10 Best Kids’ Books for Women’s History Month
Celebrate these inspiring figures in March—and all year long.
In honor of Women’s History Month, we’ve rounded up some great books to read to your little trailblazer. There are a few familiar names here, but others are unsung heroes whose stories belong in the canon of incredible achievements women have made in every aspect of our lives, from science to politics, the arts and the environment.
Jump at the Sun: The True Life Tale of Unstoppable Storycatcher Zora Neale Hurston by Alicia D. Williams
Follow Zora’s journey from the porch of the general store where she listened to folktales, to Howard University, to Harlem.
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As a child, legendary author Zora Neale Hurston loved listening to a good story, and later on she started telling them, too. Hurston’s mother told her to always “jump at the sun” and reach for her dreams, and Zora did just that. Jump at the Sun is a beautifully written and illustrated picture book biography of a woman who transformed American literature (ages 4-8, $18, amazon.com).
This Little Trailblazer: A Girl Power Primer by Joan Holub
Learn more about Ada Lovelace, Maria Tallchief and more.
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A bold and colorful board book celebrating the achievements of 10 women who changed the world and cleared a path for those who followed in their footsteps. Fun illustrations accompany brief rhyming text about each woman and her contribution to history, making This Little Trailblazer: A Girl Power Primer a perfect introduction to Women’s History Month for the youngest readers (ages 3-5, $5, amazon.com).
Wilma's Way Home: The Life of Wilma Mankiller by Doreen Rappaport
This one will inspire future leaders to persevere in empathy and thoughtful problem-solving.
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Wilma’s Way Home is a richly illustrated picture book about Wilma Mankiller, a woman who has not been widely acknowledged for her role in history. After being separated from her Cherokee community for a number of years, Wilma found her way back and became active in tribal politics. Despite resistance to a female leader, Wilma Mankiller was elected as the first female Chief of the Cherokee Nation (ages 4-8, $19, amazon.com).
The Only Woman in the Photo: Frances Perkins & Her New Deal for America by Kathleen Krull
Frances is credited with creating the US Social Security system.
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Frances Perkins overcame her shyness in order to speak out against injustice and help those who needed protection. Perkins’ work led to a position as the first female Secretary of Labor under Franklin D. Roosevelt, where she crafted the act that would define his presidency: The New Deal. The Only Woman in the Photo introduces young readers to a woman who helped change America during one of the country’s most difficult times (ages 4-8, $13, amazon.com).
Marjory Saves the Everglades: The Story of Marjory Stoneman Douglas by Sandra Neil Wallace
The Everglades became the first national park not created for sightseeing, thanks to Marjory.
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In Marjory Saves the Everglades kids will learn that the Florida Everglades exist today thanks to the efforts of journalist Marjory Stoneman Douglas. After World War I, the Everglades were disappearing and Douglas fought for restoration and protection of this special place, until it was at last declared a National Park, preserving its diverse ecosystem. Bright illustrations capture the beauty of the Everglades and the tireless efforts of this unsung environmental hero (ages 4-8, $18, amazon.com).
Zaha Hadid by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara
Zaha designed the London 2012 Olympic Aquatic Centre.
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This addition to the popular Little People, Big Dreams series of books tells the story of visionary architect and designer Zaha Hadid. Hadid was an Iraqi-British woman whose love of design began at an early age, and she went on to design many of the world’s most unique buildings. Zaha Hadid brings this iconic woman’s influence in design and architecture alive for young readers today (ages 4-7, $10, amazon.com.
Strong Girls Gift Set by Brad Meltzer
A great gift for strong girls. (And boys!)
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Brad Meltzer’s Ordinary People Change the World series uses a kid-friendly format of text and illustration to highlight the lives of ordinary people who became legendary. This collection puts the spotlight on four women who made history: Amelia Earhart, Harriet Tubman, Jane Goodall and Sacagawea. This is an excellent way to introduce these impactful women to early readers. (ages 5-8, $25, amazon.com).
Dinosaur Lady: The Daring Discoveries of Mary Anning, the First Paleontologist by Linda Skeers
You’ll dig this picture book. (Get it?)
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For every little girl who loves dinosaurs, the story of Mary Anning is an inspiration. Manning’s discovery of dinosaur bones helped found a new scientific field: paleontology. Because of gender inequality during Anning’s time, she was not given credit for her findings and work that changed what we know about the natural world. In Dinosaur Lady Anning is given the accolades she deserves and energizes young women of today to follow their chosen path (ages 4-8, $14, amazon.com).
My Little Golden Book About Ruth Bader Ginsburg by Shana Corey
Inspiration for budding litigators!
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The life of icon Ruth Bader Ginsburg is told in a brand new addition to the classic line of Little Golden Books. In My Little Golden Book About Ruth Bader Ginsburg, little ones will learn about Ginsburg’s grit, integrity, and devotion to justice, along with her rise to the Supreme Court—the second woman ever to hold that position and the first Jewish woman to sit on the bench (ages 2-5, $5, amazon.com).
Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed
A beautiful bedtime read-aloud.
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A girl who dreamed of journeying into space, Mae Jemison’s parents encouraged her to pursue that dream, and with hard work, determination, and belief in herself, she became the first Black female astronaut in space, aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavor. Mae Among the Stars is a book that will encourage kids to believe in themselves and reach for their dreams (ages 4-9, $15, amazon.com).
