The Girl Who Wore Pants

Luisa has always fought for what she believes is right and defends women’s rights. She lived in Puerto Rico during a time when women had to wear skirts regardless of how many problems this caused due to the physical restrictions of the clothing. Luisa decided she wouldn’t abide by that rule and became the first woman in Puerto Rico to wear pants in public.
What I Liked: This book opens by introducing you to a young Luisa who one day decides to wear an old pair of her father’s pants as she realizes the skirt she is in is holding her back from playing freely with the boys. You then learn more about Luisa’s insistence on wearing pants as she gets older and the trouble this causes in Puerto Rico. Luisa doesn’t back down, though, and stands up for her rights along with the rights of other women. This is a great book to show the importance of using your voice and how previous rules have impacted others throughout time. The storytelling in this book will ensure that children will pay attention while also learning about history.


The illustrations in this book take you back in time to a place in which women were not allowed to wear pants. The images add to the story as things begin changing in Puerto Rico because of Luisa and the various things that she speaks up against. The closing image of this book sends a powerful message as the women all stand with Luisa, showing strong expressions as they will not be spoken for.


Final Verdict: The Girl Who Wore Pants is a fascinating book that is based on real events that Luisa Capetillo was a part of. This is a great way to introduce children to an activist and a change maker as they learn about important people within history. This book will intrigue the minds of young children and have them wanting to learn more about Luisa or the history of women’s rights in various countries.