Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop once explained children’s literature as serving two functions: mirrors and windows. Some books are like mirrors, helping children see themselves reflected back in the story. Others are more like windows, allowing young readers to look beyond themselves into the life and experiences of others.
Given the Southern Baptist Convention’s recent choice to exclude women even further from the “office or function” of pastor (their phrasing), we thought it would be helpful to share a list of titles for young readers that showcase girls with a calling (which is all of them). These books can be a mirror for girls who sense the power of their voice, or they can be a window for any Christians who need or want to see women and girls affirmed in their gifts.
Penny Preaches: God Gives Good Gifts to Everyone!
by Amy Dixon and Rob Dixon (authors), Jennifer Davison (illustrator)
Penny is a girl who loves going to church on Sundays, and the sermon is her favorite part. She begins to wonder if she, too, might be able to share God’s story with others. This is a book for exploring the many ways people may begin to discern a gift or calling. [Amazon | Bookshop ]
Josey Johnson’s Hair and the Holy Spirit
by Esau McCaulley (author), LaTonya R. Jackson (illustrator)
In the first book in McCaulley’s Johnson family quartet, we meet Josey as she is getting her hair braided and preparing for Pentecost Sunday at her church. She learns to appreciate the many creative and diverse ways humanity reflects God’s image. This story is a lovely depiction of Black culture, familial warmth, the many ways God is near to God’s children. [Amazon | Bookshop]
The Girl with the Big, Big Questions
by Britney Winn Lee (author), Jacob Souza (illustrator)
The girl at the heart of this story is full of big questions, but she stops asking when she sees how they sometimes make other people uncomfortable. This story can help children see their personalities as uniquely given by God, regardless of how they are received by others. [Amazon | Bookshop]
Love is Hard Work: The Art and Heart of Corita Kent
by Dan Paley (author), Victoria Tentler-Krylov (ilustrator)
This is a nonfiction biography about the work and faith of Corita Kent, a nun who was also one of America’s foremost artists and activists of the 20th Century. This book beautifully articulates how our faith might inspire our work in the world, whatever it may be. The illustrations are not to be missed! [Amazon | Bookshop]
Madeline Finn and the Blessing of the Animals
by Lisa Papp (author and illustrator)
On St. Francis Day, Madeline is sad for shelter animals who are left out of her church’s observance. With encouragement from her female pastor, Madeline discovers that she, too, possesses the love and gumption required to bless others. [Amazon | Bookshop]
Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon
by Patty Lovell (author), David Catrow (illustrator)
Though not written from an overt faith perspective, children will find both laughter and encouragement in the pages of this story about a girl whose small stature and unusual voice make her an easy target for bullies. With the encouragement of her grandmother, she learns to stand tall. [Amazon | Bookshop]
Dear Girl
by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Paris Rosenthal (authors), Holly Hatan (illustrator)
This celebratory picture book begins with, “Dear Girl, Keep that arm raised! You have smart things to say!” From there, it explores the many unique ways girls show up in the world and recognizes that though challenges will come, every girl is equipped with gifts to navigate them (including the love of others in their life). [Amazon | Bookshop]
The Book of Belonging
by Mariko Clark (author), Rachel Eleanor (illustrator)
The author was inspired to write this storybook Bible after her daughter pointed out the lack of women in other children’s Bibles. The resulting story Bible affirms the essential role women have played in God’s story and work over time. Read our review of the book here. [Amazon | Bookshop]
Mary and the Gardener
by Paul Kerensa (author), Leanne Daphne (illustrator)
A beautifully-illustrated account of Mary Magdalene’s encounter with the resurrected Christ, this book affirms Mary as the first apostle and reminds all readers of their invitation to share the good news of Jesus with others. [Amazon | Bookshop]
This is the Church
by Sarah Raymond Cunningham (author), Ariel Landy (illustrator)
This picture book reimagines the traditional children’s rhyme, “Here is the church, here is the steeple…” to portray an inclusive and affirming church environment, including female clergy. In both words and pictures, this book portrays a variety of church locations, sizes, and forms of worship–and girls and women will find themselves fully included throughout. [Amazon]
Lindsey Cornett
Lindsey Cornett is a loud talker, obsessive coffee drinker, and lover of the written word who lives in downtown Indianapolis with her scientist husband, 3 kids, and crazy Bernedoodle. Most days, you’ll find her wrangling the dog, managing snacks, reheating her coffee, and trying to savor as much joy and gratitude as she can in the middle of these very full days. Lindsey writes a monthly-ish email newsletter about the intersections of faith, community, and curiosity at lindseycornett.substack.com.
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