International Women’s Day (March 8, 2025 this year) is a perfect time to introduce young readers to inspiring women who have shaped history, science, sports, and the arts. These books bring their stories to life, showcasing courage, creativity, and determination.
From mountaineer Junko Tabei to artist Barbara Cooney and the codebreakers of Bletchley Park, these reads offer powerful role models for kids of all ages. Here are some must-read books to celebrate the women who changed the world!
“World More Beautiful: The Life and Art of Barbara Cooney”
By Angela Burke Kunkel and Becca Stadtlander
Barbara Cooney illustrated and wrote more than 100 children’s books, many award-winning and beloved, including “Miss Rumphius“, about a woman who spreads lupine seeds to make the world a more beautiful place. This gentle picture biography reflects Cooney’s art and the arc of her generous life.
(Image courtesy Penguin Random House)
“Tove and the Island with No Address”
By Lauren Soloy
Another lovely author bio, but this one a story about the young life of Finnish author and the creator of the Moomins, Tove Jansson. Lauren Soloy, who also loves to draw little creatures, imagines a day for little Tove. On an island, free and roaming, she collects treasures and visits a grotto, inhabited by a secret friend and his wild little girls.
(Image courtesy Penguin Random House)
“Finding My Dance”
By Ria Thundercloud | Illustrated by Kalila J. Fuller
Ria Thundercloud has performed around the world in a career with professional ballet companies. She began dancing at powwows in her beautiful orange jingle dress. Ria is from the Ho-Chunk Nation and the Sandia Pueblo and here she tells the story of her love of dance and how it grew across many genres. As a mother of dancers, this book has been a personal favorite.
(Image courtesy Penguin Random House)
“Up, Up, Ever Up! Junko Tabei A Life in the Mountains”
By Anita Yasuda | Art by Yuko Shimizu
Junko Tabei was the first woman to summit Mount Everest. During her lifetime, she climbed the world’s highest mountains and inspired women climbers everywhere. Tabei was also an amazing humanitarian and her life is told in this gorgeously illustrated biography.
(Image courtesy Harper Collins)
“Introducing Sandwina, The Strongest Woman in the World”
Written by Vicki Conrad | Drawn by Jeremy Holmes
With charming carnival-inspired fonts and illustrations for kids 7-10, we learn about Katie Brumbach, a circus strong woman. At over six feet tall, she performed many feats, including holding both her husband and baby aloft in one arm. Filled with details and facts about early women bodybuilders.
(Image courtesy Penguin Random House)
“When We Flew Away: A Novel of Anne Frank Before the Diary”
By Alice Hoffman
With the deft and grace that Alice Hoffman provides, this novel for middle readers (ages 8-12) shapes a narrative for the girlhood of Anne Frank. Anne drinks hot chocolate, visits the bookstore, does her homework like any school kid. Based on Hoffman’s research, this tender story would be perfect before reading Frank’s Diary, or as an addition.
(Image courtesy Scholastic Library)
“The Enigma Girls”
By Candace Fleming
Who isn’t fascinated by codebreakers and ciphers? This nonfiction for ages 10-14 traces the largely forgotten contributions of 10 teens working at the famed Bletchley Park during WWII. Well-researched, fast-paced, and loaded with photos.
(Image courtesy Scholastic Library
“A Greater Goal”
By Elizabeth Rusch
The US Women’s National Team, ranked number one in the world, had to fight for their own equal pay and equal treatment. This organized effort, led by fan favorites like Megan Rapinoe, gives the play-by-play of legal action and activism that will inspire fans of soccer and social justice.
(Image courtesy Harper Collins)
“Eve: How the Female Body Shaped Human Evolution”
By Cat Bohannon
You’ve got to check out local author Cat Bohannon’s award-winning book, “Eve”, in the newly released adaptation for young adults. Bohannon sets her sights on how the story of human evolution can – and obviously should – include and center the female. This is a book not to miss.
(Image courtesy Penguin Random House)
