In a time where our country faces turmoil and division, teaching to our children identity and respect for our differences are not only important but imperative. The responsibility that I feel to raise girls who know who they are and what to stand for is a humbling and yet empowering experience.

Since today is Women’s Day, I’d like to highlight 5 children’s books that feature Latina women who had shown strength and courage in their lives. I love that these books talk about inspiring women from my culture that kids like mine can feel represented in their stories, and even successes.

5 Children’s Books About Latina Women

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Sonia Sotomayor: A Judge Grows in the Bronx / La juez que crecio en el Bronx

Sonia Sotomayor is the first Latina Supreme Court Justice in U.S. history. Despite the struggles of poverty and prejudice, she became the person she wanted to be. Her determination to get an education and hard work took her to our country’s highest court. She said: “In every position that I’ve been in, there have been naysayers who don’t believe i’m qualified or who don’t believe I can do the work. And I feel a special responsibility to prove them wrong”

Dolores Huerta: A Hero to Migrant Workers

Dolores Huerta is an activist who stood up for the the rights of farm workers. She fought for them to get better paid and enjoy a safe work environment. Dolores Huerta is a great example of bravery and her story is relevant more than ever!

Ellen Ochoa: Astronaut and Inventor

Ellen Ochoa is the first Latina to enter space, As a successful astronaut, she visits schools where encourages children to follow their dreams. She said: “Education is what allows you to stand out”

Library Book: My Name Is Gabriela/Me llamo Gabriela

Gabriela Mistral was the first Latin American to win the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1945. She dedicated most of her life to teaching children. She was also a women’s rights advocate.

Celia Cruz, Queen of Salsa

Celia Cruz’s music was well-known in all Latin-America for being vibrant, happy and kind of magic, because everyone agreed that her songs make you want to dance. Celia even said: “when people hear me sing, I want them to be happy, happy, happy. I don’t want them thinking about when there’s not any money, or when there’s fighting at home. My message is always felicidad – happiness”

Every March 8, the world celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women across the globe. The theme of last year’s International Women’s Day was “Make It Happen.” It is an invitation to celebrate, reflect and take action.

On this day, I would like to celebrate 4 determined Latina women who made it happen, despite the barriers and challenges. Their contributions paved the way to a better world and their determination inspire us to work harder.

Sonia Sotomayor

The first Latina Supreme Court Justice in U.S. history.

Copyright: United States Public Domain

Rigoberta Menchú

Nobel Peace Prize and Prince of Asturias Award. She has worked for the rights of the indigenous peoples in Guatemala.

Photography: Carlos Rodriguez/ANDES Licence: Creative Commons

Frida Kahlo

Mexican painter whose work is an emblem of national and indigenous traditions.

Copyright: United States Public Domain

Ellen Ochoa

First Latina astronaut.

Copyright: United States Public Domain/ NASA

There are many more Latina women’s contributions whose achievements can’t be taken for granted. And there are many of us who are making differences in the places that we live and with the people that we meet. Happy International Women’s Day!