March is Women’s History Month, so we have been enjoying lots of children’s books about incredible women! This list of books about women who changed the world includes board books, picture books, and reference books for all ages to enjoy!

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I Can Be Kind Like Mother Teresa

Written by Christopher Robbins and illustrated by Susanna Covelli

This finger puppet book introduces young kids to the life of Mother Teresa and her life’s work. The book has a soft finger puppet through the center, so the reader can bring the story to life on every page. Kids will love the beautiful, colorful illustrations, and the inspirational message to spread kindness, just like Mother Teresa.

Colors of Awesome: 24 Bold Women Who Inspired the World

Written by Eva Chen and illustrated by Derek Desierto

This colorful book uses the colors of the rainbow to introduce young readers to 24 inspirational women. Each two page spread focuses on a different color and ties that color to 2-3 women, either through something they wore or something they stood for. Each women is introduced through a short paragraph and a cute cartoon illustration. The book ends with an inspirational message to the reader to do something awesome as well.

Related Post: New Children’s Books about Inspirational Women

She Persisted in Sports

Written by Chelsea Clinton and illustrated by Alexandra Boiger

This abridged board book shares the stories of 13 amazing female athletes who persisted against the hurdles facing them. Each two page spread focuses on a different athlete with a short summary of her life, a beautiful illustration, and a quote. The end of the book encourages young girls to go out and persist as well.

That’s Betty! The Story of Betty White

Written by Gregory Bonsignore and illustrated by Jennifer M. Potter

This adorable picture book introduces readers to Betty White and her incredible life story. It follows a young boy as he prepares a presentation for school on a trailblazing woman. While researching Betty White at the library, he meets an eccentric woman who helps him learn about Betty White’s life and accomplishments. Kids will love the fun illustrations, and the adorable twist ending.

Niki Nakayama: A Chef’s Tale in 13 Bites

Written by Jamie Michalak and Debbi Michiko Florence and illustrated by Yuko Jones

This illustrated biography tells the story of Niki Nakayama’s life told in 13 small bites. Each two page spread features a bite-sized moment in Nakayama’s life that inspired her career and her love of food. The detailed illustrations show the incredible work that she put into becoming a chef, and the beautiful dishes that she created. The back of the book includes a timeline of Niki’s life and career, information on Kaiseki, and a Wonton Pizza recipe.

You are a Star, Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Written by Dean Robbins and illustrated by Sarah Green

This picture book biography introduces the reader to the life and accomplishments of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. The text is broken up into simple sentences and paragraphs, with colorful cartoon illustrations highlighting the important moments in her life. The back of the book includes a note from the author and a timeline of RBG’s life.

Related Post: 6 Children’s Books about Ruth Bader Ginsburg

The Girl Who Could Fix Anything: Beatrice Shilling, World War II Engineer

Written by Mara Rockliff and illustrated by Daniel Duncan

This illustrated biography shares the life story of Beatrice Shilling, the World War II engineer who defied the odds and helped Britain to solve an engine problem on their war planes. The story starts with her childhood, showing how she enjoyed taking things apart, through her marriage, and the work she did during World War II. The back of the book includes an author’s note about Beatrice Shilling’s life, and resources for further learning.

Fearless: The Story of Daphne Caruana Galizia, Defender of Free Speech

Written by Gattaldo

This book introduces kids to Daphne Caruana Galizia, a journalist who uncovered wrongdoing and took down criminals. The simple text explores her life from her childhood spent reading and learning, to her career as a journalist, working hard to share the truth. The illustrations are mostly done in dark tones, with Daphne standing out in bright pops of color. The back of the book includes an author’s note with more information about Galizia’s life.

Everyday Superheroes: Women in STEM Careers

Written by Erin Twamley and Joshua Sneideman

This anthology outlines 26 STEM careers, pairing each letter of the alphabet with a job. The beginning of the book explores the STEM “superpowers” that kids can develop, and use to succeed in the careers in the book. Each two page spread focuses on a different career, giving information on the job, and highlighting a famous woman who has succeeded in that career. The women are featured in brightly colored illustrations as well. This is a great introduction to STEM careers for little ones.

Related Post: 10 Women Who Changed the World of Science

Like a Diamond in the Sky

Written by Elizabeth Brown and illustrated by Becca Stadtlander

Everyone knows the poem “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star”, but does anyone know where it came from? This illustrated biography introduces readers to Jane Taylor, the poet behind the popular lullaby. The text walks the reader through her childhood, exploring nature and studying stars, and shares how she eventually published her poetry along with her sister. The back of the book includes lots of additional information about Jane Taylor and her poetry, as well as the full text of her poem “The Star”.

Sanctuary: Kip Tiernan and Rosie’s Place, the Nation’s First Shelter for Women

Written by Christine McDonnell and illustrated by Victoria Tentler-Krylov

This inspirational picture book shares the story of Kip Tiernan and her goal to find help for homeless women. The text starts by sharing about Kip’s childhood in her grandmother’s house during the Great Depression, and the lessons of empathy that she learned while growing up there. It also shares her mission to find resources for homeless women, and how she opened Rosie’s Place, the nation’s first shelter for women. The back of the book includes lots of information about Kip Tiernan and her legacy.

Ablaze with Color: A Story of Painter Alma Thomas

Written by Jeanne Walker Harvey and illustrated by Loveis Wise

This colorful book shares the life and legacy of painter Alma Thomas. The simple text shares about Alma’s childhood, and how she grew up to share her love of art with the world, eventually creating her own artwork. It also shares about her legacy, and when her artwork was featured in the White House, the first artwork by a black woman to be displayed there. Kids will love the brightly colored illustrations mimicking Thomas’ work with colors and patterns.

Related Post: Books about Women Who Changed History

Latinitas: Celebrating 40 Big Dreamers

Written by Juliet Menendez

This anthology tells the story of 40 influential Latinas from all over Latin America and the United States. Each two page spread highlights a different influential woman with a short biography, and a hand painted watercolor illustration. The table of contents outlines all of the women featured in the book, and there is an introduction by the author as well. Kids will love referencing this anthology and learning about the incredible women within it.

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

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