Learn about great women with these picture books about amazing girls!
Picture Books About Amazing Girls
Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed
Learn about Mae Jemison, a young woman who made history when she was the first African-American woman to travel with NASA to space. This book is the perfect overview of Mae’s life, but also a great story to inspire other young girls to follow their dreams.
Ruby’s Wish by Shirin Yim
Unlike other little young girls in turn of the century China, Ruby’s wish is not to get married, but to go to university. It is a beautiful story of how persistence and hard work pays off. This charming picture book is also based on a true story, the author’s grandmother!
Rosie Revere Engineer by Andrea Beaty
Celebrate girls, STEM, and persistence in this fun picture book celebrating both success and failures! Rosie is a young girl who dreams of being an engineer, inventing all kinds of things, many that flop. Although, she doesn’t let these setbacks stop her! This is an inspirational story for all, but especially girls.
The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch
This book reverses the traditional princess and prince roles to tell the story of a princess who sets off to rescue her fiancé. Fighting a dragon along the way, this princess, wearing only a paper bag proves herself as strong and courageous.
Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty
Ada learns how to appreciate her talents, even through failures. Her interest in science and experimenting leads her to success, but not without a lot of hard lessons on the way. This story teaches girls to remind themselves of their value, even in the midst of discouragement.
Counting on Katherine: How Katherine Johnson Saved Apollo 13 by Helaine Becker
Read through this kid-friendly book focused on the story of Katherine Johnson and her involvement with NASA. Learn how she helped get Apollo 13 safely home to Earth!
Grace for President by Kelly DiPucchio
Grace runs for president in her school’s mock elections after realizing that the U.S has never had a female president. Not only does this book inform readers on America’s electoral system, but offers a story of determination to make a difference in all you do.
This book teaches the importance of kindness in a story of adventure and magic. A young girl draws a door on her bedroom wall, escaping to a world of magic and wonder to teach readers a lesson that will stick with them forever.
Irena Sendler and the Children of the Warsaw Ghetto by Susan Goldman Rubin
Irena Sendler rescued 2,500 Jewish children during the Holocaust by smuggling them out of the Warsaw Ghetto. The Polish social worker’s dedication and courage is truly inspirational. Although not graphic, because of the subject matter, this picture book is best for grades 3+.
The Story of Ruby Bridges by Robert Coles
Although she is now a part of history, this has come with a price. Ruby Bridges, the first African American to attend an all white school, is the focus of this story of courage, persistence, and faith.
Who Says Women Can’t Be Doctors? by Tanya Lee Stone
In the 1830s, Elizabeth Blackwell challenged society’s norms, and became America’s first female doctor. She graduated from medical school, and serves as a reminder that you can do anything you put your mind to!
For the Right to Learn: Malala Yousafzai’s Story by Rebecca Langston-George
Malala Yousafzai is the youngest person ever to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. At just 15 years old, Malala was shot by the Taliban for taking a stand for girl’s education. She survived, and continues to be an activist for human rights and the education of women. The ending includes a glossary of words that may be unfamiliar to beginning readers, such as “ban” or “refugee.”
Although not picture books, in early elementary school I absolutely loved the Girls to the Rescue series by Bruce Lasky. These short chapter books include stories of clever, courageous girls around the world. They make great read alouds before bedtime and their engaging, adventurous plot is great for boys and girls!
