We are all about girl power in our house. So I love finding books about strong women in history that I can share with my daughter. In honor of Women’s History Month, I am sharing this list of children’s books about inspirational women!

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Just Like Beverly

Written by Vicki Conrad and illustrated by David Hohn

Who didn’t love Beverly Cleary books as a kid? This biographical story shares how a young girl who struggled to read became one of the most famous children’s book authors of all time. The story follows Beverly through her childhood, and highlights the important moments in her life that inspired her most well known stories. The illustrations are adorable with a nostalgic style to them, and they show Beverly aging from the young farm girl to the determined adult author. The back of the book provides a longer and more detailed biography, as well as a timeline of her life.

Alice Across America

Written by Sarah Glenn Marsh and illustrated by Gilbert Ford

There was a time when women did not drive, and men didn’t even think they could. But Alice Ramsey was determined to prove them wrong. In 1909, she was challenged by the Maxwell-Briscoe Company to drive one of their cars across the country. They wanted to show that their cars were easy enough for a lady to drive. She accepted and set off on a journey with three of her friends to drive from New York City to California. The story highlights all of the challenges that they faced along the way, and the vibrantly colored illustrations show the difficult terrains that they dealt with. The back of the book shares a biography about Alice Ramsey, and more detailed background information on her historic journey.

Related Post: Children’s Books about Women Who Changed History

The Voice that Won the Vote

Written by Elisa Boxer and illustrated by Vivien Mildenberger

Women fought for the right to vote for many years. But the day that they finally won the right, it came down to a single vote – Henry Burn from Tennessee. Henry had originally voted No. But his mother Febb wrote him a letter urging him to change his mind. This book tells the story of one inspirational woman whose words inspired a historic vote and secured the right to vote for women around the country. The back of the book includes a photograph of Febb Burn, a timeline of the Suffragette movement and more information on the vote.

The Only Woman in the Photo

Written by Kathleen Krull and illustrated by Alexandra Bye

This informational story follows the life and career of Frances Perkins – the first female Secretary of Labor. The story follows her through childhood, as she worked hard to learn and to help those in need around her. She spent her life studying workers and industries to learn how she could help the American worker. When FDR needed help bringing the nation out of the Great Depression, he looked to her for help. The informative text shows how she used all of her experiences to help the government create the safety measures that protect workers today. The back of the book provides more biographical information, and further resources for the reader to explore.

Anna Strong

Written by Sarah Glenn Marsh and illustrated by Sarah Green

Did you know that there was a female member of Washington’s ring of spies during the Revolutionary War? This incredible story shares how Anna Smith Strong helped Washington and his men by passing important messages in secret codes. The story follows her journey from being recruited, to helping other spies, and eventually passing codes through the laundry she hung outside to dry. The back of the book includes more information on Anna Smith Strong and the Culper Ring, as well as the Culper Ring Code Book which kids can use to write their own secret codes.

Exquisite: The Poetry and Life of Gwendolyn Brooks

Written by Suzanne Slade and illustrated by Cozbi A. Cabrera

This beautiful picture book biography follows the life of Gwendolyn Brooks and how she used her poetry to find her place in the world and to inspire others. The story shows how she devoured the poetry of others throughout her life, and honed her craft as she grew. There are actual quotes from her in the text as well. The illustrations are beautiful and colorful, showing the many places that Gwendolyn found inspiration in the world around her. The back of the book includes a timeline of her life, a reprint of one of her poems, and resources for additional learning.

On Wings of Words

Written by Jennifer Berne and illustrated by Becca Stadtlander

This beautifully illustrated book introduces the reader to Emily Dickinson and her inspiring words that have touched millions of people. The story follows her through her life, from her birth and childhood to her adult years and eventual death. The text is interspersed with bits of her poetry, and the illustrations highlight the emotional ups and downs of her life, and the way she used her words to find hope in the dark. The back of the book includes more information about Emily Dickinson’s poetry, as well as tips for helping the reader to discover the world of poetry for themselves.

Related Post: Girl Power Series: Women in the Arts

Juno Valentine and the Fantastic Fashion Adventure

Written by Eva Chen and illustrated by Derek Desierto

This brightly colored follow up to Juno Valentine and the Magical Shoes rejoins the fashionable Juno as she prepares for school picture day. Juno is worried about what to wear. But when her brother Finn goes running into her closet, she chases him to the magical hall of shoes. Soon they are on a magical journey, meeting inspirational women throughout history who each offer Juno a piece of their wardrobe. The end of the story offers a message for kids to be themselves, and the back of the book includes a short paragraph about each of the women featured in the story.

What are your favorite children’s’ books about inspirational women? Share in the comments below!

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