Seattle's Child

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Great kids’ books about strong, smart, brave women

In honor of Women's History Month, kids' selections about women who persisted.

Women’s history in kids books: In honor of Women’s History Month, here are some books about the women who shaped history, and the girls who continue to pioneer in their footsteps. Share these books with your children and honor the women in your life.

This Little Trailblazer: A Girl Power Primer
By Joan Holub, illustrated by Daniel Roode​
Ages 2-4

Perfect for trailblazers-in-training! This bright, colorful and engaging history picture book teaches young readers about the women — engineers, artists, nurses, and activists — who laid the groundwork for the 21st century, and the women who continue to shape our times.

Like a Girl
By Lori Degman, illustrated by Mara Penny
Ages 4-8
Profiles of 24 activists, fighters, justice-seekers, scientists, and so much more! The phrase “Like a Girl” inspires!

Harlem’s Little Blackbird
By Renee Watson, illustrated by Christian Robinson
Ages 3-7

Florence Mills was the daughter of former slaves. She discovered her signing talent at a very young age that catapulted her to stardom, however she held back and uplifted her fellow black performers. Florence fought for equality and civil rights in a world full of prejudice.

Ada Twist, Scientist
By Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts
Ages 5-7

When her house fills with a horrible smell, Ada knows it’s up to her to find the source. Not afraid of failure, she embarks on a fact-finding mission and performs scientific experiments to discover what’s making that toe-curling stink!

Turning Pages: My Life Story
By Sonia Sotomayor, illustrated by Lulu Delacre​
Ages 4-8

Supreme Court Justice Sotomayor shares her love of books with a new generation of readers, and inspires them to read, puzzle and dream for themselves. By sharing her life story, she shows children how reading helped her realize her dreams.

Hidden Figures: The Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race
By Margot Lee Shutterly, illustrated by Laura Freeman
Ages 4-8

Learn about the women who supplied the calculations for some of NASA’s first journeys into space! A pivotal time in history, these four women faced racism and sexism, overcoming it all to make history.

She Did It! 21 Women Who Changed the Way We Think
By Emily Arnold McCully​
Ages 8-12
Prepare to discover new heroes among these 21 women who challenged the status quo, championed others, and made their voices heard. This collection of inspiring and expertly researched profiles charts the bold paths these women forged in the 20th century.

She Persisted series
By Various Authors
Ages 4-8

In the face of adversity, these women achieved fame, success, justice and much more. Read any or all the books in this series for a snapshot into women heroes who persisted in science, sports and social justice around the world.

Malala’s Magic Pencil
By Malala Yousafzai, illustrated by Kerascoet
Ages 3-6

Malala wants to make the world a better place. She wishes for a magic pencil to erase away the bad things, but soon finds that some things need more than just magic – hope, justice and the will to speak up. A wonderful book to introduce discussion about children in different parts of the world.

Frida Kahlo and Her Animalitos
By Monica Brown, illustrated by John Parra
Ages 6-10

Learn about Frida Kahlo’s life and inspiration from the animals that surrounded her. Meet Bonito, the parrot and Fulang Chang, her spider monkey, as they guide the reader through each facet of Frida’s life as an artist.

 

Originally published March 2019; updated March 2022

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