8 Empowering Kids Books for Women’s History Month
Women’s History Month is a time to celebrate the lives and achievements of girls and women in the arts, sciences, sports, politics, social activism, and more. According to Air Force General, Jacqueline Van Ovost, “It is hard to be what you cannot see”. We hope that these 8 titles will not only educate but inspire children to pursue their dreams.
If you’d like to purchase any of these books, we’d highly recommend seeking out your local independent bookstore. Your business helps ensure the survival of these vital cultural institutions during this difficult time.
1. Paper Bag Princess: 40th Anniversary Edition by Robert Munsch, Illustrated by Michael Martchenko
Recommended for Ages 2-5
An empowerment-focused keepsake edition of one of the world’s best-loved picture books.
When the fiercest dragon in the whole world smashes Princess Elizabeth’s castle, burns all her clothes, and captures her fiancé, Prince Ronald, Elizabeth takes matters into her own hands. With her wits alone and nothing but a paper bag to wear, the princess challenges the dragon to show his strength in the hopes of saving the prince. But is it worth all that trouble?
2. The Girl Who Rode a Shark by Ailsa Ross, Illustrated by Amy Blackwell
Recommended for Ages 8-12
The Girl Who Rode a Shark: And Other Stories of Daring Women is a rousing collection of biographies focused on women and girls who have written, explored, or otherwise plunged headfirst into the pages of history. Undaunted by expectations, they made their mark by persevering in pursuit of their passions. The tales come from a huge variety of times and places, from a Canadian astronaut to an Indian secret agent to a Balkan pirate queen who stood up to Ancient Rome.
3. Rad American Women A-Z by Kate Schatz, Illustrated by Miriam Klein Stahl
Recommended for Ages 8-16
Like all A-Z books, this one illustrates the alphabet—but instead of “A is for Apple”, A is for Angela—as in Angela Davis, the iconic political activist. B is for Billie Jean King, who shattered the glass ceiling of sports; C is for Carol Burnett, who defied assumptions about women in comedy; D is for Dolores Huerta, who organized farmworkers; and E is for Ella Baker, who mentored Dr. Martin Luther King and helped shape the Civil Rights Movement.
And the list of great women continues, spanning several centuries, multiple professions, and 26 diverse individuals. There are artists and abolitionists, scientists and suffragettes, rock stars and rabble-rousers, and agents of change of all kinds.
4. Pioneers of Science and Technology by Georgia Amson-Bradshaw, Illustrated by Rita Petruccioli
Recommended for Ages 9-12
Brilliant girls and boys everywhere will enjoy these stunningly illustrated, absorbing stories.
Each one introduces kids to women who have reached for the stars and stretched the boundaries of society, politics, and culture, changing the world along the way. In fact, these women were the change they wanted to see in the world! Includes Harriet Tubman, Helen Keller, Tarana Burke, Wangari Maathai, Malala Yousafzai, Eleanor Roosevelt, Maya Angelou, Eufrosina Cruz, and other groundbreakers. Every story comes with an engaging activity that will nurture a child’s own varied skills and inspire them to pursue a treasured goal or aspiration. It’s exceptional reading for the next generation of go-getters, trailblazers, doers, and dreamers.
5. Masterminds: Katherine Johnson by Izzi Howell
Recommended for 7-11
Meet the pioneers of S.T.E.A.M. and discover their fascinating life stories and inspirations with the Masterminds series.
Katherine Johnson was a mathematician who played a key role in calculating how to land on the moon. Featured in the 2016 movie “Hidden Figures”, Johnson was one of the greatest mathematical minds in U.S. history. Masterminds readers will learn how influential figures in S.T.E.A.M., like Johnson, made massive contributions to their fields and how their stories and discoveries remain relevant today.
6. Masterminds: Jane Goodall by Izzi Howell
Recommended for Ages 7-11
Through her work with chimpanzees, Jane Goodall furthered our understanding of animal behavior, and her work over the years has been instrumental in protecting wildlife. Masterminds readers will learn how influential figures in S.T.E.A.M., like Goodall, made massive contributions to their fields and how their stories and discoveries remain relevant today.
7. Great Lives in Graphics: Cleopatra
Recommended for Ages 8-12
Using bright infographics, this book presents over 250 facts about Cleopatra’s life. Queen of Egypt, she was clever (she could speak nine languages) and beautiful. This graphic retelling of her story gives children a colorful snapshot of her life and the world she grew up in, while educating them on everything from the Romans to the Egyptian zodiac. It includes an overview of her life, a timeline spread, a family outline, and a geographical summary of important places. It also features ‘Did You Know’ facts and inspiring quotes. For children aged 8+.
8. Great Lives in Graphics: Anne Frank
Recommended for Ages 8-12
Great Lives in Graphics reimagines the lives of extraordinary people in vivid technicolor, presenting 250+ fascinating facts in a new and exciting way. Using colorful infographics, this book presents over 250 facts about Anne Frank, a young Jewish girl who kept a diary of her time hiding from the Nazis in Amsterdam. This graphic retelling of her story gives children a visual snapshot of her life and the world she grew up in, while educating them on everything from World War II to the dangers of prejudice. It includes an overview of her life, a timeline spread, a family outline, and a geographical summary of important places. It also features ‘Did You Know’ facts and inspiring quotes. For children aged 8+.
