By Carolyn Danckaert, amightygirl.com

Carolyn Danckaert and Aaron Smith live in Washington, D.C., with their four nieces and a nephew nearby. They are very excited to launch their latest labor of love, A Mighty Girl.

Here are some inspirational and uplifting reads for aunties to share with their growing nieces in celebration of the International Day of the Girl, which occurs this Thursday, October 11, 2012. It will be a day to not only celebrate but highlight, discuss, and advance girls lives and educational opportunities worldwide.

Keep Climbing, Girls by African American actor, poet, and playwright Beach E. Richards (ages 4-8)

The only way to make a bid
for a girl's equality is to climb right up to the
toppermost bough
of the very tallest tree.

The dynamic ode to girl power was first published in 1951. The poem is given new life in this edition that includes an introduction by LisaGay Hamilton and stunning illustrations by R. Gregory Christie. This book sends an inspirational message that will empower children with the realization that "the path of life goes up and up/not down!"


The Best of Girls to the Rescue by Bruce Lansky (ages 7-10)

Twenty-five great stories about twenty-five clever and courageous girls!

The girls featured in the Girls to the Rescue series' seven books are not only smart; they're also spunky enough to save the day when the going gets tough. And the response to the series from girls, parents, teachers, booksellers, and reviewers has been overwhelmingly positive.


My Name Is Not Isabella: Just How Big Can a Little Girl Dream? by Jennifer Fosberry (ages 4-8)

Who Is Your Hero?

Isabella's include U.S. Astronaut Sally Ride, activist Rosa Parks, and sharpshooter Annie Oakley! Join Isabella on an adventure of discovery—and find out how these extraordinary women teach her the importance of being her extraordinary self.

Isabella's story continues in Isabella Girl on the Go as she uses her imagination to explore famous sites around the world.


Blueberry Girl by Neil Gaiman (all ages)

This is a prayer for a blueberry girl…

A much-loved baby grows into a young woman: brave, adventurous, and lucky. Exploring, traveling, and bathed in sunshine, she is surrounded by the wonders of the world.

Nationally bestselling author Neil Gaiman wrote Blueberry Girl for his friend, Tori Amos, who was about to become the mother of a little girl. Here, he and beloved illustrator Charles Vess turn this deeply personal wish for a new daughter into a book that celebrates the glory of growing up: a perfect gift for girls embarking on all the journeys of life, for their parents, and for everyone who loves them. Give her all these and a little bit more, gifts for a blueberry girl.

The text is more appropriate for a younger child, but the book itself is a great pick for special events, such as baby showers or graduations.


Touch the Sky: Alice Coachman, Olympic High Jumper by Ann Malaspina (ages 4-8)

"Bare feet shouldn't fly. Long legs shouldn't spin. Braids shouldn't flap in the wind. 'Sit on the porch and be a lady,' Papa scolded Alice."

In Alice's Georgia hometown, there was no track where an African-American girl could practice, so she made her own crossbar with sticks and rags. With the support of her coach, friends, and community, Alice started to win medals. Her dream to compete at the Olympics came true in 1948. This is an inspiring free-verse story of the first African-American woman to win an Olympic gold medal.

For more inspiring stories, visit A Mighty Girl's role model section.

For inspiring stories of biographical and fictional Mighty Girls, click here.

Published: October 8, 2012