Shakti Girls: Poems of Inspiring Indian Women
What’s inside...
From the globally renowned producer Mindy Kaling to the lesser-known freedom fighter Kasturba Gandhi, Indian women have been pioneers of change for decades. Discover 13 incredible stories in Shakti Girls, a collection that celebrates these women through single rhyming poems, showcasing their contributions across over 10 different industries including science, politics, mathematics, activism, sports, and more, reflecting the diversity of India and its diaspora.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-12
Length
34 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What qualities do the women in the poems have that you admire?
How do the stories of these women inspire you to pursue your dreams?
Can you think of someone you know who reminds you of one of the women in the book?
What challenges did these women face and how did they overcome them?
If you could meet any of the women from the poems, who would it be and what would you ask her?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin by sharing your personal reflections on the poem you both just read to model thoughtful engagement.
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the stories, asking how they might relate those scenarios to their own experiences.
Highlight the perseverance and success of the women featured to reinforce the message of resilience and empowerment.
Use the poems as a springboard to discuss broader topics like history, culture, and gender equality in an age-appropriate way.
After reading, ask your child to draw or write a short piece about their favorite woman from the book, focusing on the qualities that make them inspirational.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empowerment through diversity
Explanation: This book showcases a variety of inspiring Indian women, each from different backgrounds and achievements, demonstrating the strength found in diversity.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and embrace differences in others, understanding that everyone has unique contributions to make to society.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of challenges
Explanation: The stories illustrate how each woman overcame personal and societal challenges to achieve their goals, teaching perseverance and resilience.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to persist despite difficulties, using the stories as motivation to overcome their own obstacles.
Example Lesson: Importance of education and self-improvement
Explanation: The book highlights women who placed a strong emphasis on education and continuous learning as stepping stones to success.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to value their education, remain curious, and always seek self-improvement.
Example Lesson: Leadership and influence
Explanation: The featured women used their positions to make a positive impact, showcasing effective leadership.
Real-World Application: Children can learn about the qualities of a good leader and be encouraged to take on leadership roles in their own lives, influencing positive changes.
Example Lesson: Cultural pride and heritage
Explanation: Through the exploration of Indian women's achievements, the book fosters a sense of pride in one's cultural heritage and history.
Real-World Application: It encourages children to explore and take pride in their own heritage and learn about the histories and contributions of their cultures.