdale, PA: Wordsong.

Atkins, Jeannine. 2010. Borrowed Names; Poems About Laura Ingalls Wilder, Madam C. J. Walker, Marie Curie, and Their Daughters. Henry Holt.

Bernier-Grand, Carmen T. 2007. Frida: ¡Viva la vida! Long Live Life! New York: Marshall Cavendish.

Bush, Timothy. 2000. Ferocious Girls, Steamroller Boys, and Other Poems in Between. New York: Orchard Books.

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