I love finding new children’s books that introduce young kids to inspirational people and the changes that they have made in the world. Reading about real life people and their contributions to the world can inspire them to overcome their own obstacles and do great things. So today I am thrilled to share these new children’s books about inspirational people and the ways that they have made the world a better place.

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Dream Big

Written by Joyce Wan

This board book introduces young readers to 15 incredible women who dreamed big dreams and changed the world. The text throughout the book is very simple, telling kids to dream big, brave, and impossible dreams. The illustrations are bright and colorful, highlighting a different woman on each page. It is the illustrations that tell the story about each woman, showing how they each changed the world. The back of the book includes more detailed information about each woman and the incredible things that they each accomplished.

Related Post: 10 Women Who Changed the World of Science

Little Heroes of Color

Written by David Heredia

In this large, colorful board book, readers are introduced to 50 inspirational people of color who made a difference in the world. Each hero is described in a short paragraph that highlights their accomplishments. The adorable cartoon style illustrations that accompany each bio show each person wearing clothing appropriate for their various jobs, and bright smiles on their faces. This is a great book for introducing kids to a variety of historical figures and their accomplishments.

Courageous People from Washington Who Changed the World

Written by Heidi Poelman and illustrated by Kyle Kershner

This board book comes from the Little Heroes series of books from Familius. The easy to read text and cartoon style illustrations make this a fun way to introduce kids to inspirational people from the state of Washington. From political figures and entrepreneurs to dancers and musicians, the people featured are diverse in their interests, backgrounds, and accomplishments.

Related Post: Girl Power Series: Women in the Arts

Courageous People from Texas Who Changed the World

Written by Heidi Poelman and illustrated by Kyle Kershner

This entry in the Little Heroes series focuses on inspirational people from the state of Texas. Just like the previous book, the text is easy to read, and full of interesting facts about the diverse group of people being highlighted. From Barbara Jordan and the Bush family, to Buddy Holly and JJ Watt, there are all kinds of accomplishments being recognized in this colorful board book.

Flight for Freedom: The Wetzel Family’s Daring Escape from East Germany

Written by Kristen Fulton and illustrated by Torben Kuhlmann

Unlike the other books on this list, this book highlights one particular family and their courageous actions. Peter Wetzel and his family lived on the East side of Germany while the Berlin Wall was dividing the country. They decided they needed to escape, and they came up with a creative and daring plan to do it. Night after night, they built a hot air balloon to carry them over the border and into West Germany. This story follows their trials and errors, and highlights the dangers that they faced while they attempted to flee. The subject matter is better suited for older children who can understand the history a bit better. But the illustrations and the gripping story are sure to enthrall kids and adults alike.

Related Post: Girl Power Series: Women Who Changed History

You are My Friend

Written by Aimee Reid and illustrated by Matt Phelan

Everyone has heard of Mr. Rogers. But very few people know the story of his life, and how he came to be the man that we all watched and listened to. Fred Rogers was often sick as a kid, and had trouble making friends with the kids his age. But with some help from his mother and his grandfather, he realized that he could spread kindness and compassion with the world. His messages of equality and celebrating everyone’s unique gifts are powerful bits of inspiration that people of all ages need to hear.

She Spoke

Written by Kathy MacMillan and Manuela Bernardi and illustrated by Kathrin Honesta

This incredible multimedia book uses sound bites of the real inspirational woman featured in the book to inspire the reader. The informational text highlights 14 women who have changed the world through their words and actions. Each two page spread introduces the reader to a different woman through a fact filled biography and colorful illustrated portrait. The illustrations matches up with a button on the side of the book, which plays the woman’s real voice when pushed. The sidebar of each spread includes quick facts, as well as the words to the included sound bite, and a question inspiring kids to think about their own actions.

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

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