Get inspired by women whose work and lives made the world a better place. Read these stories for Women's History Month and all year long.
Women Who Changed the World
Compiled by:
Ellen A.
(Juvenile Nonfiction - J 921 Dickinson God)
A middle-grade introduction to the life of the celebrated poet challenges popular misconceptions about her reclusive nature to explore her unusually high level of education, her close ties to friends and family members, and the poems she shared through her prolific correspondence. Suggested for ages 9–12.
(Juvenile Nonfiction - J 921 Tubman Cli)
This lyrical biography of Harriet Tubman honors the woman of humble origins whose courage and compassion made her larger than life. This discusses her roles as a slave, a conductor on the Underground Railroad, a nurse, a Union spy, and a suffragist. Suggested for ages 6–9.
(Juvenile Nonfiction - J 921 Johnson Sla)
This shares the story of the pioneering African American mathematician, Katherine Johnson, who helped calculate America's first manned flight into space, its first manned orbit of Earth, and the world's first trip to the moon. Suggested for ages 6–9.
(Juvenile Nonfiction - J 770.92 Lange Wea)
This story describes the life and career of the famous photographer—from her childhood struggles with polio to her iconic photographs of the Great Depression. Suggested for ages 9–12.
(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Eng)
Inspired by the childhood of Millo Castro Zaldarriaga, a Chinese-African-Cuban girl who broke Cuba's traditional taboo against female drummers, Drum Dream Girl tells an inspiring true story for dreamers everywhere. Suggested for ages 6–9.
(Juvenile Nonfiction - J 921 Nightingale Dem)
This picture book introduction to the female pioneer in medicine chronicles how Florence Nightingale revolutionized healthcare by promoting cleanliness, nutrition, and organization in hospitals. Suggested for ages 6–9.
(Juvenile Nonfiction - J 609.2 Thi)
This updated edition of the best-selling guide features seven new chapters that reflect today's diverse and increasingly technological world. Suggested for ages 9–12.
(Juvenile Nonfiction - J 920 He)
This very special collection of short biographies offers insightful sketches of the lives and accomplishments of 150 of history's most influential and brilliant women, including Clara Barton, the legendary Trung Sisters of medieval Vietnam, and many others. Suggested for ages 9–12.
(Juvenile Nonfiction - J 921 Wells-Barnett Bai)
Series: Discovering History's Heroes
A portrait of African American journalist and activist Ida B. Wells describes the experiences that inspired her work fighting against racial inequality, political discrimination, and lynching in the late 19th century South. Suggested for ages 9–12.
(Juvenile Nonfiction - J 920.72 Har)
This collection presents the lives of women creators throughout history, including profiles of Ada Lovelace, Bessie Blount Griffin, Yayoi Kosama, and Calypso Rose. Suggested for ages 9–12.
(Juvenile Nonfiction - J 920 Har)
Based on her popular Instagram posts, debut author and illustrator Vashti Harrison shares the stories of 40 bold African American women who shaped history. Suggested for ages 9–12.
(Juvenile Nonfiction - J 921 Yousafzai Abo)
The inspiring true story of Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani girl who has become an international activist for universal education, with beautiful collage illustrations by award-winning artist Susan L. Roth. Suggested for ages 9–12.
(Juvenile Graphic Novels - J-GN 920.72 Noi)
Did anyone ever get anywhere by being quiet? To change anything, you have to make some noise! From the creators of the award-winning Kazoo magazine comes a look at the lives of 25 extraordinary women through the eyes of 25 extraordinary comic artists. Suggested for ages 9–12.
(Juvenile Nonfiction - J 921 Wu Rob)
When Wu Chien Shiung was born in China 100 years ago, girls did not attend school. However, her parents named her "Courageous Hero" and encouraged her love of science. Suggested for ages 9–12.
(Juvenile Nonfiction - J 921 Angelou Heg)
A biography of African American writer, performer, and activist Maya Angelou, who rose above a childhood of trauma and emotional pain to become one of the most inspiring voices of our lifetime. Includes afterword, author's note, and sources. Suggested for ages 9–12.
(Juvenile Nonfiction - J 305.4 Hoo)
An ensemble of leading women picture book creators join together to promote education and celebrate the Women's March through tributes to 14 of history's young female revolutionaries, including Malala Yousafzai, Molly Williams, and Nelly Bly. Suggested for ages 9–12.
(Juvenile Nonfiction - J 920 Cli)
This collection profiles the lives of 13 women who have left their mark on world history, including Caroline Herschel, Marie Curie, Mary Verghese, and Malala Yousafzai. Suggested for ages 6–9.
(Juvenile Nonfiction - J 750.92 Kahlo Mor)
This bilingual text, accompanied by colorful photographs, explores the famous artist's life, and illuminates the laughter, love, and tragedy that influenced her work. Suggested for ages 3–6.
(Juvenile Nonfiction - J 323.092 Wea)
This presents a collage-illustrated treasury of poems and spirituals inspired by the life and work of civil rights advocate Fannie Lou Hamer. Suggested for ages 9–12.
(Juvenile Nonfiction -J 780.92 Franklin Rus)
In this stirring biography of a true artistic and social icon, young readers learn how Aretha Franklin's talent, intelligence, and perseverance made her a star who will shine on for generations to come. Suggested for ages 6–9.
(Juvenile Nonfiction - J 921 Mankiller Rap)
Series: Big Words
Wilma's courageous dedication to serving her people led to her election as the first female chief of the Cherokee Nation. As leader and advocate, she reinvigorated her constituency by empowering them to identify and solve community problems. Suggested for ages 9–12.