The Kids' Bookstore  

'The Paper Bag Princess' sets off to rescue the prince after he has been taken by a dragon who has also destroyed all the princess' possessions (hence the need to wear a paper bag!) - she then finds out that the prince is not quite as nice as she had thought...

'Don't Bet on the Prince' - Contemporary feminist fairy tales from North America and England - more of an adult book really - the antidote to all the 'ugly sister' and 'beautiful princess' stories of our youth! Stories from many writers and some essays on how fairy tales influence children's perceptions of the world. Children do love the stories too - suitable for reading aloud to children from about 7 or 8 years.

'Minty - a story of young Harriet Tubman' - here is a 'fiction mixed with facts' telling of the childhood of Harriet Tubman, who is famous for leading hundreds of slaves to freedom through the underground railroad. A very inspiring book, and also a good introduction to the subject of slavery for children.

'Amazing Grace' by Mary Hoffman. Grace longs to play the part of Peter Pan in her school play - but Peter is usually played by a white boy. With the help of her mother and grandmother Grace learns that you can accomplish great things if you apply yourself and believe in yourself.

'The Wise Woman and her Secret' - not exactly feminist but it does show women and girls in a very positive light - everyone in the village wants to know the secret of the wise woman's wisdom, but one little girl already knows it. A good book about learning and being curious.