Big by Vashti Harrison

When a young black girl is growing bigger than the other dancers in her ballet class, comments about her body make her feel self-conscious and the world begins to make her feel small. She feels out of place and invisible, and soon she isn’t herself at all.

Once there was a girl with a big laugh and a big heart and very big dreams.
She grew and grew and grew. And it was good… until it wasn’t.

But with the girl’s size comes huge inner strength – and this helps her look past the hurtful words to see how perfect she really is. In a journey towards finding self-love, Big perfectly captures the power of words and their ability to both hurt and heal.

Performance is a beautiful form of self-expression, allowing us all to explore our own unique identities through art, and Vashti flawlessly presents this concept to the littlest of readers.

I Can Catch A Monster by Bethan Woolvin

Meet the undeniable Bo the Brave; she’s smart, she’s strong and she’s definitely in charge. After her pesky brother’s leave her out of their adventures, Bo decides to sets off on her own unexpected quest!

What started as monster hunting transforms into meeting all sorts of kind and glorious creatures she wouldn’t dream of hurting. Bo the Brave finally becomes the little adventurer she always dreamed she’d be.

Wanda by Sihle Nontshokweni and Mathabo Tilali

Wanda has gorgeous hair – or so her family says – but the boys at school tease her on the bus every morning.

Struggling with her self-identity and confidence, Wanda seeks help from Grandmother Makhulu. Soon she comes to realise her hair is her CROWN – an integral part of her and something to be very proud of.

Matilda by Roald Dahl

Matilda is a brilliant child with a magical mind, her unwavering courage and love for learning serve as an inspiration, encouraging young readers to explore their curiosities. Perfectly combined with magic and comedy, Matilda shows us all the true power that knowledge holds and its ability to shape destinies.

The Worst Witch by Jill Murphy

Mildred Hubble is utterly disaster prone and without a doubt the worst witch at Miss Cackle’s Academy. Things go from bad to worse when unbearable teacher’s pet, Ethel, becomes her worst enemy.

Hilariously funny, lovable and hopeless, Mildred is simply trying to navigate her difficult school life just like the rest of us, but with the support of her friends everything is a little easier!

Female friendship is highlighted by Jill herself in her cheery letter to dear friend Kaye Webb, which just so happens to be part of our Collection!

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins

Before there was Katniss Everdeen, there was Lucy Gray Baird.

In The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, Lucy Gray immediately captures the hearts of readers becoming a symbol of power in the dystopian world of Panem. Defying all expectations, she weaves her own destiny through music, courage and a determination to be heard in a world that often seeks to silence.

As she navigates the 10^th Annual Hunger Games, Lucy Gray becomes a reminder of the power that lies in embracing individuality even when the odds are absolutely not in your favour.

Circe by Madeline Miller

The Gods inhabiting Mount Olympus are threatened by Circe’s power, so much so that she is banished to the island of Aiaia where she learns to perfect her occult trade.

Yet Circe’s peace cannot last for long as an unexpected visitor arrives who turns her world upside down.

Circe’s tale is a heroic tale of family rivalry, love and loss – the inextinguishable song of woman burning hot and bright in the darkness of a man’s world.

Browse these titles and many more in our Bookshop this #InternationalWomen’sDay