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Last updated on August 9th, 2024 at 12:52 pm
If youโve been on the lookout for some truly inspiring reads for the young girls (and boys) in your life, youโve come to the right place.
We all know how important it is for kids to have role models they can look up to, and thatโs why weโve compiled a list of 58 incredible books that feature real-life female role models who have made their mark on the world.
These books showcase women from all walks of lifeโscientists, artists, athletes, activists, and moreโwho have overcome challenges, broken barriers, and achieved incredible things. From the groundbreaking discoveries of Marie Curie to the pioneering adventures of Mae Jemison, each story is a testament to the power of determination, courage, and resilience.
So, whether youโre looking to inspire a budding scientist or artist, a future Supreme Court justice like Ruth Bader Ginsburg, an athlete like Simone Biles, or simply want to share some amazing stories, these books are sure to captivate and motivate children of all ages.
Letโs get to it, and discover these fantastic reads together!
Inspiring Books for Girls Featuring Real-Life Role Models
Herstory: 50 Women and Girls Who Shook Up the World
Throughout history, girls have often been discussed in terms of what they couldnโt or shouldnโt do. Not anymore. Itโs time for herstoryโa celebration of not only what girls can do, but the remarkable things women have already accomplished, even when others tried to stop them.
In this uplifting and inspiring book, follow the stories of fifty powerhouse women from around the world and across time who each managed to change the world as they knew it forever. Telling the stories of their childhood, the challenges they faced, and the impact of their achievements, each lavishly illustrated spread is a celebration of girl power in its many forms. From astronauts to activists, musicians to mathematicians, these women are sure to motivate young readers of all backgrounds to focus not on the canโts and shouldnโts, but on what they can do: anything!
Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Tales of Extraordinary Women
A New York Times bestseller! Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls is a children’s book packed with 100 bedtime stories about the lives of extraordinary women from the past and the present.
The unique narrative style of Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls transforms each biography into a fairytale, filling readers with wonder and a burning curiosity to know more about heroes such as:
- Ada Lovelace, Mathematician
- Amelia Earhart, Aviator
- Frida Kahlo, Painter
- Malala Yousafzai, Activist
- Jane Goodall, Primatologist
- Julia Child, Chef
- Marie Curie, Scientist
- Maya Angelou, Writer
- Michelle Obama, Lawyer and First Lady
- Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Supreme Court Justice
Each woman’s story is also accompanied by a full-page, full-color portrait that captures her rebel spirit.
Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Immigrant Women Who Changed the World
Readers will whip up a plate with Asma Khan, strategize global affairs alongside Madeleine Albright, venture into business with Rihanna, and many more. All of these unique, yet relatable stories are accompanied by gorgeous, full-page, full-color portraits.
Rad American Women A-Z: Rebels, Trailblazers, and Visionaries Who Shaped Our History…and Our Future!
American history was made by countless radโand often radicalโwomen. By offering a fresh and diverse array of female role models, we can remind readers that there are many places to find inspiration, and that being smart and strong and brave is rad.
Courageous History Makers: 11 Women from Latin America who changed the World highlights 11 women from Latin America who excelled in science, sports, the arts, journalism, politics and more. Some notable women featured include Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, Nobel Peace Prize Winner Rigoberta Menchu, Grammy-winning musical icon Celia Cruz, and renowned pilot Hermelinda Urvina. By presenting the true biographical stories of these outstanding women in rhyming verses, young readers will follow their journey to success. Recommended for children ages 5-8, grades K-3rd.
This Little Trailblazer: A Girl Power Primer Board Book
Next up on our list of inspiring books for girls–“This Little Trailblazer.” Highlighting ten memorable women leaders who paved the way, parents and little ones alike will love this girl power primer full of fun, age-appropriate facts and bold illustrations.
She Persisted is for everyone who has ever wanted to speak up but has been told to quiet down, for everyone who has ever tried to reach for the stars but was told to sit down, and for everyone who has ever been made to feel unworthy or unimportant or small.
This book features: Harriet Tubman, Helen Keller, Clara Lemlich, Nellie Bly, Virginia Apgar, Maria Tallchief, Claudette Colvin, Ruby Bridges, Margaret Chase Smith, Sally Ride, Florence Griffith Joyner, Oprah Winfrey, Sonia Sotomayorโand one special cameo.
Black Women in Science: A Black History Book for Kids (Biographies for Kids)
Learn about amazing Black women in STEMโ15 fascinating science biographies for kids 9 to 12.
Throughout history, Black women have blazed trails across the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Black Women in Science brings something special to black history books for kids, celebrating incredible Black women in STEM who have used their brains, bravery, and ambition to beat the odds.
Discover 15 science stories for kids that explore the lives of bold female scientists. Learn how each of them advanced their STEM fields and fought to build a legacy. Through the triumphs of these amazing women, you’ll find remarkable role models.
The Story of Malala Yousafzai: An Inspiring Biography for Young Readers
Help kids ages 6 to 9 discover the life of Malala Yousafzaiโa story about standing up for education and equal rights.
Malala Yousafzai became a brave activist while she was still a young girl. Before she fearlessly fought for girls’ right to education, she was a thoughtful kid who enjoyed school, sports, and daydreaming. Then, Malala was told that girls would no longer be able to go to school. But she didn’t let that stop her. Find out how Malala stood up for equal rights and became the youngest person ever to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.
I am Rosa Parks (Ordinary People Change the World)
Civil Rights leader Rosa Parks is the third hero in in the New York Times bestselling picture book biography series for ages 5 to 8.
Each picture book in this series is a biography of a significant historical figure, told in a simple, conversational, vivacious way, and always focusing on a character trait that made the person heroic. The heroes are depicted as children throughout, telling their life stories in first-person present tense, which keeps the books playful and accessible to young children. And each book ends with a line of encouragement, a direct quote, and photos on the last page. This story focuses on Rosa Parks and how she always stood up for what’s right.
Margaret Hamilton loved numbers as a young girl. She knew how many miles it was to the moon (and how many back). She loved studying algebra and geometry and calculus and using math to solve problems in the outside world.
Soon math led her to MIT and then to helping NASA put a man on the moon! She handwrote code that would allow the spacecraftโs computer to solve any problems it might encounter. Apollo 8. Apollo 9. Apollo 10. Apollo 11. Without her code, none of those missions could have been completed.
In 1978, Sally Ride, a PhD candidate at Stanford University, responded to a newspaper ad to join the US astronaut program. She was accepted and became the first American woman astronaut to fly in space! Among her other accomplishments, she played tennis like a professional, was an astrophysicist who helped develop a robotic arm for space shuttles, and later, through Sally Ride Science, worked to make science cool and accessible for girls. Sally Ride, who died on July 23, 2012, will continue to inspire young children.
Inspired by the life of the first African American woman to travel in space, Mae Jemison. A great classroom and bedtime read-aloud, Mae Among the Stars is the perfect book for young readers who have big dreams and even bigger hearts.
Little Maeโs curiosity, intelligence, and determination, matched with her parents’ encouraging words, paved the way for her incredible success at NASA as the first African American woman to travel in space.
The Story of Katherine Johnson: An Inspiring Biography for Young Readers
Discover the life of Katherine Johnsonโa story about reaching for the stars, for kids ages 6 to 9.
Katherine Johnson was one of the best mathematicians in the history of the United States. Before her math skills helped send the first American astronauts safely into space, she was a smart and curious girl who loved to learn new things about the world around her. She studied hard in school and became one of the first Black women hired by NASA.
Grace Hopper: Queen of Computer Code
Acclaimed picture book author Laurie Wallmark (Ada Byron Lovelace and the Thinking Machine) once again tells the riveting story of a trailblazing woman. Grace Hopper coined the term โcomputer bugโ and taught computers to โspeak English.โ Throughout her life, Hopper succeeded in doing what no one had ever done before. Delighting in difficult ideas and in defying expectations, the insatiably curious Hopper truly was โAmazing Graceโ . . . and a role model for science- and math-minded girls and boys.
I am Lucille Ball (Ordinary People Change the World)
In this sixth entry in the New York Time Bestselling biography series, humor is the heroic trait, and modern icon Lucille Ball is celebrated.
Lucille Ball could make any situation funny. By making people around the world laugh, she proved that humor can take on anything. She never changed how she behaved to seem “proper,” even when other people pressured her to. By remaining true to who she was, she made her mark in comedy and televisionโeven becoming the first female CEO of a major Hollywood studio!
From 1939 to 2021, actress Betty White was one of the most beloved performers in the entertainment industry. She starred in fan-favorite television shows like The Golden Girls and The Mary Tyler Moore Show, and also blockbuster movies like Toy Story 4 and The Proposal. Over her decades-long career, Betty White won Emmy awards, was named an honorary mayor of Hollywood, earned a star on the Walk of Fame, and set the Guinness World Record for woman with the longest TV career ever. Off-screen, Betty advocated for animal rights, racial justice, and LGBTQIA+ rights. Learn about her legendary life in this inspiring books for girls and boys.
Hedy Lamarr’s Double Life: Hollywood Legend and Brilliant Inventor
Movie star by day, ace inventor at night: learn about the hidden life of actress Hedy Lamarr!
To her adoring public, Hedy Lamarr was a glamorous movie star, widely considered the most beautiful woman in the world. But in private, she was something more: a brilliant inventor. And for many years only her closest friends knew her secret. Now Laurie Wallmark and Katy Wu, who collaborated on Sterlingโs critically acclaimed picture-book biography Grace Hopper: Queen of Computer Code, tell the inspiring story of how, during World War Two, Lamarr developed a groundbreaking communications system that still remains essential to the security of todayโs technology.
The Doctor with an Eye for Eyes: The Story of Dr. Patricia Bath
As a girl coming of age during the Civil Rights Movement, Patricia Bath made it her mission to become a doctor. When obstacles like racism, poverty, and sexism threatened this goal, she perseveredโbrightening the world with a game-changing treatment for blindness!
The Doctor with an Eye for Eyes: The Story of Dr. Patricia Bath is the second book in a brand new educational series about the inspirational lives of amazing scientists! In addition to the illustrated rhyming tale, you’ll find a complete biography, fun facts, a colorful timeline of events, and even a note from Dr. Bath herself!
Maya Angelou (Little People, BIG DREAMS)
Maya Angelou spent much of her childhood in Stamps, Arkansas. After a traumatic event at age eight, she stopped speaking for five years. However, Maya rediscovered her voice through wonderful books, and went on to become one of the world’s most beloved writers and speakers. This moving book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of Maya Angelou’s life.
Ella Fitzgerald (Little People, BIG DREAMS)
Ella Fitzgerald grew up near Harlem, in New York, where she was surrounded by music and dance. After winning first prize in a talent competition at the Apollo Theater, she went on to tour the world with her pioneering voice. This moving book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the singer’s life.
I am Dolly Parton (Ordinary People Change the World)
The legendary country musician, reading advocate, and philanthropist Dolly Parton is the 28th in the New York Times bestselling picture book biography series for ages 5 to 8. (Cover may vary)
This book spotlights Dolly Parton, known for her beloved country songs, who has also sent over 150 million free books to children through her Imagination Library.
Aretha Franklin is the Queen of Soul, a legend. But before she became a star, she was a shy little girl with a voice so powerful it made people jump up, sway, and hum along.
Raised in a house full of talking and singing, Aretha learned the values that would carry her through life–from her church choir in Detroit to stages across the world. When she moved to New York City to start her career, it took years of hard work before she had a hit song. In the turbulent 1960s, she sang about “Respect” and refused to perform before segregated audiences. The first woman inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Aretha always remembered who she was and where she came from.
Taylor Swift (Little People, BIG DREAMS)
Learn about glittering story of Taylor Swift! The talented singerโsongwriter who dreamt of sharing her talent with the world.
Little Taylor grew up on her familyโs Christmas tree farm in Pennsylvania. Her life changed at six years old when she attended her first concert. Dancing and singing in the crowd as country musician LeAnn Rimes performed, Taylor fell in love with country music. Some of the kids at school didnโt understand, but Taylor managed to shake it off.
She took her first steps towards stardom by recording a demo of cover songs and sending it to record labels in Nashville, the home of country music. Yet while she enjoyed singing others’ songs, she knew all too well that she needed to express herself in her own words. When she began writing her own lyrics and melodies, her talent for putting feelings into words shone through.
After signing with a record label, she started working on her first album: Taylor Swift. It became very popular, very quickly. Soon, she had earned a number one single on the country music charts.
Next, she released her second album, a country-pop record named Fearless, it was a hit, and suddenly everyone knew her name. She won a Grammy and started to write more pop music for her albums โ all the while keeping storytelling at the centre of her work. Several albums and sell-out world tours followed. Despite the obstacles in her way, Taylor has always stood up for what she believes in and always believed in herself!
Shark Lady: The True Story of How Eugenie Clark Became the Ocean’s Most Fearless Scientist
Eugenie Clark fell in love with sharks from the first moment she saw them at the aquarium. She couldn’t imagine anything more exciting than studying these graceful creatures. But Eugenie quickly discovered that many people believed sharks to be ugly and scaryโand they didn’t think women should be scientists.
Determined to prove them wrong, Eugenie devoted her life to learning about sharks. After earning several college degrees and making countless discoveries, Eugenie wrote herself into the history of science, earning the nickname “Shark Lady.” Through her accomplishments, she taught the world that sharks were to be admired rather than feared and that women can do anything they set their minds to.
The Story of Jane Goodall: An Inspiring Biography for Young Readers
Next on our list of inspiring books for girls, we’ll discover the life of Jane Goodallโa story about loving and protecting nature for kids 6 to 9.
Jane Goodall is a celebrated scientist for her studies of chimpanzees in the forests of Africa. Before she observed chimps and helped save them from losing their home, Jane was a curious kid who loved learning about animals. She showed people that women could be scientists, just like men, and fought to follow her dream of working with wild chimps. Explore how Jane Goodall went from being a young nature lover in England to the most important chimpanzee expert in the world.
The Story of Simone Biles: An Inspiring Biography for Young Readers
Discover the life of Simone Bilesโa story about going for the gold for kids ages 6 to 9.
Simone Biles has been called the greatest gymnast of all time, winning five Olympic and 25 World Champion medals by age 22. Before she wowed the world with her incredible gymnastics skills, Simone was an energetic young girl who dreamed of becoming a top gymnast. She trained for hours every day and made many sacrifices to pursue her goals. Explore how Simone Biles went from being a kid growing up in Texas to an Olympic athlete who has won more gymnastics medals than anyone in history.
Billie Jean King (Little People, BIG DREAMS)
Billie Jean began playing tennis at the age of 11. After one of her first tennis lessons, she told her mother, “I’m going to be No. 1 in the world,” a title she would come to hold five times between 1966 and 1972. Twenty years later, she is still today considered one of the most successful women in sports history. This moving book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the amazing sportswoman’s life.
Who Are Venus and Serena Williams?
Venus and Serena Williams are two of the most successful professional American tennis players of all time. Coached at an early age by their parents, the sisters have both gone on to become Grand Slam title winners. They have both achieved the World Number One ranking in both singles and doubles! Although completely professional and fiercely competitive, the sisters remain close. Who Are Venus and Serena Williams? follows the pair from their early days of training up through the ranks and to the Summer Olympic Games, where they have each won four gold medalsโmore than any other tennis players.
World Cup Women: Megan, Alex, and the Team USA Soccer Champs
This is the illustrated story of 23 soccer players who worked together to become World Cup champions and heroes to millions of men, women, boys, and girls across America and around the world.
The Story of Ruth Bader Ginsburg: An Inspiring Biography for Young Readers
Discover the life of Ruth Bader GinsburgโA story about fighting for justice, for kids ages 6 to 9.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg was the second woman ever to serve as a judge on the Supreme Court of the United States. Before she fought for equal rights and made history, Ruth was a curious kid who loved to read stories about strong women. In school, Ruth wished girls could have as many opportunities as boys. She soon learned that by studying and working hard, she could change her lifeโand the world. Explore how she went from a Jewish girl during World War II to one of the most celebrated leaders in America.
I am Sonia Sotomayor (Ordinary People Change the World)
Sonia Sotomayor, the first Latina Supreme Court Justice, is the subject of the sixteenth picture book in the New York Times bestselling series of biographies about heroes.
This friendly, fun biography series focuses on the traits that made our heroes great–the traits that kids can aspire to in order to live heroically themselves. Each book tells the story of one of America’s icons in a lively, conversational way that works well for the youngest nonfiction readers and that always includes the hero’s childhood influences. At the back are an excellent timeline and photos. This volume features Sonia Sotomayor, the first Latina Supreme Court Justice. From her home in the Bronx to law school, Sonia Sotomayor was always driven by her love of learning and her commitment to justice. With the support of her loving family and supportive mentors, she pursued a career in law and proved there’s no limit to what someone can accomplish. She was proof that opportunity comes with justice.
The Story of Ruby Bridges: An Inspiring Biography for Young Readers
Discover the life of Ruby Bridgesโa story about bravery and breaking down barriers for kids ages 6 to 9.
Ruby Bridges was the first Black student to attend an all-white public school in the southern United States. Before she helped desegregate schools and change the course of history, she was a happy girl who helped take care of her younger siblings and loved to play outside. Her life changed when she was chosen to attend William Frantz Elementary, where she became a civil rights leader at a very young age. Explore how Ruby went from being a thoughtful girl growing up in Mississippi to a national leader in the fight for equality.
The Story of Anne Frank: An Inspiring Biography for Young Readers
Discover the life of Anne Frankโa story about staying hopeful for kids ages 6 to 9.
Anne Frank was a young Jewish girl who lived during World War II, when people like her were killed just for being Jewish. Anne and her family were forced to hide in a tiny, secret space to try and survive, and Anne began keeping a diary to practice her love of writing and pass the time.
In her writing, she described what life was like as a Jewish person during the war. She also wrote about her hopes, dreams, and the future she wanted when she could live a normal life again. Even though she was scared, Anne believed in the goodness of people and never gave up hope that life would get better again.
The Story of Harriet Tubman: An Inspiring Biography for Young Readers
Discover the life of Harriet Tubmanโa story about about courage, bravery, and freedom for kids ages 6 to 9.
Harriet Tubman became a celebrated leader in the fight to free people from slavery. Before that, she was a determined young girl who believed that everyone deserved to be free. Harriet Tubman bravely used the Underground Railroadโa network of secret routes and safe housesโto free herself and many other enslaved people. Explore how Harriet Tubman went from being enslaved on a plantation in Maryland to one of the most important figures in American history.
Featuring 40 trailblazing black women in history, this book educates and inspires as it relates true stories of women who broke boundaries and exceeded all expectations, including:
- Nurse Mary Seacole
- Politician Diane Abbott
- Mathematician Katherine Johnson
- Singer Shirley Bassey
The Story of Misty Copeland: An Inspiring Biography for Young Readers
Discover the life of Misty Copelandโa story about changing the world through dance, for kids ages 6 to 9.
Misty Copeland is the first Black female principal dancer for the American Ballet Theatre. Before she made history as a ballerina, she was a determined girl who loved watching gymnastics and dancing on the drill team. This book explores how Misty went from being a shy young girl growing up in California to a world-famous ballet dancer and a role model to many people.
Elizabeth Leads the Way: Elizabeth Cady Stanton and the Right to Vote
Elizabeth Cady Stanton stood up and fought for what she believed in. From an early age, she knew that women were not given rights equal to men. But rather than accept her lesser status, Elizabeth went to college and later gathered other like-minded women to challenge the right to vote.Here is the inspiring story of an extraordinary woman who changed America forever because she wouldn’t take “no” for an answer.
Ada Lovelace (Little People, BIG DREAMS)
As a child, Ada had a big imagination and a talent for mathematics. She grew up in a noble household in England, where she dedicated herself to studying. Her work with the famous inventor, Charles Babbage, on a very early kind of computer made her the world’s first computer programmer.
Written for the very earliest of readers, with simple text and hand-drawn illustrations which bring young Ada’s curiosity, creativity and genius to life!
The Story of Sojourner Truth: An Inspiring Biography for Young Readers
Discover the life of Sojourner Truthโa story about being bold and brave for kids ages 6 to 9.
Sojourner Truth, born Isabella Baumfree, was one of the most important leaders in the anti-slavery movement. Before she fought for freedom and changed American history, she was a young enslaved girl who wanted a better life for herself and for all Black people. She overcame many incredible challenges as she bravely stood up for equality and justice. This chapter book for young readers explores how Sojourner escaped slavery to become one of America’s greatest champions for human rights.
ABC What Can She Be?: Girls can be anything they want to be, from A to Z
ABC What Can She Be? explores 26 different career paths, including engineer, writer, neurosurgeon, software engineer, and pilot. Each page introduces a letter of the alphabet with bright artwork and highlights a career that is fun, challenging, and makes a big impact in its own way. These 26 careers are just some of the things she can be!
A boldly illustrated, fun family read, ABC What Can She Be? is a great way for parents to introduce their small children to the bright futures before them. Girls can dream big and do anything!
I am Temple Grandin (Ordinary People Change the World)
Prominent autistic American scientist and animal behaviorist Temple Grandin is the 30th hero in this New York Times bestselling picture book biography series for ages 5 to 9.
This book spotlights scientist Temple Grandin, whose experience being on the autism spectrum has informed her advocacy and her work as an animal behaviorist. Temple Grandin’s pride in being different and how it shaped her world is celebrated in this biography.
The Story of Helen Keller: An Inspiring Biography for Young Readers
Help kids ages 6 to 9 discover the life of Helen Kellerโa story about hope, courage, and finding your voice.
Helen Keller was a celebrated author, educator, and activist who believed in equality for people with disabilities. Before she made history as the first deaf and blind person to graduate from college, Helen was a smart kid who loved learning. She overcame many challenges to learn how to read, write, and talk. She spoke up for other people with disabilities so they could get equal rights. Explore how Helen Keller went from being a young girl in Alabama to the world-famous First Lady of Courage.
I am Sacagawea (Ordinary People Change the World)
Sacagawea, the only Native American included in Lewis and Clarkโs historic expedition, joins the inspiring list of heroes whose stories are told in this New York Times Bestselling biography series.
Sacagawea was the only girl, and the only Native American, to join Lewis and Clarkโs Corps of Discovery, which explored the United States from the Mississippi River all the way to the Pacific Ocean in the early 1800s. As a translator, she helped the team communicate with members of the Shoshone tribe across the continent, carrying her child on her back the whole way. By the time the expedition arrived at the west coast, Sacagawea had proved that she truly was a trailblazer.
This friendly, fun biography series focuses on the traits that made our heroes greatโthe traits that kids can aspire to in order to live heroically themselves. Each book tells the story of one of Americaโs icons in a lively, conversational way that works well for the youngest nonfiction readers and that always includes the heroโs childhood influences. At the back are an excellent timeline and photos.
Born in 1925, Maria Tallchief spent part of her childhood on an Osage reservation in Oklahoma. With the support of her family and world-renowned choreographer George Balanchine, she rose to the top of her art form to become America’s first prima ballerina. Black-and-white illustrations provide visual sidebars to the history of ballet while taking readers through the life of this amazing dancer.
The Story of Amelia Earhart: An Inspiring Biography for Young Readers
Help kids ages 6 to 9 discover the life of Amelia Earhartโa story about daring to be different.
Amelia Earhart became the first woman pilot to fly alone across the Atlantic Ocean in an airplaneโand she broke many other flight records before her mysterious disappearance. Before she made history and changed the world for pilots everywhere, Amelia was an adventure-loving kid who wasn’t afraid to be different. She worked hard and learned how to fly airplanes at a time when many people didn’t think women should be pilots. Explore how Amelia Earhart went from being a young girl growing up in Kansas to an American hero and a celebrated pioneer of flight.
The Story of Marie Curie: An Inspiring Biography for Young Readers
Discover the life of Marie Curieโa story for kids 6 to 9 about discovering big things through hard work.
Marie Curie was one of the most celebrated scientists in history. Before she changed the world with her discoveries in physics and chemistry, Marie was an intelligent girl who studied hard to reach the top of her class in school. She overcame many challenges, including people who told her she couldn’t be a scientist because she was a woman. She didn’t let anything stop her, and her important research is still helping people today. Explore how Marie Curie went from being a young girl growing up in Poland to a famous, Nobel Prize-winning scientist.
I am Frida Kahlo (Ordinary People Change the World)
The famous Mexican painter Frida Kahlo is the 23rd hero in the New York Times bestselling picture book biography series from Brad Meltzer and Christopher Eliopoulos.
This friendly, fun biography series focuses on the traits that made our heroes great–the traits that kids can aspire to in order to live heroically themselves. Each book tells the story of an icon in a lively, conversational way that works well for the youngest nonfiction readers and that always includes the hero’s childhood influences. At the back are an excellent timeline and photos. This book features Frida Kahlo, the renowned Mexican painter and activist. After surviving a bus crash, she made her mark in art history for her unique way of looking at the world and integrating her own image and life into her paintings.
For a long time, the main role of First Ladies was to act as hostesses of the White House…until Eleanor Roosevelt. Born in 1884, Eleanor was not satisfied to just be a glorified hostess for her husband, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Eleanor had a voice, and she used it to speak up against poverty and racism. She had experience and knowledge of many issues, and fought for laws to help the less fortunate. She had passion, energy, and a way of speaking that made people listen, and she used these gifts to campaign for her husband and get him elected president-four times! A fascinating historical figure in her own right, Eleanor Roosevelt changed the role of First Lady forever.
Born a humble girl in what is now Albania, Agnes Bojaxhiu lived a charitable life. She pledged herself to a religious order at the age of 18 and chose the name Sister Teresa, after the patron saint of missionaries. While teaching in India, where famine and violence had devastated the poor, Teresa shed her habit and walked the streets of Calcutta tending to the needs of the destitute. Her charity work soon expanded internationally, and her name remains synonymous with compassion and devotion to the poor.
The Story of Women’s History Box Set: Inspiring Biographies for Young Readers
Meet six women who followed their dreams and made history! This uplifting collection of inspiring books for girls makes learning about these role models easy for new readers. Each biography features a timeline of major accomplishments along with a helpful glossary of key terms so kids get the most out of every inspiring story. Packed with colorful illustrations, this box set makes a perfect gift for birthdays or any occasion!
- The Story of Amelia EarhartโGet to know the first woman pilot to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean.
- The Story of Frida KahloโFind out about this amazing painter who followed her passion to create masterpieces.
- The Story of Jane GoodallโDive into the life of the remarkable scientist who helped keep chimpanzees from losing their forest home.
- The Story of Ruth Bader GinsburgโLearn how this pioneer became the second woman to serve as a U.S. Supreme Court Justice.
- The Story of Simone BilesโExplore the life of the gymnast who won five Olympic and 25 World Champion medals by age 22.
- The Story of Malala YousafzaiโFind out how this activist fought tirelessly for girls’ right to education.
Teach kids about these amazing women and their important accomplishments in this six-book set.
Susan B. Anthony may be an international icon but her campaign for womenโs rights had personal roots. Working as a school teacher in New York, Anthony refused to settle for less pay than her male colleagues which ignited her lifelong devotion to womenโs equality. Anthony toured the United States and Europe giving speeches and publishing articles as one of the most important advocates of womenโs rights. Learn more about the woman behind the movement in Who Was Susan B. Anthony?
Clarissa โClaraโ Barton was a shy girl who grew up to become a teacher, nurse, and humanitarian. At a time when few women worked outside the home, she became the first woman to hold a government job, as a patent clerk in Washington, DC. In 1864, she was appointed โlady in chargeโ of the hospitals at the front lines of the Union Army, where she became known as the โAngel of the Battlefield.โ Clara Barton built a career helping others. She went on to found the American Red Cross, one of her greatest accomplishments, and one of the most recognized organizations in the world.
Born in California in 1912, Julia Child enlisted in the Army and met her future husband, Paul, during World War II. She discovered her love of French food while stationed in Paris and enrolled in Le Cordon Bleu cooking school after her service. Child knew that Americans would love French food as much as she did, so she wrote Mastering the Art of French Cooking in 1961. The book was a success and the public wanted more. America fell in love with Julia Child. Her TV show, The French Chef, premiered in 1963 and brought the bubbling and lovable chef into millions of homes. Find out more about this beloved chef, author, and TV personality in Who Was Julia Child?
Born the eighth of seventeen children in Philadelphia, Betsy Ross lived in a time when the American colonies were yearning for independence from British rule. Ross worked as a seamstress and was eager to contribute to the cause, making tents and repairing uniforms when the colonies declared war. By 1779, she was filling cartridges for the Continental Army. Did she sew the first flag? Thatโs up for debate, but Who Was Betsy Ross? tells the story of a fierce patriot who certainly helped create the flag of a new nation.
Rebel Girls Climate Warriors: 25 Tales of Women Who Protect the Earth
With fairytale-like stories about Greta Thunberg, Autumn Peltier, and Rachel Carson, Rebel Girls Climate Warriors: 25 Tales of Environmental Allies spotlights the world-changing work of women on the frontlines of the fight for climate justice.
Rebel Girls Awesome Entrepreneurs: 25 Tales of Women Building Businesses
Rebel Girls Awesome Entrepreneurs: 25 Tales of Women Building Businesses showcases influential CEOs, entrepreneurs, founders, and investors who have used their creativity and ingenuity to develop clever ideas, launch new products, build businesses, disrupt industries, support others, and invest in the future. It is part of the award-winning Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls series.
Rebel Girls Champions: 25 Tales of Unstoppable Athletes
Rebel Girls Champions: 25 Tales of Unstoppable Athletes celebrates the stories of 25 phenomenal women in sports all written in fairy tale form. It is part of the award-winning Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls series.
Wrapping Up
We hope youโve enjoyed exploring this list of inspiring books for girls featuring real-life role models. These stories are more than just entertaining readsโtheyโre powerful tools to help young girls see whatโs possible when they dream big and believe in themselves. Each book on this list introduces a remarkable woman who has made a significant impact on the world, showing girls that they, too, can achieve greatness.
Whether youโre a parent, teacher, or just someone looking to encourage a young girl, these books are a wonderful way to spark curiosity, inspire ambition, and foster a love for learning. So, grab a few titles, cozy up with your favorite young reader, and get ready to be inspired by the incredible women who have paved the way for future generations.
Happy reading, and hereโs to raising the next generation of trailblazers!
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