10 Women's History Books That Are Perfect for Kids
March marks Women’s History Month, and if you’re looking for a way to celebrate the many accomplishments of women with your littles – boys and girls – children’s books can offer a fun little history lesson for them.
Because, by celebrating all the women who have made a difference in history and making it a point to have conversations about gender equality, we open the door to a world of possibilities for our girls. We’re also teaching our boys to grow up to be respectful men one day. And these lessons can start at any age!
So, here are 10 kids’ books inspired by and honoring trailblazing women your littles will want to read over and over again.
Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls by Francesca Cavallo & Elena Favilli
Talk about the perfect bedtime story for kids! Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls is packed with 100 bedtime stories about the lives of trailblazing women from the past and the present. What I love is that each biography reads like a fairytale (not a history book) and each woman has a beautifully illustrated portrait (which were created by female artists from all over the world).
Little Leaders by Vashti Harrison
This little book packs a big punch! Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History shares 40 stories of Black women who didn’t back down in the face of adversity. Your little will learn about incredible people, like pilot Bessie Coleman, activist Sojourner Truth, mathematician Katherine Johnson, and poet Maya Angelou. This book will inspire your littles to be bold, confident, and make history themselves.
Malala’s Magic Pencil by Malala Yousafzai
Malala’s Magic Pencil tells the story of a little girl (activist Malala Yousafzai) who wished for a magic pencil to draw and erase the problems in her life and make everyone around her happy. But as she got older, she realized there are a lot more important things to wish for. She saw a world that needed fixing and knew that she could still work hard every day to make her wishes come true – even without a magic pencil. It’s a beautiful version of Malala's story, written for a younger audience, that shows them how Malala was able to hold onto hope despite living in an environment that wanted to hold her down.
Ambitious Girl by Meena Harris
Ambitious Girl sends a beautiful and empowering message to girls by giving a new definition to the term “ambition.” This incredible book helps littles, regardless of gender, overcome their doubts and fears, and shows them that they can achieve anything. (PS. Phenomenal Girl created a free, printable activity kit to go along with the book! You can get that here.)
A Is for Awesome!: 23 Iconic Women Who Changed the World by Eva Chen
Here’s a perfect first-book to get your little started in learning about the awesome women throughout history. A is for Awesome! is an alphabet board book depicting feminist icons from A to Z. They’ll learn about Amelia Earhart, Malala Yousafzai, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and of course, Beyoncé.
Little Feminist Board Book Set by Emily Kleinman
Here’s another great book (set) that’s great for the littlest littles! It’s composed of colorful illustrated portraits of women who have made a historical impact on the world. It’s perfect for introducing your littles to these important pioneers, artists, leaders, and activists (each book focuses on women in those categories).
She Persisted in Sports: American Olympians Who Changed the Game by Chelsea Clinton
You’ve probably already heard of Chelsea Clinton’s original She Persisted book, but she’s actually added to the series, and I especially love this one: She Persisted in Sports. Your littles will be introduced to women athletes who have excelled in their sport because of their persistence. It’s a great reminder that girls can be athletes – or whatever else they choose.
Mae Jemison: A Kid's Book About Reaching Your Dreams by Mary Nhin
Almost every kid looks up to astronauts, and as the first black woman to travel into space, Mae Jemison is definitely someone to look up to! Even though many people told her that only men fly in space, she followed her dreams and made history! This book will also inspire and encourage your littles to follow their dreams too!
Women Who Changed the World by Alex Fabrizio
This little board book will show your baby that they’re never too little to change the world! It shares the stories of activists, scientists, world leaders, and all types of amazing, resilient women from all over the world. They’ll learn about Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, and Queen Elizabeth I, and see how women have shaped our world into what it is today.
I Am Love by Susan Verde
This book is slightly different from the other books on this list, because it doesn’t focus on any one particular woman. Instead, it sends a message about the importance of showing kindness, living with gratitude, and creating a better world. It’s a gentle reminder to our littles – especially girls – that they are valuable and special, no matter what anyone might tell them.
Did I leave out a book you love? Find me on Instagram – @healthylittlesleepers – and let me know which books you would add to this list!