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    You are here: Home / Books / Picture Books about Women in History

     

    Picture Books about Women in History

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    Want to read some good picture book biographies of women in history? You've come to the right place. This book list of books about famous women (and some not-famous-but-should be) are the perfect way to inspire your children: both girls and boys!

    Grid collage of picture book covers with text overlay, Picture Book Biographies Women Trailblazers.

    (Note: this post contains affiliate links that earn from qualifying purchases.)

    All of these biographies include informational back matter like timelines, author and illustrator notes and glossaries, so young minds can dive deep into the lives of women inventors.

    Table of contents

    • Environment and Nature
    • Science and Math
    • Performing and Visual Artists
    • Writers
    • Sports
    • Activists
    • Politics and Law
    • Musicians
    • Even More Trailblazers

    Environment and Nature

    MORE: You will also like this book list: Picture books about the environment

    The Water Walker book cover with woman walking through trees

    The Water Walker by Joanne Robertson

    Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

    Every morning Josephine Mandamin, an Ojibwe grandmother, greets nibi (water) with gratitude. Knowing that unpolluted water will soon be a scarcity, she and a group of women start to walk around the Great Lakes in order to draw attention to the importance of clean water. It takes them seven years to walk around the lakes, but they do not give up. Both the text and the illustrations add sweet humor to this important story. Also available in Dual-language edition in English & Anishinaabemowin

    MORE: Picture book biographies of Native Americans

    Book cover of Mama Miti by Donna Jo Napoli.

    Mama Miti: Wangari Maathai and the Trees of Kenya by Donna Jo Napoli

    Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

    Wangari Maathai was the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. She was recognized for her work restoring trees to Kenya. The wonderful thing about Maathai’s story is that it involves the cooperation of an extended community of women and will make kids aware of the power of individuals to bring positive, long-lasting global change.  As always, Kadir Nelson’s illustrations are stunning.

     Book cover ofThe Tree Lady, children's book.

    The Tree Lady: The True Story of How One Tree-Loving Woman Changed a City Forever by H. Joseph Hopkins

    Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

    Katherine Olivia Sessions was the first woman to graduate from the University of California with a degree in science. After moving to a nearly tree-less city in San Diego, she advocated and spearheaded a campaign that transformed the area to a lush green land. I hope Sessions's story inspires other kids to make a difference in their community.

    Book cover of The Watcher: Jane Goodall's Life with the Chimps, children's book.

    The Watcher: Jane Goodall's Life with the Chimps by Jeanette Winter

    Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

    Winter specializes in picture book biographies; her spare but deliberate illustrative style is very appealing. Winter conveys the out-of-the-box research and life of Jane Goodall and kids will come away with a richer understanding of what being a primatologist (and "a watcher") really is.

    Book cover of Life in the Ocean: The Story of Oceanographer Sylvia Earle, picture book.

    Life in the Ocean: The Story of Oceanographer Sylvia Earle by Claire A. Nivola

    Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

    This book starts out with the quiet investigations of a girl watching a pond. When her family moves to Florida, she starts her investigations of the Gulf of Mexico. Earle's love for the ocean and its life drift off the page, and this is a surprisingly moving book with detailed illustrations to explore. It's a wonderful book to start a conversation with your kids, not only about the importance of ocean life to the planet, but how one's own interest can spark a greater purpose.


    Science and Math

    These biographies feature women who made great strides in STEM fields like mathematics, medicine, computing and more.

    You will also enjoy these lists:

    • Biographies of women in STEM
    • Picture books about the moon landing (contains several biographies of women instrumental to NASA)
    • Biographies of women inventors
    The Doctor with an Eye for an Eye, book cover.

    The Doctor with an Eye for Eyes: The Story of Dr. Patricia Bath by Julia Finley Mosca

    Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

    This is a wonderful biography of a woman who has made significant contributions to medicine, including a treatment for blindness. Written in rhyme, the narrative flows well and the illustrations are engaging. End material, including a letter from Dr. Bath, photographs, a time line and further details about Dr. Bath's life and work make this biography extra special.

    Hidden Figures children's book cover.

    Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race by Margot Lee Shetterly

    Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

    A film by the same name brought these little known women into the light and we are all better for it! This is the story of four amazing mathematicians, Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Christine Darden, who contributed to NASA's success by providing important calculations. It wasn't easy and they had to overcome strong racial and gender barriers to succeed.

    Book cover of Ada Byron Lovelace and the Thinking Machine

    Ada Byron Lovelace and the Thinking Machine by Laurie Wallmark

    Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

    I love this illustrated biography of a woman credited as the first computer programmer. The daughter of notorious poet, Lord Byron, Ada's math-loving mother raised her away from him. Ada had an inquisitive, curious mind and when she met Charles Babbage (who invented the first mechanical computer), it was Ada who figured out how to program it. A gorgeous book with fun details that will fascinate children.

    Book cover of Mae Among the Stars biography for kids

    Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed 

    Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

    Not as text heavy as many picture book biographies, this is a wonderful book about the first African-American in space, Mae Jemison. The narrative focuses on the young Mae and her dreams to see the earth from space. When she discovers she needs to be an astronaut to go into space, she learns as much as she can about the stars and what it takes to be an astronaut. Her parents encourage her to dream big, even in the face of others' skepticism.

    Book cover of Grace Hopper, picture book biography for kids.

    Grace Hopper: Queen of Computer Code by Laurie Wallmark

    Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

    From an early age, Hopper loved to figure out how things worked. Encouraged by her parents to study math and science, despite the domination of the field by men, Hopper's curious mind helped her persevere and she enlisted in WAVES, the women’s division of the Naval Reserve, during WWII. Hopper remained in the Navy until she was 80 (!) solving incredibly complex computer programming problems. An utterly fascinating story.


    Performing and Visual Artists

    You will also enjoy the following two book lists:

    • Biographies of women in the visual arts
    • Biographies of women performers
    Frida Kahlo and Her Animalitos book cover.

    Frida Kahlo and Her Animalitos by Monica Brown

    Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

    I like this biography of Kahlo because it focuses on the animals that inspired many of her paintings. Kahlo had a number of pets including monkeys, birds, turkeys, even a fawn. The text draws comparisons between the artists love of her animalitos, Azetc culture and her Mexican heritage, commenting on their influence in her art.

    Maya Lin: Artist-Architect of Light and Lines, book cover.

    Maya Lin: Artist-Architect of Light and Lines by Jeanne Walker Harvey

    Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

    This beautifully illustrated picture book tells the story of Chinese-American Maya Lin, the architect and artist who created the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. It traces her journey from a girl who was fascinated by nature, building and learning about the art of structures to the college student who enters a contest to design the Memorial. An author's note gives further information.

    Danza! picture book by Duncan Tonatiuh.

    Danza!: Amalia Hernández and Mexico's Folkloric Ballet by Duncan Tonatiuh

    Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

    This is a great book to read to kids alongside books that feature traditional European-style ballerinas. Amalia Hernández always knew she would be a dancer and she studied a variety of dance forms. She traveled all over Mexico, learning traditional dances of each region. She then formed El Ballet Folklórico de México, which combined ballet with these folk dances. Tonatiuh's illustrative style, which evokes Mixtec artwork, is perfect for this picture book biography of an important performer. If you are lucky, you might catch some the company's next performance!

    Tallchief America's Prima Ballerina book cover

    Tallchief: America’s Prima Ballerina by Maria Tallchief and Rosemary Wells

    Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

    Narrated by Maria Tallchief herself, she begins by describing her childhood on the Osage reservation. With the encouragement of her mother, she grew up with a fierce love of music and dance and the family moved to Los Angeles so Maria could continue her training. This biography focuses on Maria's formative years and the book concludes when she joins the Ballets Russes de Monte Carlo at the age of 17.

    The World is Not a Rectangle, book cover.

    The World is Not a Rectangle: A Portrait of Architect Zaha Hadid by Jeanette Winter

    Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

    Born in Iraq, and educated in London, Hadid designed fascinating and artistic buildings around the world. As a Muslim woman, the road was not easy and she had to overcome the hurdle of prejudice. This biography is written simply, making it a great choice for the early elementary set. Make sure to look at photographs of Hadid's beautiful buildings, too.


    Writers

    Lucky for us, many wonderful words written by women survive to tell their stories through the ages. For more books visit our list of biographies of women writers.

    Rise!: From Caged Bird to Poet of the People, Maya Angelou by Bethany Hegedus, book cover.

    Rise!: From Caged Bird to Poet of the People, Maya Angelou by Bethany Hegedus

    Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

    Angelou is one the most important poets of the 20th century. Her poetry gives voice to millions of women whose complicated lives are filled with hardship, triumph, self-awareness and perseverance. This utterly gorgeous book follows Angelou's journey with adversity to activism and literature.

    Book cover of She Made a Monster: How Mary Shelley Created Frankenstein, picture book biography.

    She Made a Monster: How Mary Shelley Created Frankenstein by Lynn Fulton

    Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

    Most kids can describe the popular image of Frankenstein's monster: the squared off green head with stitches. But do they know he was dreamed up by a women in the 19th century? This fun biography tells the tale of the dark and stormy night Frankenstein and his monster were born.

    Write On, Mercy! book cover.

    Write On, Mercy!: The Secret Life of Mercy Otis Warren by Gretchen Woelfle

    Find it at your library

    I love the story of Mercy, an accomplished writer and political thinker before, during and after the American Revolution, despite the prevalent belief that woman's role was to cook and sew.

    Book cover for Ordinary, Extraordinary Jane Austen picture book biography.

    Ordinary, Extraordinary Jane Austen by Deborah Hopkinson

    Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

    Do we not all Love Jane Austen, my friends? Now you children can learn to love her, too. And they will! Especially after learning about her love of observing others, her humor and her fondness for theater and books.

    Book cover of My Name is Gabriela

    My Name Is Gabriela/Me llamo Gabriela by Monica Brown

    Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

    Gabriela Mistral was the first Latina to win the Nobel Prize. This biography tells the story of how her imaginative spirit and love of words and sounds inspired her to become a poet. When she was fifteen she became a school teacher, sharing her love of reading, writing and education with the children of her home country of Chile.


    Sports

    It has taken a long time for women to be taken seriously as professional athletes, and there are still some sports where women can't compete!

    MORE: Biographies of women athletes

    She Loved Baseball: The Effa Manley Story, picture book cover.

    She Loved Baseball: The Effa Manley Story by Audrey Vernick

    Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

    Effa Manley is the only woman to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame (as of this writing). She was the business manager of the Newark Eagles, a Negro League Baseball team, which she and her husband founded. She fiercely campaigned for the rights and due recognition for African-American ball players.

    The Kid From Diamond Street, book cover.

    The Kid from Diamond Street: The Extraordinary Story of Baseball Legend Edith Houghton by Audrey Vernick

    Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

    In 1922, 10-year-old Edith Houghton tried out for—and made the cut with— the Philadelphia Bobbies. This biography not only tells the highlights of Houghton's interesting career (she later became a recruiter) but also includes interesting details that make the story come alive.

    Book cover of Wilma Unlimited: How Wilma Rudolph Became the World's Fastest Woman picture book

    Wilma Unlimited: How Wilma Rudolph Became the World's Fastest Woman by Kathleen Krull

    Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

    Wilma grew from a 4 pound baby to be one of the fastest women in the world and competing at the Olympics. This is amazing considering that after a childhood bout of polio, it was thought that her leg was permanently damaged. Wilma worked through her injury as a young girl, earned an athletic scholarship and won three Olympic gold medals. My kids were fascinated with the idea that she won her medals even though she had a twisted ankle!

    Long-Armed Ludy and the First Women's Olympics, book cover.

    Long-Armed Ludy and the First Women's Olympics by Jean L. S. Patrick

    Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

    While a student at Winthrop College, tall and skinny Lucille "Ludy" Godbold discovered that her long arms gave her a great advantage in the shot put event. She then qualified for the first Women's Olympics in 1922. Fearing she wouldn't have the funds to travel to France for the event, the president of her college, her peers and teachers raised the money to send her.

    Nothing but Trouble: The Story of Althea Gibson by Sue Stauffacher, book cover.

    Nothing but Trouble: The Story of Althea Gibson by Sue Stauffacher 

    Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

    Before Venus and Serena there was Althea. Althea grew up in Harlem as a rowdy tomboy and went on to become the first African-American to win the Wimbledon Cup. My favorite part of the book is the way Greg Couch illustrated Althea, with a sort of constant rainbow vibration. This is a fun read aloud, especially for sports fans, who will enjoy mimicking the voice of an announcer.


    Activists

    These activist women took on oppressive and unjust social institutions. Some of them even risked their lives in order that the women and girls who came after them would have a fairer system.

    MORE: Picture books about social justice

    Book cover of Separate Is Never Equal by Duncan Tonatiuh.

    Separate Is Never Equal: Sylvia Mendez and Her Family's Fight for Desegregation by Duncan Tonatiuh

    Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

    This book tells the story of school desegregation 10 years before Brown v. the Board of Education. In 1944, Sylvia's family moved to a new community. When she tried to attend school, she was told that she would have to go to "the Mexican school". Sylvia and her family fight back and eventually win a very important court battle, setting the stage for future desegregation cases. This is a great book to teach our kids that segregation extended beyond the Jim Crow laws of the South.

    Book cover of The House That Jane Built.

    The House That Jane Built: A Story About Jane Addams by Tanya Lee Stone

    Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

    Jane Addams, the first American woman to be awarded a Nobel Peace Prize, founded a settlement home known as Hill House (still in existence!) in Chicago in the late 19th century. Addams was born into a wealthy family, but from childhood she wanted to help the poor in her community. The narration effectively draws readers into the story by portraying the unique individuals impacted by Addams' work as well as the larger importance of her work. A great talking point when reading this book to children is how projects such as Hull House contributed to the rise of community centers and what kinds of benefits they have for citizens.

    Yours for Justice, Ida B. Wells: The Daring Life of a Crusading Journalist book cover.

    Yours for Justice, Ida B. Wells: The Daring Life of a Crusading Journalist by Philip Dray

    Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

    In Post-Civil War America, Wells was an anti-lynching activist and one of the first successful Black Americans to win a legal battle in court. She wrote tirelessly against Jim Crow and refused to back down, even in the face of threats to her life.

    Malala Yousafzai: Warrior With Words, children's book cover.

    Malala Yousafzai: Warrior With Words by Karen Leggett Abouraya

    Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

    Young Nobel Peace Prize recipient, Malala Yousafzai has become an inspiring voice for peace and education. Even though her story is frightening at times, this is a good, age-appropriate picture book.

    Brave Girl book cover

    Brave Girl: Clara and the Shirtwaist Makers' Strike of 1909 by Michelle Markel

    Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

    Clara came to NYC dirt poor but full of grit. She worked a miserable, backbreaking job at a garment factory. An extraordinary individual, she taught herself to read and led the largest walkout of women workers in U.S. History, despite being beaten and jailed for participating in labor strikes. Michelle Markel tells a valuable story of the history of women workers and the importance of fair labor practices. It is a story which still resonates today.


    Politics and Law

    These women were trailblazers in the political world, working in government and law fields.

    You will also enjoy this book list: Picture book biographies of women politicians and activists

    I Dissent picture book biography of Ginsburg book cover

    I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark by Debbie Levy

    Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

    I love this charming book about how Ginsburg never stopped disagreeing with ideas that put women and other underprivileged persons at a disadvantage.

    TBook cover of Turning Pages: My Life Story kids book.

    Turning Pages: My Life Story by Sonia Sotomayor

    Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

    Sotomayor, the first Latina Supreme Court justice tells her own story of how books and reading helped her get through life's hardships as well as inspire her to go after her dreams. A marvelous story that will encourage others to seek out the joys of the written word. Also available in Spanish.

    Miss Paul and the President, book cover.

    Miss Paul and the President: The Creative Campaign for Women's Right to Vote by Dean Robbins

    Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

    Alice Paul, a suffragette and activist organized a protest outside the White House during Wilson's administration. She led parades, went to jail and even met with the president himself. Her creative tactics helped pave the way for the 19th amendment.

    Ballots for Belva, picture book biography, book cover.

    Ballots for Belva: The True Story of a Woman's Race for the Presidency by Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen

    Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

    A fun biography of a woman who ran for president in 1884. Belva Lockwood was a determined woman. When she was denied her law degree, she appealed directly to President Grant and won. She argued a case before the Supreme Court, and had the audacity to run for the highest office at a time when women couldn't even vote. Yet most kids (and grown-ups) don't even know her name. Time to change that.

    Book cover of Hillary Rodham Clinton: Some Girls are Born to Lead by Michelle Markel.

    Hillary Rodham Clinton: Some Girls are Born to Lead by Michelle Markel

    Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

    There are several picture book biographies about Hillary Clinton, I like this one as it offers an inspiring and positive message in the way it focuses on Hillary's journey in leadership, service and activism as a girl, young adult and grown woman in education, the law and politics. I also love Pham's appealing illustrations, especially the final pages which show Hillary in a group of her fellow inspiring female leaders.


    Musicians

    Singers and musicians from all walks of life! These ladies will get your feet tapping!

    MORE: Picture book biographies of women in music

    Book cover of My Name is Celia.

    My Name is Celia/Me llamo Celia: The Life of Celia Cruz/la vida de Celia Cruz by Monica Brown

    Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

    This lively, vibrant bilingual biography tells the story of Cuban-born Celia Cruz, an important salsa singer and performer. The narrative traces Celia's journey, starting with her love of music and through her experience as a refugee escaping the communist regime in Cuba. She brought her musical art to Miami and New York, fighting racial stereotypes and never giving up. The text evokes the rhythm of salsa music and is great fun to read aloud.

    When Marian Sang book cover.

    When Marian Sang: The True Recital of Marian Anderson by Pam Muñoz Ryan

    Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

    Contralto Marian Anderson found true acceptance first in Europe because, shamefully, Americans were unwilling to accept a black woman on the stage. When the DAR refused to allow her to perform at Constitution Hall, Eleanor Roosevelt arranged for her to sing at the Lincoln Memorial in 1939. (Watch a video of that performance here.) Anderson had to overcome strong barriers to achieve her success. Ryan skillfully recounts Anderson's life as a singer and civil rights activist and captures the emotional ups and downs of Anderson's journey.

    Joni: The Lyrical Life of Joni Mitchell, book cover.

    Joni: The Lyrical Life of Joni Mitchell by Selina Alko

    Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

    Growing up a free spirit on the Canadian Prairie, learning bird songs from her mother and writing poetry, Joni eventually picked up the guitar in high school. As an adult she put her passionate feelings of joy, sorrow, hope and frustration into music, composing more than 200 songs and becoming one of the greatest folk musicians of any generation. Alko's vibrant illustrations wonderfully capture Mitchell's turbulent life.

    Dream Drum Girl, book cover.

    Drum Dream Girl: How One Girl's Courage Changed Music by Margarita Engle

    Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

    This wonderful picture book is inspired by the life of Millo Castro Zaldarriaga, a Chinese-African-Cuban girl. Millo bucked Cuba's taboo against female drummers and became a famous musician, even playing the bongos at a birthday celebration for FDR. The book is written as a poem, following a girl's longing to beat on all sorts of drums: congas, bongos, and timbales. She practices secretly until finally she is allowed to share her gift with the world. Rafael López's illustrations are absolutely stunning.

    MORE: Books about Cubans and Cuban-Americans


    Even More Trailblazers

    These biographies are about women who don't fit into neat and tidy categories. But do any of us, really?

    You will also love this book list: Biographies of amazing African-American women

    Planting Stories book cover

    Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré by Anika Aldamuy Denise, illustrated by Paola Escobar

    Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

    Pura Belpré immigrated from Puerto Rico in 1921. She was New York City's first Puerto Rican librarian. She was also a storyteller and puppeteer who championed bilingual literature. This is an absolutely gorgeous book and a useful author's note give further background on this important trailblazer.

    Molly, by Golly!, book cover.

    Molly, by Golly!: The Legend of Molly Williams, America's First Female Firefighter by Dianne Ochiltree

    Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

    I love when picture books teach me about obscure but fascinating bits of history I didn’t hear about in school! In the early 1800s, Molly was a cook for a New York City firehouse, but during a snowstorm her courage turned her into the first female firefighter in the United States. The book also contains fascinating facts about early firefighting and a useful bibliography. Kids will like this one a lot.

    You Forgot Your Skirt, Amelia Bloomer, book cover.

    You Forgot Your Skirt, Amelia Bloomer by Shana Corey

    Find it at your library

    In the mid-19th century, Amelia is fed up with the ridiculous and cumbersome clothes that women are expected to wear. So, she decides to forge ahead with a new style. As you can imagine, not everyone is impressed. If you have kids who have independent ideas about what they wear, they will love Amelia's story.

    Book cover of Here Come the Girl Scouts! by Shana Corey.

    Here Come the Girl Scouts! by Shana Corey

    Find it: Amazon

    Scouting girls will enjoy reading this biography of Juliette Daisy Gordon Low, who founded the Girl Scouts in order to give girls a way to explore interests outside of "proper ladylike pursuits." I love Hadley Hooper's illustrations and the way the text uses quotes from the Girl Scout handbook.

    What To Do About Alice?: How Alice Roosevelt Broke the Rules, Charmed the World, and Drove Her Father Teddy Crazy! , picture book.

    What To Do About Alice?: How Alice Roosevelt Broke the Rules, Charmed the World, and Drove Her Father Teddy Crazy! by Barbara Kerley

    Find it at your Library

    I love that Alice was known for just being herself. This award-winning book charms readers with Alice's exuberance and flouting of social conventions. She rejected a prim boarding school in favor of home learning, survived leg braces and slid down the stairs of the White House. She sounds like a great friend to have had.

    The Librarian of Basra book cover

    The Librarian of Basra: A True Story from Iraq by Jeanette Winter

    Find it: Amazon

    When war threatens to destroy Alia’s precious library collection, which includes rare editions, she bravely works to move 30,000 volumes to safety. This is a powerful story about courage and determination.

    The Spacesuit: How a Seamstress Helped Put Man on the Moon, book.

    The Spacesuit: How a Seamstress Helped Put Man on the Moon by Alison Donald

    Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

    I love this book because it introduces kids to something they may not have thought about, but without which, the lunar landing could never have happened! NASA has a competition to come up with the design for the spacesuit and Eleanor Foraker leads a team of talented seamstresses to make it happen.

    Book cover of Dare the Wind picture book biography of Eleanor Prentiss

    Dare the Wind: The Record-breaking Voyage of Eleanor Prentiss and the Flying Cloud by Tracey Fern

    Find it: Amazon

    In the 19th century, women did not navigate ships, but Ellen's father saw his daughter's love of the sea and nurtured it. She grew up, married a sea captain and accompanied him on his merchant voyages. In 1851 the Flying Cloud, in large part due to the navigational skills of Ellen, sailed around Cape Horn from New York to San Francisco in a record-breaking 89 days, 21 hours. Both the text and the illustrations will make your child feel as though he is there, on the sea, with Ellen and the clipper.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Even in Australia says

      March 04, 2013 at 7:27 pm

      I am eagerly awaiting Brave Girl from the library and Amelia and Eleanor is one of my all-time faves. I'll be reading it to my daughter's 2nd grade class for women's history month. There is a great picture book biography of Eleanor Roosevelt too, Eleanor: Quiet No More. I love the Amelia Bloomer one too and What to do about Alice. David Adler wrote a picture book about a fictional female baseball player during WWII - Mama Played Baseball. And Summer Birds reminds me of the amazing chapter book, The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate.

      Reply
      • MomandKiddo says

        March 04, 2013 at 8:08 pm

        I just checked The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate from the library. I can't wait to read it.

        Reply
        • Even in Australia says

          March 05, 2013 at 7:31 am

          It's sooooo good. A little heavy on the symbolism but amazing nonetheless.

          Reply
    2. Natalie says

      March 04, 2013 at 10:41 pm

      We only read The Librarian of Basra on this list. Anna was very fascinated by Elizabeth I listening to The Story of the World, so we will read Who Was Elizabeth I, and I will also try to look for Amelia and Eleanor. My personal childhood heroine was Marie Curie, but I haven't found an age appropriate book about her so far.

      Reply
    3. Robyn says

      March 05, 2013 at 9:35 am

      I love those Shana Corey books- I picked them both up last year (along with Players in Pigtails about women playing ball- very cool). All of the rest from your list are new to me. I'm going to hunt some down. We love real life stories!

      Reply
      • Erica says

        March 05, 2013 at 4:32 pm

        I considered Players in Pigtail for the list, but thought I'd better share the love with other authors! 🙂

        Reply
    4. Jen Fischer says

      March 05, 2013 at 11:31 am

      I have so many books now to add to my library list! Yeah!

      Reply
    5. Erica says

      March 05, 2013 at 4:30 pm

      Thanks so much for that link. I love so many of those books, but I haven't read some of them and am adding them to my (ever-growing) reading like. I'm so happy to see Lady Lollipop on that list! I love that book and I don't think it's that well known. I have Bigger Than A Bread Box at home right now, glad to know you recommend it. I use picmonkey to make the collages, and to edit and re-size most of my photos. It's an on-line photo editing program that's good for non-techy people like me. I really like it and it's very user friendly.

      Reply
    6. Nancy says

      March 05, 2013 at 8:44 pm

      What a great list! We've read Summer Birds and Here Come the Girl Scouts, but will definitely be checking out the rest on this list!

      Reply
    7. Jenny says

      March 07, 2013 at 3:37 pm

      This is a fantastic list- I've started reading to the girls at breakfast and lunch, so this will be a great source of ideas for that!

      Reply
      • Erica says

        March 08, 2013 at 9:21 am

        I like to read at mealtimes, too. It's a captive audience!

        Reply
    8. Darshana says

      March 10, 2013 at 10:27 am

      This is a great list. I haven't read any of these yet.

      Reply
      • Erica says

        March 10, 2013 at 1:03 pm

        You'll love them, Darshana! You're in for a treat.

        Reply
    9. Teacher Help For Parents says

      March 10, 2013 at 1:35 pm

      I'm so glad there are biography picture books so that younger children can learn too.

      Reply
      • Erica says

        March 10, 2013 at 3:12 pm

        I agree and also many picture books biographies are long and so good for kids up to age 12.

        Reply
    10. Sarah Tharpe Winchell says

      March 10, 2013 at 6:48 pm

      I wrote about your Women's History Month books on my blog. Here is the link:
      http://idreamoffirstgrade.blogspot.com/2013/03/womens-history-month-writing-project.html
      Thanks for all your hard work! I would love to add your photo of the books to the blog post! Just let me know.
      Sarah
      I Dream of First Grade

      Reply
      • Erica says

        March 11, 2013 at 5:28 am

        No problem, Sarah.

        Reply
    11. Renee C. says

      March 10, 2013 at 7:49 pm

      Great list of resources for Women's History Month, Erica. I just read a book, Miss Moore Thought Otherwise, to my children last night about the woman who started children's libraries (review forthcoming!) and my daughter was shocked to learn that there was a time (not so long ago) when women were not allowed to vote or to go to University to become doctors, lawyers, and so on. She was simply beside herself! It is a hard concept to grasp, isn't it? It's because of women like those featured in the above books that change occurred - we should NEVER forget.

      Thanks for linking into the Kid Lit Blog Hop.

      Reply
      • Erica says

        March 11, 2013 at 5:31 am

        I've not heard of that book. I look forward to your review.

        Reply
    12. thepicturebookreview says

      March 11, 2013 at 2:11 am

      I'm always looking for books to read to my son about women. We read lots of fairy tales -- which I think have their merit -- but it is always so nice to balance it with something a bit more realistic. We loved Jazz Age Josephine! What To Do About Alice looks great! I'm definitely looking forward to reading this one.

      Reply
    13. Jaymie Shook says

      March 11, 2013 at 10:28 pm

      Perfect list idea! Thanks for sharing with the Kid Lit Blog Hop :)z

      Reply
    14. Jackie@My Little Bookcase says

      March 17, 2013 at 5:17 am

      What an inspiring list. Pinning!

      Reply
    15. Kelly @ IdealistMom.com says

      April 15, 2013 at 8:26 am

      Wow, thank you for this list! I can't wait to get Everyday Dress-Up for my girl. 🙂 Pinning this list now!

      Reply
      • Erica MomandKiddo says

        April 15, 2013 at 1:43 pm

        Thanks, Kelly. It's a wonderful book!

        Reply
    16. Resh says

      February 01, 2014 at 12:20 pm

      Great list Erica, would add: Look Up! Henrietta Leavitt Pioneering Woman Astronomer, Kate Shelley and Midnight Express, America's Champion Swimmer : Gertrude Ederle, Jane Goodall The Watcher/Me Jane, Soar Elinor, Ballet for Martha
      -Reshama @ Stackingbooks

      Reply
    17. Ronn Mandel says

      February 02, 2014 at 12:10 pm

      What a fantastic selection of books to make us proud to be women. I really want to read What to do About Alice and Here Come the Girl Scouts, but come to think of it, I want to read every single title mentioned. How lucky we are to be able to have such a rich assortment of books celebrating women. These certainly were not available when I was growing up.

      Reply
      • Erica MomandKiddo says

        February 02, 2014 at 12:31 pm

        Thanks Ronn. There were so many books I loved in this category it was definitely hard to narrow it down.

        Reply
    18. Amanda Oakes says

      March 03, 2015 at 2:00 am

      What a great list! One to add... My 3rd grade class loved Queen of the Falls by Chris van Allsburg. Very interesting and little known story about the first woman to successfully go over Niagara Falls in a barrel. And of course the illustrations are wonderful!

      Reply
      • Erica MomandKiddo says

        March 05, 2015 at 10:02 am

        That's a great book and would make a great addition to this list.

        Reply
    19. Faye says

      March 07, 2015 at 5:48 am

      This is great list of books that will defintiely be going on my wish list. Last year I found Who Says Women Can't Be Doctors? The Story Of Elizabeth Blackwell by Tanya Lee Stone and The Watcher: Jane Goodall's Life With The Chimps by Jeanette Winter. Mys second graders loved them both!

      Reply
      • Erica MomandKiddo says

        March 10, 2015 at 10:54 am

        Thanks, Faye. I'm glad you enjoyed the list!

        Reply
    20. Mirisa says

      October 17, 2017 at 2:52 am

      Dear Erica,
      To this date, I have came across the following pages:
      - Social Justice Books for Kids to Teach About Global Issues
      - Kid's Books for Women's History Month
      - Picture Books to Teach Empathy
      - Books to Help Kids Talk about Racism
      - Books to Inspire Kids to Change the World
      Thank you very much for all your time and passion to create these lists and provided such comprehensive guide for people like me - I am not a parent but I often buy books for donation to public libraries. This time, I am collecting books to be donated to an Islamic Center. Those lists are very helpful when I do the selection. Keep up the good works with your love towards books, Erica

      Reply
      • Erica says

        November 11, 2017 at 8:09 pm

        Thanks and Happy Reading!

        Reply
    21. Laurie Wallmark says

      February 21, 2020 at 4:44 pm

      Great list, including a few that are new to me. Thanks for including two of my books (Ada Byron Lovelace and the Thinking Machine, Grace Hopper: Queen of Computer Code). For the record, though, I'm Laurie Wallmark, not Laura.

      Reply
      • Erica says

        February 21, 2020 at 7:47 pm

        Oh, dear! I'm so sorry! I'll go in and change it right away. Thanks for pointing that out. (Proofreading is not one of my strengths...)

        Reply
    22. Nora Shine says

      March 08, 2020 at 12:32 am

      I love your books, and so do my kids! My 2 (9 and 11) also loved this graphic novel about Becoming RBG by Debbie Levy.

      Reply
    23. Carrie says

      February 28, 2024 at 2:25 pm

      I recommend: Saving the Countryside: The Story of Beatrix Potter and Peter Rabbit by Linda Marshall. Cheers!

      Reply

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