Mighty girls, dare I call them kick-butt women?, are everywhere. Both in our history and rocking it in our world today, women are changing things, standing up, and in hugely diverse ways.
I love that children’s books are being released in piles that celebrate these women and share their moments – both big and small.
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So what made this list?
- Non-fiction books about REAL amazing strong women.
- More recent books. There are some classics that are inspiring, but I wanted to introduce you to some new voices and new stories.
- Books that show women and girls as strong and smart, in a way that seems to shrug and say but of course women are equal and awesome. It is my personal opinion that we change the reality by changing it, not by endlessly discussing it. There are some that talk about women’s history because I do think it is important to know where we came from, but most of the books below just show us what amazing women look like so they can lead our girls by example and demonstrate to the little fellows in our lives that there are other strong women – other than their Mamas of course.
- Interesting, fun, inspiring books that are good for reading aloud and for reading again and again and again.
Also Read: Andrea Davis Pinkney Author Study Ideas
This is a huge list because there are so many awesome ones. Grab a pen and dash down your favorites, or click the amazon links to order today or put them on your wish list. These are books you will want in your collections, want to read aloud to little listeners, and share
40 Children’s Books
about Amazing Girls & Women
1. Cubs in the Tub: The True Story of the Bronx Zoo’s First Woman Zookeeper
by Candace Fleming
illustrated by Julie Downing
This is one of our new favorite nonfiction books. It is the story of Helen Martini who became the first female zookeeper at the Bronx zoo through an unlikely path. It’s one of those too good to be true, you can’t make this up, type stories. The text is well paced, snappy and uses page turns so well. The illustrations are warm and cozy, like a nursery, which will make sense when you read the book. It is great to be read aloud, great for animal fans, and fits well with nonfiction children’s books about amazing women for Women’s History Month.
2. Kate’s Light: Kate Walker at Robbins Reef Lighthouse
written by Elizabeth Spires
illustrated by Emily Arnold McCully
This is an interesting story about an immigrant who married a lighthouse keeper, became an assistant lightkeeper and then took over full care of the lighthouse after her husband passed away. Kate’s perseverance as she adapted to a new country, a life isolated at the lighthouse, and to being a lighthouse keeper is inspiring. She made the best of a life many refused and saved many lives. It is a grueling life shared through the words and the moody, watercolor illustrations.
3. The Doctor With an Eye for Eyes: The Story of Dr. Patricia Bath
Written by Julia Finley Mosca
Illustrated by Daniel Rieley
How is it possible that I have not heard of Dr. Patricia Bath until I read this book? Granted I don’t spend a lot of time in the world of eye doctors, but still. She is awesome. Julia Finley Mosca articulates Dr Bath’s laundry list of accomplishments with a poetic, rhyming style that carries you through her life story in a way that is far from the boring, droning resume reading style of so many children’s book biographies. Instead, you are left in awe of an incredible woman and her barrier breaking career inspired by a chemistry set, encouraging parents, and an inquisitive girl.
My daughter loved this book. She saw her self in the curious little New Yorker who plays with her brother and I can only hope she saw how much amazing potential the world carries for people who drive, bravery and perseverance like Dr. Bath.
Another Great List:
16 Picture Books about Women Scientists
4. Mermaid Queen
by Shana Corey
illustrated by Edwin Fotheringham
If you look at people swimming one hundred years ago, you’ll see pictures of women in full dresses that were considered “bathing costumes,” but have you ever wondered how we got from that to what we wear today? Aussie swimmer, Annette Kellerman played a huge role in shaping not only women’s role in swimming, but also what they wore to do it. This is a highly readable picture book about a strong, bold, and inventive woman.
5. Ruth Bader Ginsburg: The Case of R. B. G. vs Inequality
Written by Jonah Winter
Illustrated by Stacy Innerst
I love that this book is presented like the author is arguing a case in court. A creative way to approach a book and perfect for the subject matter. Ruth Bader Ginsburg is an incredibly inspiring person and this well describes her life. She endured sexism and antisemitism and loss to rise to the highest court in the land. Older kids should also read Becoming RBG, an impressive graphic novel biography of Ginsburg.
6. Nadia the Girl Who Couldn’t Sit Still
Written by Karlin Gray
Illustrated by Christine Davenier
I love this book because I’m a huge gymnastics fan, but more importantly because I have a little girl who cannot sit still. I am forever hearing stereotypes about boys who are active and I love that this book shows an example of not only a fidgety girl but how that turned into a wonderful thing.
Another Great List:
Even More Children’s Books on Women…Amazing Women
7. Code Breaker, Spy Hunter: How Elizabeth Friedman Changed the Course of Two World Wars
by Laurie Wallmark
art by Brooke Smart
Details of Elizabeth Friedman’s incredibly career in cryptography have been hushed secrets until recently. This book tells of her incredible achievements across agencies and decades of work. It is also shares playful ways that Elizabeth and her husband used codes and has backmatter on cracking codes. This is definitely a picture book for mid-upper elementary schoolers because the text and concepts are a little more in depth, but it’s a fun one to use in a variety of ways.
8. For the Right to Learn: Malala Yousafzai’s Story
Written by Rebecca Langston-George
Illustrated by Janna Bock
This is a long book for a picture book, but it well summarizes the incredible story of Malala Yousafzai. It is beautifully illustrated by Janna Bock and full of the emotion and heart of Malala’s own autobiography. I would recommend this for elementary children who are not quite ready to read Malala’s full chapter book, but ready to hear about this difficult but true story.
9. The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Temple Grandin
Written by Julia Finley Mosca
Illustrated by Daniel Rieley
For any child who has ever felt like they didn’t fit in, Temple Grandin is a name to know. Temple was diagnosed with Autism when she was young and this book shares her story from birth to present. I love the straightforward honesty with which her story is presented. The rhyming text adds a bounce and poetry to her story, but her childhood is not glossed over and her difficulties never ignored. The balance of struggles and successes helps to emphasize her strength and perseverance. Now a bestselling author, scientist and advocate, Temple shows little kids everywhere that they are “Different, not less.”
10. Fly High! The Story of Bessie Coleman
by Louise Bordon and Mary Kay Kroeger
Illustrated by Teresa Flavin
This is the story of the first African American with a pilot’s license. She is one inspiring lady and I like the way her story is told through stories in different voices who knew her. This book offers a good perspective on the period, interesting perspectives on a controversial person, and is a fun book to read.
11. Minty: A Story of Young Harriett Tubman
by Alan Schroeder
Illustrated by Jerry Pinkney
I would call this one historical fiction for kids. The facts are true but the account of young Harriett is fictionalized. It draws you into the reality of slavery in a huge sweep of language and illustrations. This is unlike any other book I’ve read about Harriett Tubman (and there are a ton of good ones!).
12. Counting on Katherine
by Helaine Becker
illustrated by Dow Phumiruk
This book shares the story of Katherine Johnson the amazing mathematician who worked for NASA and helped save Apollo 13. This is the same story that has been shared in several other books and a movie at this point, but it is a better look at her lifelong struggles in a child appropriate way and length. An inspiring story and one where a woman uses math as her super power.
13. Shark Lady: The True Story of How Eugenie Clark Became the Ocean’s Most Fearless Scientist
Written by Jess Keating
Illustrated by Marta Alvarez Miguens
One of the best non-fiction picture books I have ever read. Interesting topic and great message. Beautiful illustrations and fascinating details. This book both satisfied us with its story and information and yet left us eager to leave more. SHARK LADY is a well done biography from start to finish. Great for anyone who loves the ocean and sharks, but also a wonderful empowering story about a woman who succeeded through determination and hard work.
14. One Plastic Bag: Isatou Ceesay and the Recycling Women of Gambia
Written by Miranda Paul
Illustrations by Elizabeth Zunon
This is the true story of women in Gambia who recycle plastic bags into beautiful things. It is an inspiring example of how simple things can make a huge difference.
15. Who Says Women Can’t Be Doctors? The Story of Elizabeth Blackwell
Written by Tanya Lee Stone
Illustrated by Marjorie Priceman
I have known that Elizabeth Blackwell was the first woman doctor in America since childhood but I don’t think I had ever really heard our story. This book captures her spirit, her fight, her strength. Very readable and colorfully illustrated, this is a fun biography to share.
16. Bloom: A Story of Fashion Designer Elsa Schiaparelli
Written by Kyo Maclear
Illustrated by Julie Morstad
A captivating story of Elsa Sciaparelli’s defiant and creative life. I knew nothing about Sciaparelli aside from the basic fact that she designed clothing before I opened the book and left feeling inspired by her spirit and determination and daring. Add this to your collection of amazing biographies that have emboldened and inspired the children’s book world of late.
17. Rescue and Jessica: A Life Changing Friendship
Written by Jessica Kensky and Patrick Downes
illustrated by Scott Magoon
Based on the true story of a woman injured in the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing (although that is only mentioned in the author’s note) and her service dog. Warm, honest, and inspiring this story tells the struggles of someone adapting to a prosthetic, but also the life changing help that a service dog can provide. Equal parts sweet and heartwarming, these two characters will stay with you long after you close the book.
18. Away with Words: The Daring Story of Isabella Bird
by Lori Mortensen
illustrated by Kristy Caldwell
The story of a truly incredibly daring woman. Isabella Bird was an adventurer and writer who explored the world despite what was considered proper for women at the time. This book captures the breath of those travels and the conflict she often encountered with the world and herself over her less traditional life choices. This is a longer story – best for elementary schoolers – but written with pace and vigor that mirrors the subject’s. Isabella Bird was new to me when I opened the book, but I left inspired, in awe, and eager to share her story.
19. Mary Wears What She Wants
by Keith Negley
This is the kind of book that makes you laugh and think and close it and rush to your nearest friend to insist they read it too. Or at least that’s what it made me do at the bookstore before I happily added it to my must-own pile to bring home. It is a story based on Mary Walker, one of the first women to wear pants. Her defiant spunk is well captured on the pages. It is also a brilliant example of the marrying of text and illustrations on the page to tell a story and heighten humor. A well crafted tale of an awesome woman to inspire the little people in your life to stand up and think for themselves.
20. She Spoke: 14 Women Who Raised Their Voices and Changed the World
by Kathy Macmillan and Manuela Bernardi
illustrated by Kathrin Honesta
This is such a cool book. It is a collection of 14 women and their empowering stories. Each page tells a brief bio, some quick facts, and offers an inspiring “your turn” box. None of that is what makes it so unique though. Each of the 14 women also have a recorded portion of a speech included. There is a brief description about their speech on each page and when you push the button on the side with their face you get to hear the real deal. I love this creative use of sound. I love how this brings to life these moments in history. I love that you can hear the woman’s voice. On top of all that, the book is interesting, the illustrations are lovely drawn portraits, and the whole things feels inspiring. This is such a cool book.
21. The Girl Who Rode a Shark & Other Stories of Daring Women
by Ailsa Ross
illustrated by Amy Blackwell
A lot of these collections have been published in recent years. I own several of them. Collections sharing stories of brave and creative women who pushed boundaries. This one feels different to me for two reasons. One. It is the most international of the ones I have read. There are women from all over the planet. 52 of them from Haiti and Japan to Morocco and Kenya. But two is the biggest for me – I like this book because before reading it I had heard of almost none of these incredible women. Most of these were new stories, despite having a fairly feminist mom and a stack of books about women. I love reading their stories. These were and are incredible women. A small word of caution – some of these would be fine for any child with a long enough attention span but some do touch of subjects like nazi torture that you may want to wait to read depending on your child. Overall, a collection I’m delighted to own and share with my kids.
22. Rosie: Stronger than Steel
by Lindsay Ward
Told from the perspective of a tractor made during World War II, this tells the story of women building and farming in the US and Europe to support the war efforts. I knew little about this vital role women played during the war before reading this book. It is engaging, beautiful but also highly informative. It reads like fiction but conveys significant history. This is the kind of book that defies expectations and questions your assumptions. A delightful read.
Also Read: Women’s History Month Read Aloud and Activity Ideas
23. Our Flag Was Still There
by Jessie Hartland
This is the true story of Mary Pickersgill and the Star-Spangled Banner. The name Betsy Ross was always associated with the Star-Spangled Flag in my history lessons, but this is the story of another woman who was put in charge of creating the largest American flag that is still on display in the Smithsonian National Museum today and was the flag that inspired Francis Scott Key to write the American anthem. It was an immense undertaking and her story is shared on these vibrant pages.
24. The Only Woman in the Photo
by Kathleen Krull
illustrated by Alexandra Bye
Did you know that it was a woman who is largely responsible for Social Security, workplace regulations and many of the other safety laws that we take for granted in America? Did you know that FDR had the first woman ever to serve in a US Cabinet? Did you know her name was Frances Perkins? For all I have learned about history, about FDR and about his many New Deal laws, I had never heard of this quietly feisty, intelligent woman until today. Well written and researched, illustrated with pizzazz and the bold colors of a history worth sharing. This is a story I feel like I should have known sooner and I’m so glad it’s on my shelves now.
25. What Miss Mitchell Saw
by Hayley Barrett
illustrated by Diana Sudyka
A dreamy story about Maria Mitchell who discovered a comet. At a time when women were credited with little, Maria Mitchell was the first to spot a comet in 1847. It was named after her and she was awarded a gold medal from the King of Denmark. She was the first American astronomer to win the Danish medal and the first women to discover a telescopic comet. Her story is a gentle one but full of determination and curiosity.
26. The Power of Her Pen: The Story of Groundbreaking Journalist Ethel L. Payne
by Lesa Cline-Ransome
illustrated by John Parra
Ethel L. Payne was a groundbreaking journalist and I love that this book shares her story. She was in the White House Press Core for nearly five decades asking questions that no one else even considered. She was front and center for history’s big moments from World War II through the Civil Right’s Movement. I imagine the author had quite the task to take such a life and condense it into a picture book but she does it well. Compelling, inspiring, and interesting, the biography of Payne and her pen is an important story well told.
27. That Book Woman
Written by Heather Henson
Pictures by David Small
Amazing book about the power of books. Told by an Appalachian boy who learns the power of books from the grit and bravery of a library woman. I cried. It’s awesome.
28. The Stuff Between the Stars
by Sandra Nickel
illustrated by Aimee Sicuro
Although it took most of her life to be respected as an astronomer, Vera Rubin persisted. Her intelligence is impressive, but I came away most in awe of her determination. Vera fell in love with the skies and was determined to study them. Because of her we know far more about the universe that we likely would have for a long time without her. I love this story, well told and beautifully illustrated, for the role model she is for little girls interested in pursuing a career in science everywhere.
29. Little Melba and Her Big Trombone
Written by Katheryn Russell-Brown
Illustrated by Frank Morrison
The true story of jazz legend Melba Doretta Liston. Melba overcame many obstacles to be the first woman of any race to be a world-class trombone player, composer and arranger. Full of spunk and born to make music, Melba’s story is an inspiration for anyone who just feels in their bones that they are meant to do something. This picture book is told and illustrated with that same spunk and rhythm.
30. Herstory: 50 Women and Girls Who Shook Up the World
Written by Katherine Halligan
Illustrated by Sarah Walsh
Women have been changing, shaping, and contributing to the world forever, but their achievements are documented far less than their male counterparts. This book is an admirable step towards correcting this. HERSTORY shares 50 women and girls from around the world who have helped to shape our current world. There are names you will recognize like Sister Theresa and Maya Angelou, but also you will likely never have heard of such as Hatshepsut or Annie Sullivan.
Certainly not for kids younger than 5 or 6, but older children will find the stories interesting and often surprising. I believe it is an excellent historical reference book and a book worthy of your nonfiction shelf.
31. We Are Explorers
by Kari Herbert
This is the latest in a series of books about incredible women. I loved the variety and diversity of artists included in WE ARE ARTISTS and this is equally irresistible. These are 14 stories about women who explored, pushed boundaries and went on adventures. They are bite sized stories, just a few pages long each. My favorite parts are the photographs and paintings that have been used to illustrate the book. This is one of my go-to collections to choose stories to share with my students for social studies, cultural studies, Women’s History month and more.
32. Sarah and the Big Wave: The True Story of the First Woman to Surf Mavericks
written by Bonnie Tsui
illustrated by Sophie Diao
This book is stunning. The brilliant blues of the ocean pour across the spreads and capture the enormous waves. This is a true story about the first woman to surf Mavericks, the giant waves at a particular beach in Northern California. Told with excellent pacing and still capturing her inspiring story as one of the first female surfers, this is an excellent read aloud.
33. Marjory Saves the Everglades: The Story of Marjory Stoneman Douglas
Written by Sandra Neil Wallace
Illustrated by Rebecca Gibbon
I am a sucker for a story about a feisty female who refuses to give up. The Everglades are a truly unique part of the world, but few understood that until Marjory Stoneman Douglas quite literally made them. The Everglades National Park exists due to her efforts and there are protected, threatened and endangered species that still exist due to her efforts. Bright watery illustrations and a straightforward can do text that reflect Marjory’s manner pair wonderfully to share this interesting and inspiring story.
34. Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea
by Meena Harris
illustrated by Ana Ramirez Gonzalez
I love the way this captures problem solving, persistence and a community coming together. The fact that it’s based on a real story and includes a hefty dose of girl power is even better. Well written, brightly illustrated and full of you-can-do-it enthusiasm, this is sure to inspire kids everywhere to make a difference in their own corner of the world.
35. Dinosaur Lady
by Linda Skeers
illustrated by Marta Alvarez Miguens
Did you know that Mary Anning was the first paleontologist? I love her as a feisty role model for little girls. She simply followed her interests despite a plethora of naysayers and doubters. Beautifully illustrated and well told, this is a great picture book bio.
36. Shaped by Her Hands
by Anna Harber Freeman and Barbara Gonzales
illustrated by Aphelandra
A picture book bio about potter Maria Martinez. You may not know her name, but you might recognize her striking clay pots. This is a story of passing things down, sharing your culture, and creating beautiful art.
37. A Dinosaur Named Ruth: How Ruth Mason Discovered Fossils in Her Own Backyard
by Julia Lyon
illustrated by Alexandra Bye
Ruth Mason’s story is one of following your instincts, curiosity, and love of science no matter what anyone says. It is the remarkable story of a girl who found dinosaur bones in her yard and was ignored for decades. A great one for girls who love dinosaurs and science.
38. Harriet’s Ruffled Feathers: The Woman Who Saved Millions of Birds
by Joy McCullough
illustrated by Romina Galotta
This book is everything nonfiction should be; well written, well paced, interesting story, and informative. I had never heard of Harriet or how the Audubon Society was formed. To learn this impressive story while being tickled by bird puns was a delight.
39. Dangerous Jane: The Life and Times of Jane Addams, Crusader for Peace
by Suzanne Slade
illustrated by Alice Ratterree
Biographies are less often told birth to death in picture books these days and when they are it is even rarer for them to be compelling. Suzanne Slade however tells the story of Jane Addams with such pace and heart that you are propelled through this incredible woman’s life in awe of all she did.
40. The Girl Who Could Fix Anything: Beatrice Shilling, World War II Engineer
by Mara Rockliff
illustrated by Daniel Duncan
This is a great story about another impressive lady in STEM that you have probably never heard of before. It is well paced, with a nice refrain that works well when reading this aloud. Beatrice Shilling’s story is inspiring and interesting and perfect for any girls who have dreams of tools or just love to do what they are told they cannot.
What an absolutely fabulous list! Thank you for putting it together–and thank you for including The Stuff Between the Stars on the Ultimate List of CHildren’s Books about Amazing Women!