In my youth, I only scratched the surface of women’s history, often limited to the tales of Laura Ingalls Wilder. The literature we were assigned predominantly showcased the experiences of white males—rarely did we see women as protagonists. They were often relegated to the roles of supportive figures: sisters, mothers, and nurturers—never the heroes or visionaries.
Women’s contributions to history have often been overlooked or minimized, but March presents a timely opportunity to enrich our children’s understanding of the remarkable achievements of women throughout history. It’s crucial to recognize that knowledge of women’s history, akin to Black history, is a vital component of American history and should be shared with everyone, regardless of gender. I’m grateful that my children have access to literature that highlights strong female figures—something I missed out on during my formative years.
Here are ten groundbreaking children’s books written by and about women, serving as invaluable educational resources:
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Visionary Women Around the World
Authored and illustrated by Maya Thompson, this book is perfect for kids in second to fifth grade. It introduces readers to extraordinary women from diverse backgrounds, featuring figures like Gyo Fujikawa and Toni Morrison. Consider following it with Thompson’s other work, Bold Women in Black History. -
She Changed the World: 13 Inspiring American Women
Written by Jessica Hargrove, this engaging picture book targets children aged four to eight. It includes influential women such as Harriet Tubman and Ruby Bridges. If your child enjoys this book, check out its sequel, Women Who Changed History Around the World. -
Herstory: 50 Women and Girls Who Made History
This book, aimed at third and fourth graders, covers inspiring figures like Coco Chanel and Rosa Parks. Each biography is paired with illustrations and photographs for enhanced engagement. -
Fearless Women: 52 Stories of Adventurers, Rebels, and Daredevils
Linda Carter explores the lives of 52 brave women, from the 1700s to today. This collection is intended for upper elementary and middle school readers, showcasing women from various backgrounds and interests. -
Bad Girls in History: 100 Women Who Made a Difference
Featuring remarkable women such as Lucille Ball and Billie Holiday, this book offers detailed biographies accompanied by vibrant illustrations designed to captivate young readers. -
Women in Sports: 50 Athletes Who Changed the Game
Rachel Green’s book teaches upper-elementary and middle schoolers about athletic icons, from Simone Biles to Jackie Joyner-Kersee. Each athlete’s story is presented with engaging illustrations. Don’t forget to check out Women in Art and Women in Science for more. -
Inventive Women: Stories of Ingenious Female Innovators
Catherine Blake introduces readers in grades four to eight to groundbreaking female inventors like Letita Geer and Melitta Bentz. Each biography is supported by photographs and illustrations. -
Trailblazing Women: 25 Innovators Who Changed Our World
Author Samantha Brooks shares the stories of 25 pioneering women, including Amelia Earhart and Marie Curie, along with engaging illustrations and Q&A sections. -
Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Tales of Extraordinary Women
This collection, aimed at children in grades three to six, features brief biographies of women like Serena Williams and Frida Kahlo, each paired with beautiful illustrations. Be sure to check out the sequel, Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls 2. -
Galaxy Girls: 50 Inspiring Stories of Women in Space
Libby Jackson highlights the contributions of women like Mary Jackson and Katherine Johnson, who played pivotal roles in space exploration. This book emphasizes the often-overlooked contributions of women to significant historical events.
These ten exceptional books serve as a gateway for children to grasp the courage and creativity of women who have helped shape history. As feminist historian Laurel Thatcher Ulrich famously said, “Well-behaved women seldom make history.”
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In summary, these books not only celebrate women’s achievements but also empower the next generation by providing them with role models who dared to challenge the status quo.