Telling Her Story: New Mighty Girl Books for Women's History Month 2021

Wilma: My First Wilma Rudolph (Little People, Big Dreams)

Wilma Rudolph was born in the segregated South, in a poor family with 22 brothers and sisters, and she contracted polio as a child — nobody expected her to be able to walk again, or to be able to achieve something great. But Rudolph was persistent; she not only taught herself to walk again, she taught herself to run so fast that people nicknamed her "Skeeter." When she went to the 1960 Olympics, she won gold medals, broke world records, and inspired people around the globe. This board book from the My First - Little People, BIG DREAMS series celebrates an athletic pioneer who refused to give up on her dreams. For the picture book for ages 5 to 8, visit Wilma Rudolph: Little People, Big Dreams.

Courageous First Ladies Who Changed the World

First Ladies do an awful lot! In this colorful board book, young readers will get a brief introduction to eleven First Ladies, from Martha Washington to Michelle Obama. Each entry features a quotation from the woman featured, a colorful portrait, and a short explanation of how she used her role as First Lady to change our country for the better. From Martha Washington nursing Revolutionary soldiers and Abigail Adams' reminder to "remember the ladies," to Jackie Kennedy's love of the arts and Michelle Obama's initiative to encourage healthy eating, this book celebrates the contributions of First Ladies over America's history!

My Little Golden Book About Ruth Bader Ginsburg

When Ruth Bader Ginsburg was growing up, she didn't have the same opportunities as a boy. At her school, girls learned to cook and sew while boys learned to build things, and many parents didn't see the point in sending a girl to college. Fortunately, her own parents supported her dream of fighting for equal rights. And after years of hard work and study, she became the second woman, and the first Jewish woman, to be a United States Supreme Court Justice. This Little Golden Book biography teaches Ginsburg's story in a way that's accessible to preschoolers, inspiring them to imagine what new ground they could break when they grow up! For another Little Golden Book about an inspiring women, check out My Little Golden Book About Frida Kahlo.

There Goes Patti McGee! The Story of the First Women's National Skateboard Champion

Patti McGee started learning to ride on a homemade skateboard after seeing a group of boys riding real skateboards — and she was good at it, too! She joined a skateboarding team (all boys) and learned some amazing tricks. And in 1964, she attended the National Skateboard Championship for Women, winning with a perfect score and a trick that would become her signature move: the rolling handstand. This energetic portrait of the first female professional skateboarder — complete with dynamic illustrations that illustrate and label a wide variety of skateboard tricks — is sure to get young readers eager to strap on a helmet and pads and take their own boards for a ride.

Cubs in the Tub: The True Story of the Bronx Zoo's First Woman Zookeeper

In the 1940s, Helen Martini's husband Fred worked at the Bronx Zoo, while she stayed at home. Then, Fred brought home a lion cub that had been rejected by his mother. Helen, who had baby supplies on hand in hopes that the couple would have a child someday, named the cub MacArthur and raised him in their home. And soon she was raising more cubs! Before long, she had moved to the zoo, where she set up a nursery in an unused storage room and creating a glass enclosure where visitors could see the cubs at play. And when zoo officials discovered the work she had done, they made her the first female zookeeper and keeper of the nursery. Adorable illustrations and engaging stories about Martini's work with the tiger cubs make this the perfect book for little animal-lovers.

Flying High: The Story of Gymnastics Champion Simone Biles

As a child, Simone Biles was a bundle of unchannelled energy, trying to find a place to belong during her time in foster care. When her grandparents adopted her, they thought gymnastics might give her a place to thrive — and they were right! Soon, she was racing through new skills, "shooting off the vault / like a rocket blast." Her path wasn't always easy — she even missed getting on the national team at first — but the same resilience and determination that drove her as a child would eventually help her make her way to the gold medal podium at the 2016 Olympics! This lyrical picture book biography celebrates talent, perseverance, and the importance of a supportive family through they eyes of one of the greatest athletes of our time.

Megan Rapinoe (Little People, Big Dreams)

Megan Rapinoe grew up in Redding, California, chasing a soccer ball "like a wild animal" on the school playground. Although she didn't always fit in at school, she always knew where she should be on the field, and her teammates looked up to her for leadership. After years of diligent practice, she won a place on the United States Women's National Team, eventually being named co-captain and leading her teammates to Olympic Gold and World Cup victory. And she also used her fame to fight for causes that were important to her, like LGBTQ rights and gender equality in sports. This empowering book features from the Little People, BIG DREAMS series is a colorful, inspiring look at on of America's heroes! For another biography from this series about an inspiring athlete, check out Billie Jean King (Little People, Big Dreams).

Aretha Franklin (Little People, Big Dreams)

Aretha Franklin was born to perform: even as a child singing in her father's church choir, she astounded everyone with her powerful voice and her incredible stage presence. As an adult, she started singing rhythm and blues, captivating audiences wherever she went — particularly with a song by Otis Redding called "Respect," which became an anthem for African-American women like her. Aretha would go on to be called the "Queen of Soul" and was the first woman installed in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame! This book from the best-selling Little People, BIG DREAMS series includes back matter with a timeline, historical photos, and inspiring facts about this pioneering artist. For another picture book about Franklin, we recommend A Voice Named Aretha for ages 5 to 9.

Malala Yousafzai (Little People, Big Dreams)

Malala Yousafzai was born in Pakistan, where many fathers didn't believe in educating their daughters — but Ziauddin Yousafzai was determined to give her every opportunity a son would have. That became much more dangerous, though, when the Taliban came to power and forbid girls from attending school. When Malala spoke out about it, she became the target of an assassination attempt. After barely surviving, and establishing a new life in England, she became an activist for girls' education everywhere and the youngest Noble Prize laureate in history. This book from the Little People, BIG DREAMS series provides an inspiring look at Malala's work to help children just like her around the world.

Classified: The Secret Career of Mary Golda Ross, Cherokee Aerospace Engineer

Mary Golda Ross was the only girl in her college math class, and she proved that she could excel. She taught math at several high schools while taking graduate courses in the summers but she dreamed of finding more opportunities to apply her mathematical talents. In 1942, she succeeded, winning a spot at Lockheed as an aerospace engineer. She thrived, and before long, she had been invited to a super secret team called Skunk Works — one which was working on cutting-edge designs for future space travel! This compelling picture book biography captures the fascinating life of this little-known pioneer in STEM who became the first Native American aerospace engineer, celebrating how she blazed a trail for others behind her.

The Voice That Won The Vote: How One Woman's Words Made History

August, 1920: Tennessee's legislature is about to cast a history-making vote. If they approve the 19th Amendment, it will be ratified and women across the country will be assured of their right to vote. If they don't, the suffragists have more battles ahead. The decision came down to a single vote, and a shocking moment when Harry Burns — previously a staunch opponent of suffrage — voted in favor of suffrage. And he did so because of a letter from his indomitable mother, Febb Burns, who said "Vote for suffrage and don't forget to be a good boy." This inspiring picture book celebrates a defining moment of American history — and the determined woman whose letter helped give all women a voice in politics.

The Fearless Flights of Hazel Ying Lee

Hazel Ying Lee was one of eight siblings — but everyone agreed that she was the fearless one! And when she took her first ride in an airplane at the age of 19, she knew she wanted to be a pilot. But in a time when women didn't fly — and when Chinese Americans were required to carry identification at all times — being a pilot seemed out of reach; plus, her mother thought it wouldn't be ladylike. Lee disagreed, and when the Women Airforce Service Pilots were established during World War II, she finally got the chance to achieve her dream. This picture book biography of the first Chinese American woman to fly for the US military is a celebration of passion and a tribute to a groundbreaking woman who refused to take no for an answer.

Patricia's Vision: The Doctor Who Saved Sight

As a child in the 1940s, Patricia Bath became fascinated by caring for vision when she saw a beggar with cloudy eyes. Most people then thought a girl — particularly an African American girl — couldn't be a doctor, but she proved them wrong and became an ophthalmologist. Through her pioneering work in laser eye surgery, her work as cofounder of the American Institute for the Prevention of Blindness, and her innovative concept of community preventative eye care, Dr. Bath would save the sight of people around the world. This inspiring book from the People Who Shaped Our World series is a fitting tribute to this compassionate woman.

Try It! How Frieda Caplan Changed the Way We Eat

When Frieda Caplan started working at the Seventh Street Product Market in LA in 1956, she wanted to add something new to the sea of apples and potatoes; she thought she'd start with mushrooms. "Nobody eats those!" declared the men who ran grocery businesses, but she thought people might — if they could give them a try. Soon people were calling her the "Mushroom Queen"... but she wasn't done yet! She introduced even more foods: snap peas, seedless watermelon, kiwis... and blood oranges, purple potatoes, and habanero peppers. She not only became a successful shop owner; she changed the way people in America eat. This picture book biography is a celebration of a trailblazer in business and the joy of finding something deliciously new!

Maryam's Magic: The Story of Mathematician Maryam Mirzakhani

Growing up in Iran, Maryam Mirzakhani loved reading — math was so boring compared to the exciting characters and stories on the pages of a book! But then she discovered geometry, where the numbers became shapes, and "every number held a story." Soon, the math prodigy was studying mathematics at Harvard, then teaching others to love math as a professor. And her innovative research solving some of math's trickiest puzzles won her the Fields Medal, mathematics' highest award — the first time that a woman had won. This gorgeous picture book, imbued with Mirzakhani's love of math and passion for storytelling, is a vibrant celebration of a pioneering woman in STEM.

Elizabeth Warren's Big, Bold Plans

Elizabeth Warren always had a plan, but that doesn't mean her life always followed it! She wanted to be a teacher, but then she was fired when she became pregnant. So she pursued a career in law, and combined that passion with her interest in teaching to become a professor. And when she realized that the laws needed to be changed, she knew the best way to do that was to enter politics — first as a senator, and then as a presidential candidate. This inspiring picture book biography celebrates Warren's dedication, hard work, and principles, and encourages kids to imagine where their own big, bold plans could take them. For another book about Warren's life and career, check out Elizabeth Warren: Nevertheless, She Persisted.

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 picture book about Potter, this one focused on her conservation work, check out Saving the Countryside: The Story of Beatrix Potter and Peter Rabbit for ages 5 to 9.

Behind the Bookcase: Miep Gies, Anne Frank, and the Hiding Place

With so much focus on Anne Frank's inspiration to the world, it's easier to see her as an idolized figure than as a regular girl — but Miep Gies, the woman who helped protect the Frank family, and the diary, never forgot. Gies, who had been displaced from her own home during World War I, built a kinship with Anne through Hollywood gossip and fashion trends, even bringing Anne her first pair of high heels while she was still in hiding. This picture book's unique perspective is a powerful and touching addition to the library of books about Anne's life.

A Girl Named Rosita: The Story of Rita Moreno: Actor, Singer, Dancer, Trailblazer!

When young Rosita and her mother move from Puerto Rico to New York, she faces bullying for everything about her, from the color of her skin to her accent. She perfected her English just so she could talk back to the bullies — and she put the same determination into learning to sing and dance. On stage, she lit up the room, but as she fought for a Hollywood career, she faced stereotyping over and over. And then, one day, a strong, inspiring Puerto Rican role appeared: Anita in West Side Story. Rosita — now known as Rita Morena — soared in the role, and became the first Latinx person ever to win an Oscar. This gorgeous and inspiring picture book about the trailblazing entertainer is a tribute to the power of dreams.

Unbeatable Betty: Betty Robinson, the First Female Olympic Track & Field Gold Medalist

When Betty Robinson was spotted running for a train, she was invited to join a high school boys' track team — and proved she had the speed to succeed. At only 16, she ran in the 1928 Olympics, the first one that allowed women to compete in track and field, and she won gold, become famous around the world. She set her sights on more records... but when her biplane crashed, leaving her severely injured, she was told she'd never run again. Robinson refused to give up, though, and relearned how to stand, walk, and run — and won another gold in the 1936 Olympic Games. This inspirational biography celebrates the unbeatable spirit of this pioneering champion who knew that "All that matters is the runner and the track."

Kamala Harris: Rooted in Justice

Kamala Harris was still using a pacifier when she joined her parents at civil rights marches! As she grew up, she also grew a belief in freedom and justice — one which drove her to become a lawyer and a politician, using her voice to speak for those who could not. When the time came for the Democratic Party to choose a candidate for president, she threw her hat in the ring... and even though she wasn't chosen, she knew her story wasn't over. Before long, she was setting her sights on a new role: the vice presidential nominee for the 2020 election. Nikki Grimes' elegant poetry, which frames the story as a conversation between a girl and her mother, and luminous illustrations by Laura Freeman, create a portrait of a woman who knows that she will never give up on what matters.

For Spacious Skies: Katharine Lee Bates and the Inspiration for "America the Beautiful"

Katharine Lee Bates grew up during the Civil War, so she saw her country at its most divided — but even when the war was over, she knew America wasn't unified. Girls were treated differently than boys; immigrants struggled to get education and help; and while some enjoyed prosperity, others struggled to make ends meet. On an 1893 train trip, she saw some of America's greatest beauties... and turned it into a poem that expressed her vision of the country as one family, working together for the good of all. This exquisite picture book explores Bates' history as a college professor, founder of a settlement house, suffragist, and peace activist, and how her political opinions helped her forge one of the nation's most beloved songs.

The Singer and the Scientist

It's 1937, and contralto Marian Anderson is about to give another performance to an admiring crowd in New Jersey. This time, there's an odd-looking man near the front, with eccentric clothes and wild white hair. When her performance is over, Marian just wants to rest — but the venue's staff rudely tell her that the local hotels are for Whites only, and the people who cheered for her moments ago ignore her. Then the man with the white hair approaches: Albert Einstein! He invites her to stay at his house, and shares with her his own stories of experiencing prejudice as a Jew in Germany. Before long, the two have become friends, finding common ground in their love of music and their determination to pursue their passions. With vibrant illustrations, this picture book tells a story of a little-known friendship that highlights how small acts of kindness fight injustice.

She Persisted in Sports: American Olympians Who Changed the Game

Imagine being told that you would never be able to achieve your dreams — and doing it anyway! The third book in the best-selling She Persisted series celebrates women athletes who have dared to defy stereotype, prove their mettle, and take home gold. Featuring athletes past and present, including Gertrude Ederle, Wilma Rudolph, Mia Hamm (and her 1996 Olympic soccer teammates), Ibtihaj Muhammad, and many more, this book is a tribute to the girls and women who have excelled in sports and paved the way for millions of girls to come after them. For the littlest readers, this book is also available in a board book edition with simplified text.

You Should Meet: Shirley Chisholm

Shirley Chisholm was determined to be "unbossed and unbought": she was going to fight for change, no matter what! She became the first African American woman elected to Congress in 1968, and four years later, she became the first African American woman to run for president under one of the two big political parties. She may not have won, but she knew what was most important was that everyone across the country saw her, and started to realize that what mattered most wasn't whether you were male or female, or Black or White, but whether you had the ability to be a leader. This book from the You Should Meet early reader series is perfect for newly independent readers to learn about this trailblazing politician! For a picture book about Chisholm, we recommend She Was The First! The Trailblazing Life of Shirley Chisholm for ages 5 to 9.

Ruth Objects: The Life of Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Ruth Bader Ginsburg 's mother taught her that she should strive for independence — and the brilliant young woman did. But when she graduated from law school, she faced discrimination for both her gender and her Jewish heritage. She refused to give up, and build a career based on high-profile cases tackling laws that allowed discrimination — laws she overturned time and again. And in 1993, she became the second woman ever to sit on the United States Supreme Court, where her fierce intellect and ferocious dissents have made her a cultural icon. In this inspiring book from the Big Words series, author Doreen Rappaport combines her own prose with Ginsburg's quotes, and Eric Velasquez provides vibrant illustrations that encourage kids to imagine themselves as champions for justice, just like RBG.

The Strange Birds of Flannery O'Connor

Flannery O'Connor was fascinated by her family's chickens as a child, and delighted when, at 6 years old, she trained a chicken to walk forwards and backwards, attracting the attention of the local news. She grew up to be an author, capturing the strangeness of life in ways that captivated readers. Then she was diagnosed with lupus, and her world started to shrink and her health declined... but even once she was living with her mother again, she could still surround herself with strange, wonderful birds. With quirky text and bold illustrations, this book celebrates a woman who knew that there was beauty in the things that were different.

Yusra Swims

A girl named Yusra dreams of swimming at the Olympics someday, and devotes countless hours to training. When war breaks out in her home country of Syria, her dreams have to get put on hold as she and her sister try to figure out how to flee to safety. They pay smugglers for a chance to ride a boat to Greece, but the inflatable's engine fails in the middle of the sea, threatening everyone on board. Yusra dives into the water to pull the boat — and becomes an international sensation. And not too long after, she finally achieves her Olympic dream, competing for the first ever refugee team. Told in spare quatrains of poetry, with dramatic illustrations that capture the destruction and hardship of war, this stunning picture book biography of Olympic swimmer and Syrian refugee Yusra Mardini is a powerful story about resilience, determination, and hope.

The Lady with the Books: A Story Inspired by the Remarkable Work of Jella Lepman

The war may be over, but for Anneliese and Peter, life will never be the same: their father has died and their home city of Munich is in ruins. When they follow a line of people waiting to enter a building, they discover a hall full of children's books — and they can read as much as they want. The lady with the books invites them to return as often as they please, and it's not long before her hall becomes a haven — one which helps the siblings heal. Based on the real life work of Jella Lepman, who founded the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) and the International Youth Library, this book is a testament to the power of reading and the importance of international aid — with a portion of proceeds going to IBBY's Children in Crisis Fund.

A Portrait in Poems: The Storied Life of Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Toklas

"The next time you go to Paris," this book beings, you might discover the home where Gertrude Stein and her partner, Alice B. Toklas, lived. And then you might learn about their remarkable lives! In free verse, complete with child-friendly quotations from Stein's work, kids will learn about the couple, their artistic lives, and their influence on 20th century art and literature — as well as homey details like stories about their dog, Basket. With fun and vivid artwork and a playful reminder of the joys of creativity, this picture book biography is a celebration of living your life as you please, no matter what others may think.

Grace Banker and Her Hello Girls Answer the Call: The Heroic Story of WWI Telephone Operators

When World War I broke out, the military needed people to help communicate messages between American and French headquarters, and from officers to the battlefield. But who could ensure the communications got through to the right people? Grace Banker was a 25-year-old telephone switchboard trainer from New York who was asked to help. She would become the Chief Operator of a group of 32 women — officially the Signal Corps, but affectionately known as the "Hello Girls" — who braved freezing weather, fires, battle, and more to ensure that critical messages were relayed. This absorbing and exuberant picture book celebrates Banker and her Hello Girls, overlooked heroes of World War I who are finally getting their due.

Breaking the Ice: The True Story of the First Woman to Play in the National Hockey League

Before she became the first — and only — woman to play a game in the National Hockey League, Manon Rhéaume was a little girl who loved hockey. At 5 years old, she begged her father to let her be the goalie for the team he coached in Lac-Beauport, Quebec, Canada. "People aren’t ready to see a girl play on a boys’ team," he told her. "But don’t let that stop you." Although she faced plenty of skepticism and sexism along the way, Rhéaume would achieve first after first — including becoming the first woman to play in an NHL game, for the Tampa Bay Lightning in 1992. With dynamic illustrations that capture the speed and movement of hockey, and an afterword by Rhéaume herself, this inspiring book celebrates the power of a girl with a love for the game.

Anna Strong: A Spy During the American Revolution

In 1778, George Washington knew that, if he was going to win the Revolutionary War, he needed information — and that meant spies. When Major Benjamin Tallmadge formed the Culper Ring, he recruited one woman: Anna Smith Strong. She had Loyalist relatives; who would believe she was a spy? The clever woman used her position to listen in on British officers, and she came up with an ingenious signalling method — using laundry on a clothesline! Strong's work helped turn the tide of the war, and the British never suspected her. This exciting story of a woman putting her ingenuity to work for her new nation even includes one of the Culper Ring's spy codes so kids can send their own coded messages!

Code Breaker, Spy Hunter: How Elizebeth Friedman Changed the Course of Two World Wars

Elizebeth Friedman had a knack for codes and ciphers — and she wanted to put it to use. She helped debunk the idea that Francis Bacon had written Shakespeare's plays. She cracked the code of gangsters and smugglers, allowing their shipments to be intercepted. And she even took down Nazi spy rings during the second World War, saving thousands of lives! Although she should have been famous — she even created the CIA's first cryptology unit — almost nobody knew about her work until her secret papers were declassified in 2015. In this fascinating, in-depth picture book biography, young readers can learn all about Friedman's life of code breaking — and even try deciphering secret messages of their own!

Lisa of Willesden Lane: A True Story of Music and Survival During World War II

Mona Golabek's stunning book for older readers, The Children of Willesden Lane, is now available in an early chapter book format! Musical prodigy Lisa dreams of being a concert pianist, but with World War II looming, Vienna is no longer safe for Jewish families like hers. Her parents make the difficult decision to send her to London through the Kindertransport. In a home for refugee children, Lisa desperately misses her family, but her music provides her — and all of those around her — with comfort. Adapted for younger readers with shorter chapters, and including additional material about Holocaust history and the Kindertransport, this powerful book celebrates the power of music to uplift the human spirit. For a picture book version of the story, check out Hold On To Your Music: The Inspiring True Story of the Children of Willesden Lane for ages 5 to 8.

Numbers in Motion: Sophie Kowalevski, Queen of Mathematics

As a girl, Sophie Kowalevski was fascinated by her father's discarded pages of mathematical equations. She discovered that she had a knack for numbers — and an equal gift for writing. And her two talents strengthened each other, keeping her thinking flexible. She wanted to do mathematics research, but in the late 1800s, most universities wouldn't even look at her papers. But she refused to let that stop her, and not only became the first woman to receive a doctorate degree in math, but went on to hold a university chair in mathematics and be editor for a major scientific journal! This picture book is a tribute to a woman who saw the value of both the arts and the sciences — and refused to be held back because of who she was.

No Steps Behind: Beate Sirota Gordon's Battle for Women's Rights in Japan

When Beate Sirota Gordon was 5 years old, her family left Europe to avoid rising anti-Semitism — and ended up in Japan. Gordon grew up immersed in her new country, learning its language fluently. But that didn't mean she loved everything about its culture, particularly not the way it treated girls and women. During World War II, she went to college in California, and learned more about American battles for women's rights, and when she was selected for a job as a translator for the delegation helping draft Japan's post-war constitution — at the age of only 22 — she made the bold choice to ensure that women's suffrage and equality were enshrined within it. This vibrant, detailed picture book biography celebrates Gordon's story, nearly forgotten because so much of her work was classified, and how women can support one another in their fight for rights.

How Women Won the Vote: Alice Paul, Lucy Burns, and Their Big Idea

When Alice Paul and Lucy Burns met in a London jail after being arrested in UK suffrage protests, the two American women knew they wanted to reinvigorate the American suffrage battle! The pair organized the DC Women’s March of 1913, a stunning and attention-grabbing parade right before the inauguration of President Woodrow Wilson, and that was just the beginning of their protests. Author Susan Campbell Bartoletti tells the story of the final push towards the 19th Amendment with verve, including archival images, sidebars, and other fascinating details, while illustrator Ziyue Chen captures the feeling of the early 20th century. Filled with captivating storytelling, photos, and artwork, this fascinating book, published for the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, is the perfect introduction to the Suffrage Movement for young readers!

Who Is Temple Grandin?

When Temple Grandin was a child, she was obviously different from other kids: she didn't speak until she was four, she couldn't show affection, and she frequently melted down when she was overwhelmed by noise, light, or touch. Thanks to her supportive mother, though, Temple realized that she just needed the right environment to unlock her potential. She turned her understanding of animals and her incredible visual mind into a career in animal science. And when she was diagnosed with autism in her 40s, she became an advocate for people around the world whose brains are different, not less! In this inspiring biography from the illustrated middle grade Who Was...? biography series is perfect for both autistic and neurotypical kids to learn more about this pioneering scientist.

Who Is Greta Thunberg?

Greta Thunberg and her classmates were all worried when they saw a video about climate change and its effects on the environment — but after the video was over, she couldn't stop thinking about it. She couldn't eat, she stopped doing the things she loved, and she even stopped speaking. But with the help of her parents, she realized that she could take action, and hopefully, change the world. She started with a solo strike every Friday on the steps of the Swedish parliament. Before long, she had sparked a movement around the world! This captivating illustrated biography from the Who Was...? biography series' new Who HQ NOW format will introduce young readers to the inspiring story of the schoolgirl who sparked a worldwide revolution.

The Atlas of Women Explorers

When we tell stories of explorers, they're often of men — but women often dared to break social conventions so they could adventure far from home! In this gorgeously illustrated atlas, tweens will learns about 18 women adventures past and present, from famous names like Amelia Earhart, Nellie Bly, and Junko Tabei, to less well-known travelers like Jeanne Baret, Osa Johnson, and Laura Dekker. It's a celebration of courage and curiosity, daring and dreams, that's sure to inspire young readers to imagine their own adventures!

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!

Out of Hiding: A Holocaust Survivor’s Journey to America

Ruth survived the Holocaust as a hidden child, concealing herself behind a couch or in a trunk with a tiny hole for air, and now she and her parents are free... but the war still haunts her. As displaced peoples in a war-ravaged Europe, they struggle to survive until the paperwork comes allowing them to emigrate to America. When it finally arrives, Ruth starts a new life in Brooklyn, but she speaks little English and struggles with nightmares and flashbacks. And yet she continues to hope that America can become a home. This powerful novel about the aftermath of war and atrocity is a timely read, reminding young readers that the impact of these events — past and present — lingers with people long after the violence is over.

Girls Can! Smash Stereotypes, Defy Expectations, and Make History!

What can girls do? Whatever they want! This empowering book from National Geographic introduces kids to over 75 women past and present who made history, in fields from politics to art to journalism to science and much, much more. Each of these women defied stereotypes and prejudice in order to achieve their dreams! Featuring figures like mathematician Katherine Johnson, journalist Christiane Amanpour, scientist and conservationis Sylvia Earle, artist Frida Kahlo, and media mogul Oprah Winfrey, plus real-life tips about how girls can raise their voices and break the barriers holding them back, this book will challenge young readers to see the world of possibility out there for them to claim.

Grasping Mysteries: Girls Who Loved Math

Jeannine Atkins, author of Finding Wonders: Three Girls Who Changed Science, returns with this companion book in verse about seven women who used math to change the world! With evocative poems, Atkins captures the stories of Caroline Herschel, Florence Nightingale, Hertha Marks Ayrton, Marie Tharp, Edna Lee Paisano, Katherine Johnson, and Vera Rubin. These women fought stereotypes and prejudices and proved they were up to the task! This compelling book celebrating women in math is sure to inspire a new generation of math-loving girls.

The Woman's Hour: Our Fight for the Right to Vote (Young Readers Edition)

In August 1920, women's right to vote is at a tipping point. Suffragists have been fighting for the vote for over 70 years, and one more state needs to ratify the 19th Amendment for it to finally be enshrined in the Constitution. Tennessee is about to make their decision, but the road isn't easy. Many people oppose the amendment, including the "Antis": women who don't want women to be able to vote and racists who oppose the fact that its passage would give black women the right to vote. As suffragist leaders Carrie Catt, Sue White, and Alice Paul agitate for the amendment's ratification, they face blackmail, betrayal, and more. Elaine Weiss told this nail-biting story for adults in The Woman's Hour; now, this young readers edition, which includes an 8-page photo insert, will teach kids about the power of activism, the importance of equal rights, and just how close the passage of the 19th Amendment really was.

Ruby Bridges: This Is Your Time

As a 6-year-old child, Ruby Bridges became a symbol of courage and equality when she desegregated an all-White elementary school in New Orleans, escorted past a screaming mob by federal marshals. Now, she calls the next generation of young activists to step up for what's right! In this beautiful gift book, Bridges uses her own story to show young readers how even the youngest of us can work for change. With historical photographs, jacket art using Norman Rockwell's painting The Problem We All Live With, and more, this is an empowering and powerful call to action for both children and adults.

Women's Art Work: More than 30 Female Artists Who Changed the World

Meet over thirty inspiring female artists in this stunning collection! In capsule biographies about artists past and present, tweens and teens will learn about how these women contributed to art history — and how women's art is often pushed to the margins. With a diverse group of women, including Frida Kahlo, the Guerrilla Girls, Louise Bourgeois Georgia O'Keeffe, and many more, readers will get a sense of the scope of women's impact — and with original interviews with living artists including Yayoi Kusama, Lorna Simpson, and Rachel Whiteread, they can imagine a bold future for women in art.

The Radium Girls Young Readers' Edition

The Scary but True Story of the Poison that Made People Glow in the Dark

In the early 20th century, the young women who got jobs painting watch and gauge dials with glowing radium paint were considered lucky; they were well-paid, and surrounded by dust that would supposedly make them healthy — and literally made them glow. But the corporations didn't tell them about the dangers of radium exposure. When they started to get sick, the women tried to seek justice, only to be slandered by company management who claimed that they were dying of syphilis and other diseases. With their days numbered, the Radium Girls knew they had to win their case — not for themselves, but to protect generations of workers after them. This young reader adaptation of the best-selling adult book The Radium Girls tells the story of these courageous women and their groundbreaking battle for workers' rights to safety.

Girls Who Run The World: 31 CEOs Who Mean Business

Girls mean business — they can run the world! In this empowering volume, kids will learn all about 31 women in charge of leading companies, from Pop Sugar to Mitú to 23andme and many more. Each provide includes information about how she came up with her business idea, the obstacles she ran into along the way, and her tips for success (plus a few fun facts like favorite candy or favorite children's book!) At the end, kids will learn how to turn their own idea into a business: how to create a business plan and elevator pitch, how to manage finances, and much more. This inspiring book is the perfect choice for young would-be entrepreneurs to help them imagine turning their dream into reality.

A Hopeful Heart: Louisa May Alcott Before Little Women

Louisa May Alcott defied expectations for her day: she was a tomboy and an avid reader. Her father, a philosopher, encouraged her intellectual life, while she and her mother had a deep bond, and her three sisters provided company and comfort during the family's many moves. In this stunning biography, author Deborah Noyes explores Alcott's life and how it influenced her: her childhood adventures, her family's struggles with debt, and her time serving as a nurse for Civil War soldiers — and experience that culminated in her writing the beloved classic, Little Women. Accompanied by unique indigo illustrations, this exploration of Alcott's influences will fascinate fans of her work.

A Pirate's Life for She

Pirates have entered popular consciousness in a strange role: lawbreakers who were sometimes vicious and violent, they nevertheless stand as icons of freedom and independence. And among their numbers were women — some of whom even held roles as captains and commanders! Author Laura Sook Duncombe explores the stories of 16 pirate women from around the world and across time. She related the tales about their lives — including gaps and conflicting accounts — and invites readers to examine how defying society's expectations can be an act of revolution and empowerment.

You Too? 25 Voices Share Their #MeToo Stories

The #MeToo movement prompted many women to reflect on their past experiences — and vow that they would do everything they could to prevent the girls of today from living through the same. Author Janet Gurtler created this thoughtful and raw collection to teach teens that sexual harassment, assault, and degradation are not normal, and that if they have survived them, they are not alone. With essays from Beth Reviszi Lee, Ellen Hopkins, Saundra Mitchell, Jennifer Brown, Cheryl Rainfield, and many more, this painful but important read serves as a reminder that, together, we can work for change.