Check It Out

Books recommended for young readers by Ilene Abramson, senior librarian of the children’s literature department of the Los Angeles Public Library.

Throughout history women have shown courage and determination in pursuing their dreams. Here are some books that applaud strong-willed females who break the traditional mold.

Preschool and kindergarten: “Allie’s Basketball Dream,” by Barbara Barber

Eager to play basketball, Allie refuses to let the neighborhood children deter her because she is a girl.

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First and second grades: “Sheila Rae, the Brave,” by Kevin Henkes

Proud Sheila Rae revels in her courage by fighting trees and stepping on cracks, but when she gets lost going home from school she is hit by a sudden jolt of reality.

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Third grade: “Grandmother’s Alphabet,” by Eve Shaw

Older women provide positive role models by assuming traditional occupations such as teacher and librarian, as well as unconventional ones like magician, carpenter and rancher.

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Fourth grade: “Happily Ever After,” by Anna Quindlen, illustrated by James Stevenson

Tomboy Kate is a secret fairy tale lover, but when she is magically transported to the Middle Ages she discovers that being a princess is boring and confining.

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Fifth grade: “Sally Bradford: The Story of a Rebel Girl,” by Dorothy and Thomas Hoobler, illustrated by Robert Gantt Steele

A courageous nurse must cross enemy lines to get medicine for her dying brother in this fast-paced novel set during the Civil War.

Storytime

Some of the books to be read on KCET’s “Storytime,” Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

“Pigs Aplenty, Pigs Galore!” by David McPhail

A man he discovers pigs in his room eating pizza. When he gets the bill he kicks the pigs out but then lets them stay, just as long as they clean up. (Themes: rhyme and fantasy.)

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“Uncle Jed’s Barbershop,” by Margaree King Mitchell

A little girl tells the story of her Uncle Jed traveling from town to town giving haircuts and desiring a barbershop of his own. Uncle Jed finally gets his barbershop and teaches his niece about following her dreams. (Themes: family, self-esteem, feelings.)