Humans learn through storytelling, so it’s no wonder experts stress the importance of reading to young children. It’s a way for them to learn about the world they live in and dream about the world they can build. Growing up in the ‘80s and the ‘90s as a South Asian in America, it was difficult to find any content that felt reflective of me or anyone I knew. I so desperately wanted to believe I could do anything, but everywhere I looked, white kids were on the adventures I so longed for. Now, there are so many new books and magazines out there to share with our children and stories have expanded views on who gets to be the adventurer. In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re sharing 40 books our editors are reading with their families about strong, incredible women from around the globe.
Board Books
Brighten up your little one’s approach to learning their letters by turning the pages of this fun A-Z board book that showcases an ambitious career for each letter of the alphabet.
Help mold your little feminists with this series of books that highlight women who took a stand for women everywhere.
Want to teach your little one about the true meaning of freedom? Invite them to discover the essential role Harriet Tubman played in the emancipation of slaves, and her daring leadership as the conductor of the Underground Railroad, in this moving story.
Celebrate the women who changed the world for the better—from A to Z—with this fun ABC favorite.
Highlighting American ballet dancer Misty Copeland, this book details her life, fun details, quotes, and amazing graphics to inspire any little dancer.
Soar into the story of the world-famous aviator Amelia Earhart with this uniquely illustrated board book.
For your little rebel, this book highlights 20 women who dared to step outside of the box, like Megan Rapinoe and Greta Thunberg.
This board book adaptation of Little Dreamers: Visionary Women Around the World shows even the littlest ones what’s possible with stories of 18 women creators.
Baby’s first book on Rosa Parks is a great way to introduce them to the historic story that sparked monumental changes in America.
Inspire your little athletes even before they start walking. Kiddos will love to hear the story of esteemed tennis player Serena Williams and her astounding career.
Picture Books
This story’s title certainly captures its essence, as it celebrates the outstanding accomplishments of girls and women who were key movers and shakers throughout history. It’s also creatively arranged by sections like “Believe & Lead,” “Imagine & Create,” and “Help & Heal” to present a new way of looking at their spheres of impact.
This alphabet book is perfect for learning their ABCs and learning about the lady legends of the past, present, and future.
Your little one doesn’t need to have wished upon a star to become an astronaut to appreciate this bold yet darling story based on Mae Jemison, the first African American woman to brave space travel. Any little one with a spirit for exciting expeditions will resonate with Mae’s tale.
This inspiring book tells the story of Swedish teenager and Nobel Peace Prize nominee Greta Thunberg and her quest to raise awareness about the global climate crisis. This is a great book to introduce Greta’s work and climate change to your little one.
Your little monkey will love learning about Jane Goodall’s journey, from her young life in London, to creating a life with the chimpanzees, and everything she discovered along the way.
A perfect book for the little explorer in your life! In Shark Lady, your little one will learn all about Eugene Clark, the scientist who defied all odds and dedicated her life to learning about sharks and sharing her discoveries.
A colorful page turner full of imaginative possibilities, Girls Can Do Anything captures the full spectrum of roles girls can aspire to. What’s more, it reminds you to embrace the skin you’re in because that’s what true girl power is made of.
Inspired by a true story of Vice President Kamala Harris’ childhood and written by her niece, Meena Harris, comes the story of two young girls who inspire big change in their neighborhood by turning their apartment courtyard into a playground for all to enjoy. This book is a great way to share about our first female Vice President with your little one.
Is your child a little tree hugger at heart? This story of Katherine Olivia Sessions and how she transformed a Southern California desert town into a vibrant leafy oasis of trees will inspire them to get planting!
As a little girl, Temple Grandin was diagnosed with autism. Through her abilities as a visual thinker, Temple became one of the most celebrated voices in modern science and continues to inspire women in STEM today.
Remind your little ladies just how special they are (and can be) with this lovely book for bedtime.
Learn about one of the world’s favorite First Ladies and her beginnings as a young girl from the south side of Chicago.
As STEM fields are still predominantly filled with boys and men, this compelling biography book about Dorothy Vaughan and her tenacity can awaken any little girl’s budding interest in all things math, tech, and computers.
Keep the legend of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader-Ginsburg alive with this book reminding little ones just how powerful they can be.
Teach your little ones to speak out, rise up, and fight for what’s right in this book about persisting and making your dreams come true.
Teach your littles about the life of Josephine Baker, the dazzling performer and civil rights advocate, and her triumph as a legend.
For all the little hands who adore collecting what they’ve discovered while playing outside, Mary Anning’s story of becoming a pioneer paleontologist is the encouragement to keep scouting. You just never know what big aha moment that next magical stone, butterfly’s wing, or seashell might reveal!
This story takes the idea of daredevils and rebels and shines them in a positive light by championing women who have taken the greatest risks to live life to the fullest and make a difference. After all, as Helen Keller famously said, “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.”
Got an artist on your hands? Show your little one the women who have paved the ways for creatives to shine throughout history.
Teach the wonderful story of Madam C.J. Walker and her journey of transforming haircare for Black women.
To provide insight of the wider world, show your kids the story of Malala Yousafzai and the hope that got her through.
Telling the story of Isatou Ceesay, who found a way to recycle cheap plastic bags and transform her community, shows kids that one person can really make a difference.
As it moves further and further in our collective rearview mirror, it’s easy to forget how critical the original Women’s Rights Movement was in paving our way to the liberties we enjoy today. Let’s remember with our littles key leading ladies who initiated the demand for the respect, visibility, and agency girls and women everywhere have deserved all along.
Teach your little ones about the story of journalist Ethel Payne and her journey and ability to shine even through the toughest moments.
Showcase the excellence of Black women throughout history and how they dreamt big in a world that tried to keep them small.
From Maya Angelou to Marie Curie to Simone Biles, show off the stories of these transformative women and their journeys of leading the way.
Show your little ones the story of young poet and activist Amanda Gorman and her journey of finding strength in her experiences.
Women are responsible for some of the most ingenious inventions, many that we use in our day-to-day lives. Girls Think of Everything highlights inventions created by women, as well as their inspiration and the creation process for their inventions.
By now we know that girls cannot only aspire to be scientists, but they can thrive in the field. Encourage your kiddos to learn about the influential women in science with this book.
Teach your little ones to reach for the stars (literally) as they read about Sally Ride, the first American female astronaut to reach outer space, and her lifetime achievements.
