For women’s history month, I’m sharing some of our favorite non-fiction picture books about women… amazing women!
As the mom of boys, I believe it’s just as important that both boys and girls learn about inspiring women and learn that girls can do the same thing as boys — sometimes with better results!
My boys have learned that girls can be leading thinkers and accomplish some pretty cool things despite the roadblocks society may have put in their way. Now that’s the power of intelligent picture books about women!
Be sure to out these other children’s books about women – perfect for kids of all ages.
You can find these books at your local library or purchase through the affiliate links provided for your convenience.
My boys really did enjoy reading about all of these amazing women!
Two books that really stood out for them was Players In Pigtails and The Tree Lady: The True Story of How One Tree-Loving Woman Changed a City Forever.
We even had the audio version of Players in Pigtails and would listen to it time and time again while in the car.
NON FICTION PICTURE BOOKS ABOUT WOMEN
A wonderful tribute to the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, created during WWII, this story focuses on one girl's journey to the big leagues.
Best Book of the Year by the Boston Globe, Kirkus Reviews, Booklist and the Bank Street College of Education.
Young animal lovers and Winter's many fans will welcome this fascinating and moving portrait of an extraordinary person and the animals to whom she has dedicated her life.
Henrietta Levitt was the first person to discover the scientific importance of a star’s brightness—so why has no one heard of her?
Learn all about a female pioneer of astronomy in this picture book biography.
In her eloquent prose, Doreen Rappaport captures the essence of Eleanor's character and the deep significance of her legacy. With beautiful paintings by Gary Kelley and selections from Eleanor's own writings, Eleanor, Quiet No More is an extraordinary tribute to an extraordinary American.
The ever-fascinating story of the legendary pilot is given new life in this vividly told true-life adventure.
In clear and simple words and jewel-like paintings, here is the essential story of the woman whose passion for justice led to the passing of the Nineteenth Amendment, which gave women the right to vote.
Combining her ancestors’ passion for service with her own adventurous spirit and her belief that girls could do anything, Juliette Gordon Low founded the Girl Scouts.
One hundred years later, they continue to have adventures, do good deeds, and make a difference!
Maggie dreamed of flying--just like her favorite pilot, Amelia Earhart. She told her brothers and sisters stories of flying across oceans and deserts, and all around the world.
But in the 1920s and 1930s, few girls took to the sky.
Wangari Maathai changed the way the world thinks about nature, ecology, freedom, and democracy, inspiring radical efforts that continue to this day.
With charming pen-and-ink and watercolor illustrations, this introduction to one of the most prolific female inventors will leave readers inspired.
A thrilling picture book biography of Civil War soldier Sarah Emma Edmonds, from award-winning creators Marissa Moss and John Hendrix.
This incredible true story of a brave young woman who makes an unlikely choice to fight for her country is one that should not be lost to history.
Publishers Weekly Flying Start Award * Booklist Editors ChoiceC * hildren’s Literature Choice List * Publishers Weekly Best Children's Books
Amelia Bloomer, a rebellious reformer and early women's rights activist, invented bloomers, thus liberating women from the dangerous and oppressive clothing of the mid-nineteenth century.
Here is her story, told in buoyant, witty text and beautiful, high styled-illustrations.
With lively text and humorous illustrations as full of spirit as Esther herself, this striking picture book biography shows how one girl's gumption propels her through a life filled with challenges until, in 1869, she wins the vote for women in Wyoming Territory – the first time ever in the United States!
Unearth the true story of green-thumbed pioneer and activist Kate Sessions, who helped San Diego grow from a dry desert town into a lush, leafy city known for its gorgeous parks and gardens.
Once upon a time, American children couldn’t borrow library books.
Reading wasn’t all that important for children, many thought. Luckily Miss Anne Carroll Moore thought otherwise!
In the 1830s, when a brave and curious girl named Elizabeth Blackwell was growing up, women were supposed to be wives and mothers.
Some women could be teachers or seamstresses, but career options were few. Certainly no women were doctors.
When Louise Smith started racing cars, most girls weren't even allowed to drive.
From her first wild adventure behind the wheel of her daddy's Ford to the dangers and thrills of stock-car tracks across the country, Louise fearlessly paved the way for women in racing and became a NASCAR legend!
Anna May Wong the first Chinese American movie star was a pioneer of the cinema.
Her spirited determination in the face of discrimination is an inspiration to all who must overcome obstacles so that their dreams may come true.
When her husband was given command of a clipper ship custom-made to travel quickly, Ellen Prentiss knew that they would need every bit of its speed for their maiden voyage: out of New York City, down around the tip of Cape Horn, and into San Francisco, where the Gold Rush was well under way.
In a time when few women even accompanied their husbands onboard, Ellen Prentiss navigated their ship to set the world record for speed along that route.
Be sure to join my fellow bloggers on Multicultural Kid Blogs who are also highlighting amazing women with kid-focused activities throughout the month.
Wonderful Collection. The celebration of women’s day continues here.
Thanks. I do love finding these types of books to read with my boys. 🙂
This is such a wonderful collection of books about amazing women! You don’t see enough! Sharing.
I would agree. Finding books about strong women is so important. And my boys do love reading them 😀
Glad to see I Can Do That on this list.
What a great selection! I’ll keep an eye out for these!
Definitely do. If they pass the mustard with my boys — you know they’re fabulous books!
What a great round up – thank you for sharing!
I want to raise my boys to be feminists and these books are fantastic tools to teach how important women are, especially in traditionally male dominated roles.
When we first started reading them, Gude, I loved the surprised comments from my boys that girls weren’t treated as equals. They couldn’t believe anyone would be treated unfairly. It’s been eye opening — from a kindergartener’s perspective — and taught them that strong women are to be embraced. I’ll know I’ve done a good job when they marry a strong woman when they’re grown 😀
Thanks for the list! I’ve added loads of these to my wish list for my little boys. Can’t wait to read them together!