Science Is For Girls: 30 New Children's Books About Girls and Women in Science

Women in Science (Board Book Edition)

Rachel Ignotofsky's best-selling Women in Science gets a board book adaptation for the littlest readers! Combining Ignotofsky's gorgeous, colorful illustrations with simple text, this book is packed with diverse role models from every field of science. Each entry gives the woman's name, a few fun facts, and a one-sentence summary of one of her most important contributions, from how Wang Zhenyi figured out how eclipses work to how Mae Jemison became the first African American woman in space. It's the perfect title for curious kids who can't wait to learn more about the trailblazing women who made their mark on history!

A Dinosaur Named Ruth: How Ruth Mason Discovered Fossils in Her Own Backyard

In 1905, prairie girl Ruth finds something unexpected on her family's South Dakota land: strange rocks and rubble. They look almost like bones — but bones of what? And why are they so much like stone? Ruth is full of questions, but nobody else seems interested in them, even the scientists she contacts when she's an adult. It's not until 1979 that two paleontologists come to see Ruth's discovery and discover the remains of thousands of dinosaurs! This thrilling picture book celebrates a curious girl who grew up into a woman determined to be heard, and how her persistence ensured scientists could study one of the greatest paleontological discoveries of the 20th century.

The Bug Girl: A True Story

7-year-old Sophia had adored bugs ever since she was 2 1/2 — but when she got to school, not everyone appreciated her love of insects, especially in a girl. And when she brought a beautiful grasshopper — her favorite bug — to school, some of the kids even knocked it off her shoulder and killed it. Heartbroken, Sophia stopped talking about bugs... until her mom wrote to an entomological society looking for a bug scientist pen pal. The society created the hashtag #BugsR4Girls, and before long, hundreds of scientists were talking to Sophia, encouraging her to keep up her love of entomology. This charming picture book, written by the real-life Sophia, celebrates curiosity, scientific passion, being true to yourself — and of course, bugs!

Tu Youyou's Discovery: Finding a Cure for Malaria

When Tu Youyou was a child growing up in China, her family would treat her sicknesses with traditional remedies. She was fascinated by science, so she decided she wanted to study medicine. By the time she was an adult, more and more people around the world were being infected with a strain of malaria that was resistant to the medicines people usually used. She decided to find a new treatment — and she wondered if a traditional remedy might be the key. With the help of her team, Tu Youyou started poring through home remedies for symptoms of malaria and one of them, artemisinin derived from sweet wormwood, would be the cure she had been searching for. This picture book from the She Made History series is an inspiring introduction to the Nobel Prize-winning malariologist whose work has saved millions of lives.

Rosalind Franklin (Little People, Big Dreams)

Rosalind Franklin was a scientist when few women were, and she perfected techniques in X-ray crystallography that allowed her to take pictures of molecules more detailed than anyone had managed before! At King's College London, she and Maurice Wilkins decided to work on finding the structure of DNA — but after a disagreement, he showed her "photo 51" to another researcher, Francis Crick. Crick and his colleague James Watson would later be credited with "discovering" DNA's double helix; Franklin's contribution wasn't recognized until after her death. Today, though, she's recognized for her critical role in one of the most important discoveries of the 20th century. This book from the Little People, BIG DREAMS series is a must-have introduction to a scientist who's finally getting her due.

June Almeida, Virus Detective! The Woman Who Discovered the First Human Coronavirus

June Almeida loved science, even as a young girl growing up in Glasgow, Scotland. But even though she was a top student, her family struggled financially and she had to leave school at the age of 16. She was determined, though, to find a way to pursue a scientific career and she was hired by a local hospital to work in its lab. There, she proved that she had an incredible talent for using a microscope to examine cells, making discoveries that helped doctors treat patients. And after years of working with electron microscopes and identifying viruses, she made a very special discovery — the first human coronavirus! This fascinating picture book, which includes a timeline and photos of June and her historic virus photographs in the back matter, celebrates a pioneering virologist whose groundbreaking work continues to help researchers today in the fight against illnesses caused by viruses, including COVID-19.

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

As a child, Beatrice Shilling would rather take apart machines than play with the other girls — so when she grew up, she decided to study engineering, even if she would be the only woman there. She proved her mettle more than once, but plenty of people were still skeptical about a woman engineer. When World War II broke out, though, Britain's planes needed help — and that meant new ideas. Shilling figured out a solution to a tough problem with their fuel release systems, allowing pilots to maneuver safely... and helping them win the war! This inspiring picture book biography of a engineering pioneer (who also raced motorcycles on the side!) will inspire kids to celebrate the value of individuality and persistence.

Secrets of the Sea: The Story of Jeanne Power, Revolutionary Marine Scientist

In 1818, Jeanne Power was a former dressmaker who became a self-taught naturalist after moving from Paris to Sicily. She was fascinated by the life forms in the ocean — but while it was easy to study animals on land, how could she study the ones in the sea? Power built a glass box — an aquarium — that she could use to examine aquatic creatures, and she made groundbreaking discoveries doing so! And even when men tried to take credit for her work, she argued her case and made sure she got her due. This vibrant picture book biography celebrates a little known pioneer of science whose legacy lives on in every aquarium found in homes, research facilities, and zoos around the world.

The Leaf Detective: How Margaret Lowman Uncovered Secrets in the Rainforest

Meg Lowman was a shy child who rarely spoke in school — but she adored the natural world, and particularly the trees and the many organisms that lived in their branches and leaves. So she decided she wanted to become a scientist and study the canopies in the rain forest. There were many obstacles in her way, from the inaccessibility of the treetops to the sexism she faced in the scientific community to the logging and clearing that threatened this precious ecosystem. But Lowman persevered, and "Canopy Meg" not only created her own future, but helped ensure the rainforests had a future too. With vibrant illustrations (that conceal fascinating facts about rainforests in their leafy designs) and text drafted with the help of Lowman herself, this picture book is a detailed and exciting portrait of a pioneering scientist and the incredible world she loves.

She Heard the Birds: The Story of Florence Merriam Bailey

Florence Merriam Bailey loved birds: she adored spending time outside, watching and listening to her feathered friends. But when she grew up, she learned that most ornithologists of her day studied birds that had been stuffed and mounted, and never set foot outside their labs except to trap even more birds. Bailey proposed the modern system of birdwatching, even writing one of the first field guides to American birds, Birds Through An Opera-Glass. She was also an advocate for conservation, encouraging women to refuse to wear feathers in their fashion and fighting for laws that protected wild spaces. Author Andrea D'Aquino's elegant text and gorgeous collage illustrations tell the story of this pioneering scientist and how her innovative perspective changed the world.

Fearless World Traveler: Adventures of Marianne North, Botanical Artist

Born to a wealthy family in 1800s England, Marianne North loved painting and botany. Her mother told her she was wasting her time; she should be looking for an appropriate husband. Although she refused to give up on her dream, she spent many years caring for her ailing father — but when he died, she suddenly found herself with the freedom and the funds to do as she pleased. Not only did North travel the world, drawing and painting what she saw — and pioneering the technique of painting specimens in their natural environment — but she created so many works of art that she created the Marianne North Gallery at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, a gallery that is still open today. This lush picture book celebrates an independent-minded woman whose love of science and art changed the way people saw the natural world.

Beatrix Potter, Scientist

Beatrix Potter loved the living world — and she wanted to know all about it. She made observations and recorded what she saw in both words and pictures, even studying the bones of pets when they died. But people didn't think a woman could be a scientist in her time; she had to teach herself, and even when she made discoveries and wrote scientific papers, they were turned away. However, she eventually turned her talents to writing children's books starring the wild animals she loved, including a little bunny named Peter Rabbit. This book doesn't shy away from the challenges facing a woman scientist in Potter's day, but celebrates how combined her talents and her passions, both to make new discoveries and to write some of the world's most beloved children's books. For another book about Potter, which focuses on her conservation work, we recommend Saving the Countryside: The Story of Beatrix Potter and Peter Rabbit for ages 5 to 9.

Breaking Through the Clouds: The Sometimes Turbulent Life of Meteorologist Joanne Simpson

Joanne Simpson was an adventurous young woman who wasn't going to let anyone tell her what to do. She learned to sail a boat and fly a plane, and she learned how to judge the weather while doing both. In the middle of World War II, a professor at the University of Chicago asked her to teach Air Force officers about weather — and she discovered she enjoyed it. She decided to become a meteorologist herself... but when the war was over, her professors told her to go home saying, "No woman ever got a doctorate in meteorology. And no woman ever will." Not only did Simpson get that doctorate — becoming the first woman to do so — but she also discovered so much during her research that she completely changed our understanding of weather! This exuberant picture book is a celebration of a scientific trailblazer who was determined to be the first woman in her field.

She Persisted: Virginia Apgar

Virginia Apgar wanted to become a doctor when very few women did — and she wasn't going to let prejudice stand in her way. She was discouraged from studying surgery, so she started working in anesthesiology, where there was lots of research to be done to find the best ways to help patients. And while working with pregnant women and newborn babies, she created a quick, easy to remember test that assessed a newborn's health: the Apgar score. Her test is still used around the world — and it's saved millions of lives! This chapter book biography inspired by Chelsea Clinton's bestselling She Persisted series, with black and white illustrations throughout, is a fascinating introduction to a pioneering woman in medicine and the story of how she rose up against the odd.

She Persisted: Temple Grandin

As a child, Temple Grandin was different from other children: she didn't speak, and she struggled with meltdowns and sensory overload. Her mother was told to put her in an institution, but she knew her daughter could achieve great things. Supportive family and mentors helped Grandin discover her love of animals and her talent for science and design, and she realized she could use her unique perspective to achieve great things! This chapter book inspired by Chelsea Clinton's best-selling She Persisted series is a powerful introduction to this animal welfare and autism awareness advocate — and to how different perspectives benefit all of us.

She Persisted: Sally Ride

When Sally Ride joined NASA — after the agency spent years telling women they couldn't be astronauts — she wanted to be the first, not just for herself but for all the girls and women who came after her. When she became the first American woman in space, it was a dream come true! And when she left NASA, she continued to do so, creating programs that encouraged girls to see themselves as scientists and engineers and inspiring generations of women in STEM. This early chapter book inspired by the bestselling picture book She Persisted: 13 American Women Who Changed the World celebrates a trailblazing woman who let girls see everything that they could be.

Marjory Saves the Everglades: The Story of Marjory Stoneman Douglas

When journalist Marjory Stoneman Douglas returned to Florida after World War I, she was shocked at the difference in her home: where once the Everglades were lush with life, now they were disappearing — and taking the plant and animal life along with them. But how could she protect this unique place from destruction by developers? She put her pen into action and became an activist for conservation in Florida, helping the Everglades become a national park — one created not for sightseeing, but for preservation. With vibrant artwork that captures the beauty of the Everglades, and back matter including environmental tips, this is a gorgeous tribute to Douglas' life and work.

The Kitchen Pantry Scientist: Chemistry for Kids

Homemade Science Experiments and Activities Inspired by Awesome Chemists, Past and Present

You can dive into chemistry with ingredients from your own kitchen in this book from The Kitchen Pantry Scientist series! In Chemistry for Kids, you'll learn about 25 famous chemists past and present — half of them women — including figures like Marie Curie, Alessandra Volta, Tu Youyou, and more. Then, you'll conduct an experiment that explores similar concepts to their famous discoveries, from carbonating a beverage with baking soda and vinegar to extracting compounds from plants. All of the experiments can be done safely by kids, and either use simple materials you have on hand, or inexpensive items that you can easily purchase online. And for kids who are more interested in living things, check out the second volume, The Kitchen Pantry Scientist: Biology for Kids.

The Outdoor Scientist: The Wonder of Observing the Natural World

The great outdoors isn't just a place to play: it's also a place that can inspire boundless curiosity — and a passion for science! Dr. Temple Grandin, world-renowned scientist and author of Calling All Minds: How to Think and Create Like An Inventor, introduces young readers to a wide variety of scientific fields, from geology to astrophysics to oceanography and many more, all of which start with observations of the natural world. She also includes a selection of kid-appropriate activities that will get kids asking questions, drawing their own conclusions, and exploring all that the great outdoors has to offer! With its combination of chatty anecdotes and information about other real-life scientists, this book will inspire kids to learn more about our amazing world.

Wonder Women of Science: How 12 Geniuses Are Rocking Science, Technology, and the World

When we talk about pioneering women in science, we often talk about the past — but the truth is that there are women leading groundbreaking work in STEM every day! In this exciting volume, award-winning aerospace engineer Tiera Fletcher tells her own story, and those of a dozen other scientists, doing everything from using math to fight human trafficking to fighting climate change. In each profile, the women talk about the paths that led them to their current work, the obstacles and failures they faced along the way, and why they love what they do. With back matter that includes ideas how you can get involved in STEM, this is the perfect book to help young readers recognize that they can think of themselves as scientists!

Blast Off Into Space Like Mae Jemison

When Mae Jemison watched the Apollo moon landings, one of her questions was this: why weren't any of the astronauts women? After all, she loved science; couldn't she go to space too? Jemison would go on to become the first African American woman in space — and now her story can inspire the trailblazers of tomorrow! This book from the Work It, Girl series tells Jemison's life story, accented by brightly colored 3-D cut paper art, and provides ten tips from her own life for those who want to follow in her footsteps — and beyond.

No Boundaries: 25 Women Explorers and Scientists Share Adventures, Inspiration, and Advice

What does it take to break boundaries around the world? These 25 female explorers and scientists will tell you! From a volcanologist climbing an active volcano to a mountaineer defying prejudice as she reaches the top of the Seven Summits to a paleontologist who uncovers fossils in the field, these women know what it takes to dream big — and dare to follow up. Packed with breathtaking photography, first-person interviews, and general interest information about the places and subjects these pioneers are studying, this book is sure to inspire a new generation of girls to go further, higher, and deeper in the quest for knowledge and success.

Hidden Powers: Lise Meitner's Call to Science

Lisa Meitner dreamed of becoming a scientist at the turn of the 20th century, when girls were supposed to dream of marriage and housekeeping. She fought to earn a PhD in physics, and even became the first woman physics professor at the University of Berlin, but was frustrated when people compared her to Marie Curie — "no one expects every man to be like Pierre Curie." Then, as the Nazi regime rose, she faced discrimination because of her Jewish heritage, and she finally had to flee. Her research led to the discovery of nuclear fission, but only her male research partner received the Nobel Prize... and she was forever haunted by the atom bomb that her work helped create. This stunning biography in verse by the author of Finding Wonders and Grasping Mysteries is a gorgeous portrait of this pioneering physicist.

The Code Breaker Young Readers Edition

Jennifer Doudna and the Race to Understand Our Genetic Code

When Jennifer Doudna was in 6th grade, she read The Double Helix, James Watson's story of discovering the structure of DNA — and she was hooked. She became determined not just to learn more about DNA, but to learn enough about biochemistry to understand RNA, the related molecule that lets genes express themselves. Her expertise in RNA led to her work helping develop CRISPR, a revolutionary technique to edit genes — one that is already being used to target genetic diseases like Tay-Sachs and sickle cell anemia. And today, her team is part of the global effort to fight the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19. This young reader's edition of The Code Breaker introduces this pioneering scientist and her Nobel Prize-winning work to young readers, who will be inspired to imagine how they too could change the world.

The Woman Who Split the Atom: The Life of Lise Meitner

Lise Meitner was female and Jewish in early 20th century Berlin, so despite her brilliance as a physicist she had to fight for everything, even for having her name listed on her own research papers. When Hitler came to power, she even had to flee the country to save her own life. All the while, she was working with a research partner on a mysterious phenomenon: when he had bombarded a uranium nucleus with a single electron, the result was an atom with a smaller nucleus. Meitner's equations proved it was nuclear fission — and that the process would generate tremendous energy. But not only was she denied credit when her lab partner received the Nobel Prize, but she was also horrified that her discovery would associate her with the atomic bomb. Bestselling author-illustrator Marissa Moss provides rich factual detail and gorgeous drawings in this fascinating story of "a physicist who never lost her humanity."