Children’s books are filled with heroes that come in all shapes, sizes, and even species. But did you ever notice that the majority of main characters in children’s books are male?
A study conducted in 2011 by a Florida State University professor found that males are the central characters in 57% of children’s books published each year, with only 31% containing female central roles.
According to an article in The Guardian, those numbers are changing as sales of books about inspirational women surge.
Just last year, authors Francesca Cavallo and Elena Favilli launched a Kickstarter for their book, Good Night Stories For Rebel Girls, which tells the stories of 100 extraordinary women. Aiming to raise $40,000 in order to print 1,000 copies, the authors far exceeded their goal and raised more than $1 million, selling over 500,000 copies worldwide.
Their book is among thousands of titles within the rising genre. Casiana Ionita, UK editor for Good Night Stories For Rebel Girls, told The Guardian that she’s seen many proposals in this “sphere.”
If you are interested in exploring more books about inspirational girls, check out: http://www.amightygirl.com/books.