The House That She Built

"The House That She Built" by Mollie Elkman, with illustrations by Georgia Castellano, is an empowering and beautifully illustrated children’s book that tells the inspiring story of a home built by an all-female construction team. Based on a real-life project by the Utah Chapter of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Professional Women in Building (PWB) Council, the story shines a light on the important roles women play in the construction industry.

This book introduces young readers to a diverse group of female professionals—architects, engineers, electricians, landscapers, and more—who work together to build a house from the ground up. By highlighting the various skills and talents involved in the project, "The House That She Built" challenges traditional gender roles in a male-dominated industry and inspires young girls and boys to see a future where women are leaders in construction and beyond.

For HomeAid, the themes of empowerment, inclusion, and teamwork in this book are especially meaningful. As we work to build homes and provide support for families and individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness, we also recognize the importance of advocating for diversity and equal opportunity in the building industry. "The House That She Built" aligns with our commitment to fostering inclusion and uplifting women in leadership roles, both within our organization and in the broader community.

By encouraging girls to see themselves in roles that help shape communities—whether through architecture, engineering, or construction—this book inspires the next generation of builders who will be essential in creating safe and stable homes for those in need.

We highly recommend "The House That She Built" for families, educators, and anyone passionate about promoting diversity in construction and housing. This uplifting story of teamwork and empowerment is a wonderful way to inspire young minds to think about how they can contribute to building strong, inclusive communities.


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