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"The Quickest Kid in Clarksville", Pat Zietlow Miller

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"The Quickest Kid in Clarksville", Pat Zietlow Miller

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"The Quickest Kid in Clarksville" is a story about a young girl who resides in Clarksville, Tennessee who aspires to be just like Wilma Rudolph. Wilma Rudolph was the first woman to win three gold medals within one Olympic event.  Alta is also African American just like Wilma, which is also another factor as to why Alta looks up to her. Wilma Rudolph is widely known all throughout track and field history.

This book connects with theme of empowerment because it may not be on a specific woman in history, but instead is about one little girl's dream to be just like a woman who has made her mark in history. This is a clear example of "empowered women empowering women."

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Children's literature has come a long way since I was in grade school. I have gained more of an appreciation for all kinds of books that can be implemented in my future classroom and curriculum. Through all of what I have learned in these two classes, I know how crucial it is to have authentic texts provided within our teaching and our classroom library. This goes well beyond just having the "classics". This class has also taught me to question the literature canon and what it means for a book to be considered a classic. Most classic books are outdated and not fitting to the times and events we have going on currently in the world.

What I have learned most about the use of literature in the classroom is that any of the books, whether its for the classroom library or within the curriculum, they need to be both mirrors and windows for our students. This means that students should be able to see themselves represented within the texts provided as well as providing a "window" to other perspectives to build off of or shape their own. When these types of books are offered and used within the classroom, we are helping our students shape their cultural awareness with their peers and their surroundings.

As a reader, I have grown more appreciative of the types of literature that are readily available to me now and especially as a future educator. This class has also inspired me to want to read more books that are different than what I would typically read. Like I mentioned earlier, this class has taught me to question that literature canon. Some classic books are still in someways a "classic", but I want to read more books that are with the current times and are breaking those literature barriers.

Multidisciplinary Instruction is truly beneficial to our students educational career. This type of instruction allows for flexibility and a means to make connections between different content areas. For example, with my unit that I created, this could fit well with a history class or even a unit to incorporate during March for International Women's History month. This type of instruction also is a great tool to sort of push away from using just a specific textbook for each class. Literature can be used all across different content areas, while also giving students a freedom of choice in what they want to read, explore and learn more about. This is something I want to instill in my future classroom with my students. I want my students to not only grow a love for literature, but a love for learning.

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For this project I decided to cover and focus on the theme of empowerment. I chose to focus more on women empowerment for this theme project. Women have rarely been represented throughout content areas, which is part of the reason why I chose to cover this theme. The other part is because of how much this theme means to me. Growing up I had and still have very strong female role models in my life who have made me who I am today. This project is not only a "dedication" to them but one that I hope will inspire you to find that inner "spark" that you too can make a mark within this world like some that you will read within this unit.

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"I Dissent, Ruth Bader Ginsberg Makes Her Mark", 

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"I Dissent, Ruth Bader Ginsberg Makes Her Mark", 

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"I Dissent, Ruth Bader Ginsberg Makes Her Mark" is a non-fiction biography picture book that tells Ruth's story of how she became the second woman appointed into the Supreme Court. Her mother raised her to be curious and passionate for whatever path in life she chose. Ruth had a passion to fight for equality not just for women but for men as well. But, the main focus is that she is a woman who is for all not just some.

I chose this book because Ruth Bader Ginsberg is a historical figure who has made a difference in both men and women's lives in the fight for equality. I know my main focus/theme and the books I chose represent women empowerment but I will use books like this to branch out to studying books that show men as support systems to empowered women.

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"Little Dreamers: Visionary Women Around the World", Vashti Harrison

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"Little Dreamers: Visionary Women Around the World", Vashti Harrison

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"Little Dreamers: Visionary Women Around the World" is a non-fiction picture book for young readers that tells each individual story of women who have made their name in history. The women that are presented in this book include: Frida Kahlo, Zaha Hadid, Mary Blair, Wangari Maathai, Hedy Lamarr and chien-Shiung Wu. Each of their stories teach young readers that if you have passion, ambition and are determined, YOU can definitely make an impact on the world.

I chose this book not only because its a great book for young readers to read to learn more about women in history, but because the women chosen are not ones that you hear about a lot in history. This book, I hope will lead my students into wanting to research and learn more about other female figures who have done something to better/change the world around them.

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"Turning Pages: My Life Story" , Lulu Delacre

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"Turning Pages: My Life Story" , Lulu Delacre

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"Turning Pages: My Life Story" is a book written by Sonia Sotomayo and it tells of her own story of how she came to be the first Latina Supreme Court Justice. Sonia dedicates her drive to how she got to where she is now to books. She believes that books are the key to everything in the world.

I chose this book not only because it was written and told by a strong Latina female figure, but her story of empowerment touched on the importance of literature. Yes, Sonia may be another important figure in history but she has dedicated all of her hard work and perseverance to reading books. Her main goal in writing this book is to inspire kids to read more in order to understand the world a little better and because it opens up their world to multiple opportunities. This message that she portrays in this book is exactly what I want my students to grasp when they read this.

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"Gloria's Voice: The Story of Gloria Steinem, Feminist, Activist, Leader", Aura Lewis

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"Gloria's Voice: The Story of Gloria Steinem, Feminist, Activist, Leader", Aura Lewis

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"Gloria's Voice: The Story of Gloria Steinem, Feminist, Activist, Leader" is a book about Gloria Steinem and her fight for women's rights during the women's liberation movement. Gloria fought against sexism in the work place. She believed that all women are capable of doing jobs that men can do but better than them. Women back then were viewed as the caretakers of the family and were often looked down on if they ever tried to push against those stereotypes or norms. This is Gloria's story on how she fought for women and equality.

I chose this book because Gloria is a huge women's rights activist that I am sure some have learned about in history classes. This picture book makes for a great way to introduce such a powerful figure to young readers. Gloria's story informs readers of the things women faced in her time and how she worked to overcome those obstacles to get women where they are today.

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I believe that most women would love to see a woman president. "Grace for President" is a story about a girl name Grace whose desire is to become the "first" school female president. This book not only tells a story of one girl's desire to become president but it also introduces the electoral system that we have today.

This book connects with the theme because it is about a young girl whose desire is to become the first female president. In our world today we have seen a lot of women running for political positions throughout the nation and actually winning the race! We have always lived in a patriarchal society that it is super interesting and empowering to see women doing something to make their mark in our world that some men have believed we were never cut for the job.

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Everyone knows the iconic women empowerment figure, Rosie the Riveter. Well, this fictional story is about her great -great -niece Rosie Revere. Rosie aspires to be just like her great-great- Aunt Rosie. Rosie wants to be an engineer. She spends her free time inventing new gadgets until one day one of her inventions fails. Rosie felt like giving up but her great-great-Aunt Rosie told her to never give up on her dreams...and so she pursued.

I chose this book because it was such a cute fictional story that incorporated an iconic woman figure in history (Rosie the Riveter). Rosie was a huge inspiration and icon for women in the working industry. She proved to men that all women can do physical jobs that are typically seen for males only.

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"I Want to be a Cowgirl" is about a city girl who dreams of living in the south or the wild west. This young girl is also not like your average girly girl. She is one who loves to be outdoors and get dirty and one who loves to wear cowgirl boots. She may not live in the wild west but she makes use of what she has around her in her cityscape and lets her imagination and dreams roam free.

I chose this book because it tells a story in a different way. The set up of the written text in this book is not like any other picture book. This book is written in verse format. When I read it, I kind of felt like it was a country song within the pages of a picture book. The book tells a story of a girls dream to become a cowgirl and her desire to live out in the wild west. This book is something that is relatable to me. It sort of hits on my dreams to want to move down south so that I too can be "a cowgirl". Her story and my story are about southern girls in city lights or even city roots in boots.

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"Shark Lady: The True Story of How Eugenie Clark Became the Ocean's Most Fearless Scientist", Jess Keating

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"Shark Lady: The True Story of How Eugenie Clark Became the Ocean's Most Fearless Scientist", Jess Keating

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"Shark Lady: The True Story of How Eugenie Clark Became the Ocean's Most Fearless Scientist" is book that talks about Eugenie's story and how her love for sharks led her to be a scientist. Eugenie loved everything about the ocean, even the sharks. This book tells of her journey to becoming a scientist while overcoming the obstacle of being a woman in science.

I chose this book because most times when you think of a scientist, most people often think of males. It is very rare for someone to think women as scientists. This story proves and shows that women CAN be scientists. Women have the will power and the capacity to be whatever they may be despite what society thinks of them.

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“The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate”, Jacqueline Kelly 

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“The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate”, Jacqueline Kelly 

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"The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate" is a book about a girl who was born into a family of mainly males who wants to be different than the other women during that time. During that time women were the caretakers and they spent most of their time at home. Calpurnia didn't want that kind of life. Instead, she was more interested in science, just like her grandfather. This novel tells of her desire to become a scientist from her blossoming interest in wanting to learn more about how the biology works around her.

I chose this book because it tells a story of a girl who pushes the gender stereotypes of girls in her time. Calpurnia didn't want to be just like the rest of the women in her life. She loved learning about living things around her and that is what made her want to be more than just a housewife. She loved science and she was going to prove to whoever that she can do whatever she sets her mind to.

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-Learning about this theme will enable readers to understand that through empowerment, whether female or male, you can be all that you set your mind to be with the help and inspiration of those who have already made their mark in history.

-Students will be able to connect to the concept of women in history through the theme of empowerment provided within each source of text.

-Students will understand that all women, no matter what race, gender, ethnicity and religion you associate with, can always achieve their dreams.

-Students will understand that empowerment is about equality and the want to make a mark in history and the world around us.

-Students will understand that reading is not only for enjoyment but also for inspiration to want to be the change in the world and to always follow your dreams.

-Students will be able to connect with empowered women through poetry, literature and podcasts utilized in the unit.

-Students will know at the end of the unit that empowerment goes well beyond feminism; it's all about taking a stance for what you believe in.

-Students will be able to creatively express their interpretations on empowerment and feminism through fine arts and literature.

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Marie Curie, 1867-1934

Marie Curie changed the world not once but twice. She founded the new science of radioactivity - even the word was invented by her - and her discoveries launched effective cures for cancer.

"Curie boasts an extraordinary array of achievements," says Patricia Fara, president of the British Society for the History of Science, who nominated the Polish-born French scientist. "She was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize, first female professor at the University of Paris, and the first person - note the use of person there, not woman - to win a second Nobel Prize."

Born in Warsaw, Curie studied physics at university in Paris where she met her future research collaborator and husband, Pierre. Together they identified two new elements: radium and polonium, named after her native Poland. After he died, she raised a small fortune in the US and Europe to fund laboratories and to develop cancer treatments.

Marie Curie was a woman of action as well as enormous intellect. During the First World War, she helped to equip ambulances with x-ray equipment, and often drove them to the front line herself.

"The odds were always stacked against her," says Fara. "In Poland her patriotic family suffered under a Russian regime. In France she was regarded with suspicion as a foreigner - and of course, wherever she went, she was discriminated against as a woman."

Despite becoming ill from the radioactive materials she constantly handled, Curie never lost her determination to excel in the scientific career that she loved. Her memory is preserved by the cancer society that bears her name and continues to help terminally ill patients all over the world.

More like this

Rosa Parks, 1913-2005

In 1955, Rosa Parks, an African American living in Montgomery, Alabama, challenged the race segregation that existed in parts of the US by refusing to give up her seat on a bus so that a white person could sit down. Her protest was supported by many other African Americans and sparked the civil rights movement which, in the 1960s, eventually won equal rights. Four years after her death in 2005, Barack Obama became the first African-American US president.

Emmeline Pankhurst, 1858-1928

In 1903, the social reformer Emmeline Pankhurst founded the Women's Social and Political Union to campaign for the parliamentary vote for women in Edwardian Britain, 'Deeds, not words' being its motto. A charismatic leader and powerful orator, Pankhurst roused thousands of women to demand, rather than ask politely, for their democratic right in a mass movement that has been unparalleled in British history. Always in the thick of the struggle, she endured 13 imprisonments, her name and cause becoming known throughout the world.

Ada Lovelace, 1815-52

A gifted mathematician, Ada Lovelace is considered to be the first computer programmer, an industry that has since transformed business, our lives and the world. In an industry still dominated by men, it's particularly striking that the first programmer was a woman.

Rosalind Franklin, 1920-58

When the double helix structure of DNA was discovered, scientists claimed that they had unravelled the secret of life itself. The crucial piece of evidence was provided by the expert crystallographer Rosalind Franklin - the famous photograph 51, an X-ray picture showing a dark cross of dots, the signature image of a concealed molecular spiral. The life-changing innovations that followed - mapping the human genome, test-tube babies, genetic engineering - all depend on understanding the chemical foundations of heredity.

Margaret Thatcher, 1925-2013

Britain's first female prime minister came to power at an unsettled time in the country's history, as it faced political disharmony and economic recession. Further trials, including the 1982 Falklands War and the conflict in Northern Ireland, helped to define her influential career.

Angela Burdett-Coutts, 1814-1906

The first woman to have been made a peer, Burdett-Coutts was made a baroness by Queen Victoria for her work on behalf of the poor. Prevented from working at Coutts Bank despite inheriting her grandfather Thomas Coutts' shares and fortune, Burdett-Couttsinstead devoted her time - working with a Coutts client Charles Dickens - to philanthropy. She was a pioneer in social housing, building homes for the poor, and financed numerous projects, including the redevelopment of East London.

Mary Wollstonecraft, 1759-97

An English writer and philosopher, Mary Wollstonecraft championed education and liberation for women. Her book, A Vindication of the Rights of Woman, was published in 1792 and is seen as one of the foundational texts of modern feminism. Written against the backdrop of the French Revolution, it argued for the equality of women to men.

Florence Nightingale, 1820-1910

Florence Nightingale led the first official team of British military nurses to Turkey during the Crimean War, fought between Britain and Russia (1853-56). More soldiers died from disease than wounds in this conflict and Nightingale - as well as tending the sick - reported back to the army medical services on how to reduce avoidable deaths. Nicknamed 'the Lady with the Lamp' for the night rounds she made tending to the wounded and sick, Nightingale continued in her work after the war and was instrumental in establishing a permanent military nursing service and implementing improvements to the army medical services.

Marie Stopes, 1880-1958

Marie Stopes, advocate of birth control and sex educator, was born in Edinburgh but studied for a science degree at University College, London. In 1918, she published the highly popular Married Love, a second book titled Wise Parenthood - which dealt explicitly with contraception - appearing shortly after. A controversial figure, especially for her views on eugenics, Stopes nonetheless was a key figure in publicising her cause (a first birth control clinic was set up in a poor working-class area of north London in 1921) and in bringing to women worldwide the opportunity of planned pregnancies.

Eleanor of Aquitaine, 1122-1204

One of the wealthiest women of the Middle Ages - and one of its most eligible brides - Eleanor of Aquitaine married Louis VII of France and then, following their divorce, the future Henry II of England. As such, she occupies a singularly important position in the medieval histories of both countries.

Virgin Mary, 1st-century BC-1st-century AD

The mother of Jesus, Mary is venerated by both Christians and Muslims, and is probably the most famous woman in history. The actual details of her life are veiled as much as they are elucidated by the New Testament.

Jane Austen, 1775-1817

One of the most famous figures in British history, Austen's novels have gone on to become literary sensations. Often lacing plots exploring marriage, status and social sensibility with a distinctive irony, her works have been adapted many times in plays, films and TV series.

Boudicca, c30-61

Queen of the Iceni tribe during the Roman occupation of Britain. In either 60 or 61 AD Boudicca united different tribes in a Celtic revolt against Roman rule. Leading an army of around 100,000 she succeeded in driving the Romans out of modern-day Colchester (then capital of Roman Britain), London and Verulamium (St Albans). Her success led Roman emperor Nero to consider withdrawing from Britain entirely, until the Roman governor, Paullinus finally defeated her in a battle in the West Midlands. Shortly afterwards Boudicca died, probably either by suicide or through illness.

Diana, Princess of Wales, 1961-97

In 1981, Diana Spencer became the first wife of the heir apparent to the British throne, Charles, Prince of Wales. Their wedding reached a global television audience of more than 700m people and she continued to attract much media attention, even after her divorce in 1996. Princess Diana became well known internationally for her charity work for sick children, the banning of landmines and for raising awareness about those affected by cancer, HIV/AIDS and mental illness.

Amelia Earhart, 1897-c1937

Earhart took up aviation in 1921, aged 24, and went on to break the women's altitude record the following year when she rose to 14,000 feet. In 1932 she became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic and over the next five years continued to break speed and flying records. In June 1937 she began a flight around the world, becoming the first person to fly from the Red Sea to India - she was reported missing on 2 July near Howland Island in the Pacific. Earhart's disappearance is one of history's unsolved mysteries and she was declared dead in absentia in 1939.

Queen Victoria, 1819-1901

Victoria remains one of the UK's most iconic monarchs, more than a century after her death, portrayed in countless films and TV series. Crowned in 1837, she oversaw the nation and its empire throughout a remarkable period of social, technological and economic change.

Josephine Butler, 1828-1906

Josephine Butler brought into open discussion in Victorian Britain the double sexual standard that existed in a male-dominated society. She campaigned successfully for the repeal of the Contagious Diseases Acts which provided for the compulsory and regular medical examination of women believed to be prostitutes, but not their male clients. In later life she campaigned against child prostitution and international sex trafficking.

Mary Seacole, 1805-81

In her late forties, Mary travelled from her home in Jamaica to Britain to offer her services as a nurse during the Crimean War (1853-56). Despite being turned down Seacole refused to give up: a woman of mixed-race with a Jamaican mother and Scottish father, she had dealt with prejudice and impediments her whole life. Funding her own passage to the Crimea Mary established the British Hotel near Balaclava. Nineteenth-century soldiers had no welfare support and Seacole's hotel provided a comfortable retreat away from battle with accommodation for convalescents and the sick. In addition, Mary nursed wounded soldiers on the battlefield earning the title Mother Seacole.

Mother Teresa, 1910-97

Mother Teresa, born in Albania, was a Roman Catholic nun who lived in India for most of her life. In 1950 she founded the Missionaries of Charity which attracted many sisters who took vows of chastity, poverty, obedience and free service to the poorest of the poor. The work that the order undertook, in over 130 countries, included managing homes for people who were dying, soup kitchens, orphanages and schools. Although criticised for her opposition to abortion, her charitable work changed the lives of many of the most vulnerable people in the world.

Mary Shelley, 1797-1851 Novelist

Born to political philosopher William Godwin and feminist activist Mary Wollstonecraft, and husband of poet Percy Bysshe Shelley, Mary Shelley managed - through her 1818 work Frankenstein; or, the Modern Prometheus - to make a name for herself, even in such high-achieving company. Blending the horrific with the sympathetic, the Gothic with the Romantic, the novel has gone on to become a literary classic.

Catherine the Great, 1729-96 Empress of Russia

Russia's longest-ruling female leader, Catherine was head of the country as it modernised, expanded, and strengthened. A patron of arts and a supporter of education, her reforms led her to become one of the most influential rulers in Russian history.

Vera Atkins, 1908-2000 British intelligence officer

In the 1930s, Atkins and her Jewish mother emigrated to Britain from Bucharest to escape the rise of Fascism. A talented linguist, Atkins joined the Special Operations Executive (SOE), a branch of British Military Intelligence responsible for training and sending agents overseas. She rose from administrative roles to become an intelligence officer in the French Section of the SOE. At the end of the Second World War, as a member of the British War Crimes Commission, Atkins set out to find out what had become of the 118 SOE agents who had not made it home, establishing how and when they had died - she was able to trace all but one. Atkins was awarded the Croix de Guerre in 1948 and appointed a Commandant of the Legion of Honor in 1987.

Cleopatra, 69 BC-30 BC Egyptian pharaoh

Final ruler of Egypt's Ptolemaic dynasty, Cleopatra was more than the famous beauty her subsequent, simplistic portrayals often depict. A formidable, politically shrewd monarch, she was directly involved in the running of a kingdom that faced challenges on many fronts.

Elizabeth Fry, 1780-1845 Social reformer

The so-called 'Angel of Prisons', Fry was an English Quaker who led the campaign in the Victorian period to make conditions for prisoners more humane. She also helped to improve the British hospital system and treatment of the insane.

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Which woman has had the biggest impact on world history? We asked you to vote on a shortlist of 100 figures selected by 10 experts. Here are 100 of the most influential and important women in history - both famous and lesser-known - that have changed the world.

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Students will have the opportunity to work in assigned small literature circle groups to talk about the books they read and their own interpretations of it. Students can use the triangle, circle, square method as well to guide discussion with their groups.

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Students have the opportunity to "put" themselves in historical women's shoes and act out a specific image given out by the teacher.

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Students have the opportunity with working with the texts and making connections with the characters within the books. This strategy will help students understand the role of the character within the text.

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Students can show off their creativity by creating/designing a acting performance that conveys a text's message, theme, or conflict. Students can read selected poems that the teacher has chosen or reenact a specific part of one of the books we will read in the unit. Students should practice word fluency and expression with this strategy.

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This discussion strategy helps students practice being both active speakers and  listeners in a large group conversation. This method can be used especially with "I Dissent", "Turning Pages" and "Gloria's Voice. These three powerful women have made their mark in history in their own unique way and these books would make for great class discussion to know where students stand.

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This strategy has students nonverbally communicate something they have read or watched , using a color, a symbol, and an image. This strategy could be best implemented with the Poetry Foundation resource I have incorporated with this lesson. Students can create images based off of a poem that the teacher reads from the resource or a podcast that was played during class.

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Celebrating Women’s History Month | Poetry Foundation

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Poems, articles, podcasts, and blog posts that explore women’s history and women’s rights.

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Throughout our history women have made valuable contributions during wartime both in the civilian and military realm.