New Mighty Girl Books for Women's History Month 2022

Greta: My First Greta Thunberg

Even the littlest readers can be inspired by Greta Thunberg's story of activism with this board book adaptation of the picture book biography from the Little People, Big Dreams series! Young Greta was so upset when she heard about the climate crisis that she stopped talking at first, but eventually, she realized that it was young people like her who needed to raise their voices and make the people in power pay attention. She created the "School Strike for Climate" which has become a youth movement around the world! Today, she reminds everyone that "No one is too small to make a difference." This board book from the My First - Little People, BIG DREAMS series is sure to delight kids who want to dream big.

I Am Malala Yousafzai

Malala Yousafzai grew up in Pakistan and she loved to learn — but when the Taliban took control, they didn't think girls should go to school. But she refused to stop learning — and she refused to let them silence her. She wrote about what it was like to be denied the chance to study and, even after the Taliban tried to kill her, she continued to stand up for women's rights and for girls' right to an education. In this inspiring book from the Ordinary People Change The World series, best-selling author-illustrator team Brad Meltzer and Christopher Eliopolous introduce kids to Malala's story and show them how traits that many children possess, like curiosity and a love of learning, helped make Malala into a hero for people around the world.

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.

Sarah and the Big Wave: The True Story of the First Woman to Surf Mavericks

Growing up in Hawaii, Sarah Gerhardt learned to surf on little waves, the kind that most people surf on. But the bigger they were, the more fun she had! So she slowly started surfing on bigger and bigger waves, until eventually she was regularly surfing on waves 50 feet high. It was hard being a female surfer: she had to use gear designed for men, and plenty of people didn't think she could surf a really big wave like the ones at the Mavericks surf break in California. But in 1999, after years of practice, she rode the biggest wave of her life — and became the first woman to conquer Mavericks. This stunningly illustrated picture book is a tribute to the excitement of surfing, the power of the ocean, and the determination of this female surfing trailblazer.

She Stitched the Stars: A Story of Ellen Harding Baker's Solar System Quilt

In 1876, a wife and mother like Ellen Harding Baker was expected to focus on the home: to cook and clean, to knit and sew. But the Iowa woman had boundless curiosity, particularly about space. She may not have been able to defy the conventions of her day to study the stars, but she could learn everything she could on her own and stitch it into a quilt. Today, Baker's solar system quilt hangs in the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, a tribute to a woman whose thirst for knowledge never faded. In this gorgeous picture book from the She Made History series, Baker's story is told through the eyes of her daughters, imagining how her determination to learn may have influence her family for generations.

The Fastest Girl on Earth! Meet Kitty O'Neil, Daredevil Driver!

Kitty O'Neil loved sports as a child, even after becoming deaf from a fever at the age of 2 — and nothing was going to stop her from pursuing her passions. She learned to read lips and to communicate with sign language, and she also learned to jump, run, race, and swim. She set speed records in water skiing and boating, and became a stuntwoman on films like Wonder Woman, but she still wanted more. So she decided to become a racecar driver, which took even more time and training as she learned to control her rocket-powered vehicle Motivator. And in 1976, she raced at over 600 miles per hour, breaking the land speed record! This high-powered picture book biography, which includes back matter about O'Neil's Cherokee heritage, the Motivator, and other speed records, is sure to inspire would-be daredevils.

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. There are also new books from this series about Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Florence Nightingale, Amanda Gorman, Gloria Steinem, Marilyn Monroe, Mindy Kaling, Michelle Obama, Kamala Harris, Yoko Ono, and Iris Apfel.

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.

Born Hungry: Julia Child Becomes "the French Chef"

Julia Child was born loving food, but it took a long time before she became a chef. In fact, she started her adult life working for the Office of Strategic Services during World War II. After spending time in Ceylon and China, she and her husband moved to France, where a life-changing luncheon sparked an eagerness to learn French cooking — and share it with the world. She would become the only woman student at Le Cordon Bleu, where she learned to cook in 37 lessons (and a lot of trial and error. And finally, she got the chance to host a TV cooking show, where she could encourage people around the world to see eating as a special occasion and to have fun with cooking! Told by her grandnephew, Alex Prud'homme, with vivacious illustrations from Sarah Green, this picture book biography even includes a kid-friend recipe from Julia herself.

Like A Diamond in the Sky: Jane Taylor’s Beloved Poem of Wonder and the Stars

When Jane Taylor grew up in the late 1700s, few girls went to school; they were expected to learn to run a home instead. But Jane dreamed of being a writer, inspired by the English countryside around her and the stars in the sky. Her family supported her, but society didn't, disdaining her as a woman who "read too much, knew too much, and wrote too much." Still, Jane persevered, and one of her poems for children has stood the test of time and become a beloved lullaby: "Twinkle, twinkle, little star, how I wonder what you are." This stunning picture book biography celebrates the little-known poet behind the famous nursery rhyme, and the backmatter even includes scientific details about why stars twinkle.

Shaped By Her Hands: Potter Maria Martinez

Maria Povika Martinez learned pottery with her ko-ōo, her aunt Nicolasa, who knew traditional techniques that her people had used for hundreds of years. While other children played with toys, she practiced shaping clay, making pots, and more! As an adult, Maria wanted to combine these traditions with something new. She developed a new firing technique that made pots black and shiny — something the world had never seen. Before long, she was the most renowned Native American potter of her day! This gorgeous picture book from the She Made History series celebrates creativity, innovation, and how combining old and new can create something beautiful.

The Heart of the Storm: A Biography of Sue Bird

As a child in New York, Sue Bird was quiet and shy — but she was also full of energy and athletic talent. She adored her older sister Jen, and tried every sport Jen tried, but none of them quite seemed to fit... until the day she picked up a basketball. Soon she was dreaming of playing at the highest levels of the sport, but to do that, she would have to work hard. She honed her skills as a team player, and took on the challenge of becoming a more vocal leader. And that determination took her to the Seattle Storm WNBA team, where she became one of the best WNBA players of all time! With dynamic illustrations and text full of can-do attitude, this exuberant picture book is a celebration of the hard work and practice it takes to become a top-tier athlete.

A Voice for the Everglades: Marjory Stoneman Douglas

Marjory Stoneman Douglas grew up in Florida, and she knew the Everglades as a place full of lush, wild beauty: nine different ecosystems packed with wildlife, including everything from panthers to manatees to hundreds of species of birds. But when she came home from World War I, she discovered that the Everglades were slowly falling, being taken over by developers. She wrote a book, A River of Grass, which helped people see the natural beauty of the Everglades and led to the creation of a national park, not for visitors, but as a preserve to protect this unique place. This vibrant picture book from the She Made History series celebrates Douglas' conservation work — and the Everglades that she loved.

Sing with Me: The Story of Selena Quintanilla

Selena loved to sing, and she loved how music brought people together — but being a professional musician, and especially proving herself in male-dominated Tejano music, would take work and determination! Selena learned to sing in Spanish, designed her own clothes, and started singing everywhere she could. And as she not only made a name for herself in Tejano music, but also on mainstream radio stations, she went from singing at local quinceañeras to performing at the Houston Astrodome! This vibrant and exuberant picture book biography of about Queen of Tejano music celebrates how Selena became an inspiration to Latinas everywhere. This book is also available in Spanish as Canta conmigo: La historia de Selena Quintanilla.

How to Hear the Universe

Gaby González and the Search for Einstein's Ripples in Space-Time

In 1916, Albert Einstein theorized that there were collisions in space, far out in the universe, which might make sound waves that we could use to understand the beginning of the universe — and the far reaches of it. But there was no way for him to prove it. Decades later, a scientist named Gabriela González, who had immigrated to America from Argentina, decided to take up Einstein's question. With brand new technology and a crack team of physicists, González finally found it: a sound wave, rippling through space-time. 100 years after Einstein had first proposed the idea, it was González who proved he was right. Written by molecular biologist Patricia Valdez, and with exuberant illustrations from award-winning illustrator Sara Palacios, this picture book about two pioneering scientists will fill kids with a sense of wonder about the universe.

Violet Velvet Mittens with Everything: The Fabulous Life of Diana Vreeland

Growing up in Paris, Diana Vreeland loved to dress up — and stand out. She learned early on that not everyone appreciated that: when she was 13, her mother got angry at her for wearing red nail polish. But she took her love of the daring and bold and used it to turn herself into a fashion icon, working for Harper's Bazaar, Vogue, and the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. And one thing was certain: she was never, ever boring! This charming and airy picture book biography celebrates the "Empress of Fashion" whose determination and individuality left a legacy that still influences fashion today.

Sharice’s Big Voice: A Native Kid Becomes a Congresswoman

When Sharice Davids was a girl, there weren't many women in Congress — and there weren't many Native Americans there, either. But she grew up loving to talk, proud of her identity as part of the Ho-Chunk nation, and determined to find a path to walk that was all her own. When she finally decided to run, there were plenty of people who thought a woman like her couldn't represent Kansas... but there were plenty more people who did! In this inspiring autobiographical picture book, Davids, one of the first Native American women elected to Congress and the first LGBTQ congressperson to represent Kansas, tells her story. With vivid illustrations by Joshua Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley, an Ojibwe Woodland artist, this book is a reminder that a child's "big voice" can become the voice that fights for change.

She Persisted in Science: Brilliant Women Who Made a Difference

Women through the centuries have often been discouraged from science — but the truth is that the more kinds of minds we have working on scientific problems, the more answers we find! In this STEM-themed book from the best-selling She Persisted series, Chelsea Clinton introduces young readers to a variety of inspiring scientists, from chemists and physicists to architects and environmental activists. From famous figures like Jane Goodall, Rosalind Franklin, Temple Grandin, and Florence Nightingale, to lesser-known figures like Gladys West, Rebecca Lee Crumpler, and Flossie Wong-Staal, and even to a new wave of teen activists like Greta Thunberg and Wanjiru Wathuti, all of these girls and women prove that everyone has the potential to make a discovery that could change the world.

She's on the Money

For thousands of years, humans have used coins, bills, and other currencies to make trade easier — and often, they included the faces of important, admired people! In this intriguing book from the She Made History series, kids will learn about fifteen women whose faces have appeared on coins or bills, from Queen Cleopatra to Eva Perón to Sacagawea. They'll get a peek at how countries decide whose faces appear on currency — and why so few women do. Each entry provides information about the historical figure and context about different currencies, customs of the time period, and more. It's sure to make kids look at their piggy banks and wallets a little differently!

Fall Down Seven Times, Stand Up Eight: Patsy Takemoto Mink and the Fight for Title IX

As a child, Patsy Takemoto Mink learned a Japanese proverb: fall down seven times, stand up eight. She took that spirit to heart, and refused to give up on her dreams. When she found out that the medical school she wanted to attend wouldn't admit women, ending her dream of becoming a doctor, she regrouped and made a new plan. First, she went to law school — and became the first Asian American woman licensed to practice law in Hawaii; then, she ran for Congress and became the first woman of color to be elected to a seat. And in Congress, she became a champion for Title IX, the groundbreaking legislation that required federally funded schools to treat girls and boys equally. This rousing picture book biography celebrates the resilience and determination of this pioneering American politician!

Alicia Alonso Dances On

Alicia Alonso grew up in Cuba, where she was thrilled to study ballet — even if she could only afford tennis shoes to practice in. The talented young ballerina quickly learned all she could at the dance schools in Cuba, so before long she traveled to New York City to learn more. Her star was on the rise, but then her vision started to fail. Even after multiple surgeries, she couldn't see like most people, and doctors told her she could never dance. But she found solutions, from ensuring dancer partners would be right on their marks to setting up lighting that helped her find spots on the stage. She not only danced again, but she became a prima ballerina, traveling around the world! This inspiring story from the She Made History series is perfect for anyone who has wondered if an obstacle would end their dreams.

Unbound: The Life and Art of Judith Scott

Joyce and Judith Scott were as close as twin sisters could be — but Judith was born with Down syndrome, and was deaf and unable to speak. So when Joyce went to school, Judith was sent to an institution by their parents. Years later, though, Joyce brought Judith home... and realized she was a talented artist. With the support of a family who appreciated her abilities, Judith started creating stunning works with fiber and found objects — artwork that won acclaim from buyers and critics alike! She became famous around the world for her creative gift, helping to prove that people with Down syndrome deserved a chance to achieve their dreams. This poignant picture book, told by Joyce with Brie Spangler and stunningly illustrated by Caldecott Honor artist Melissa Sweet, is a tribute to a trailblazing artist and the power of giving people a chance to succeed.

Nina: A Story of Nina Simone

In North Carolina, a little girl named Eunice Kathleen Waymon learned to sing before she could talk. She started playing the piano as a tiny child, and with the help of her family and community, she took lessons that introduced her to some of the great classical composers. But she also saw early on how racial discrimination affected everyone. As an adult, she took the stage name Nina Simone, and as her star rose, so did the Civil Rights Movement — and she added her voice to the chorus, speaking out about discrimination, racial inequality, and the need for change. This exuberant picture book, with stunning illustrations by Caldecott Honoree Christian Robinson, is a tribute to Simone's legacy of music and activism.

I Am Mozart, Too: The Lost Genius of Maria Anna Mozart

Maria Anna Mozart — known as Nannerl by her famous younger brother, Wolfgang Amadeus — was a prodigy in her own right. She and Wolfie loved playing harpsichord together, and they were so talented that they played concerts all over Europe. Even the Empress Maria Theresa asked to hear them play! But then Nannerl dared to start writing her own music — and Papa was furious. Girls are not supposed to be composers, and as she reached marriageable age, he didn't think she should even be performing in public any more. Nannerl had to watch from the sidelines as Wolfie became a star... but she still followed her dreams in secret. Lyrical text by Audrey Ades and vivid artwork by Adeline Lirius capture the little-known story of the other Mozart — and invite young readers to wonder what she might have created if given the chance.

Taking Off: Airborne with Mary Wilkins Ellis

Mary Wilkins Ellis wanted to fly, but a girl in early 1900s Britain was not the sort of person people expected to be a pilot. She finally earned her pilot's license at the age of 16, becoming the youngest licensed pilot in her county... just before all civilian flights were banned after Germany launched attacks on Britain in 1940. But then she heard a call for pilots — ALL pilots — to join the Air Transport Auxiliary, and leapt at the chance. She spent the rest of the war flying hundreds of kinds of aircraft (and surviving a few close calls.) After the war, she became a flight instructor, ran an air taxi service, and became the only woman in Europe to manage an airfield — while also winning rallies in her racing car! This exuberant picture book celebrates a woman who turned her childhood dream into a lifetime of adventure.

Revolutionary Prudence Wright: Leading the Minute Women in the Fight for Independence

As a child in the colonial Massachusetts town of Pepperell, Prudence Wright defied expectations for a girl: she liked to hunt, fish, and debate her brothers about politics. As she got older, she fumed about Britain's oppression of the American colonies and the punitive taxes they had to pay. So in 1773, when Pepperell voted to join the Revolution, Prudence and her female friends showed their support by boycotting British goods. Then, while the men were away. Prudence learned that Tory spies were planning to infiltrate Pepperell. She rallied the women, dressed them in men's clothing, and conducted a successful ambush with her "minute women"! A pulse-pounding narrative and vivid, historically accurate illustrations combine to create a fascinating portrait of a courageous Revolutionary woman.

Jubilee: The First Therapy Horse and an Olympic Dream

Lis Hartel grew up with horses, and she discovered a love of dressage — where horse and rider "dance" together — at the age of 13. By the time she was a young woman, she was already a national champion. But then Lis caught polio, and doctors told her that she was paralyzed; she would never ride again. Lis refused to believe it. In order to prove them wrong, she had to figure out how to cue a horse with limited mobility... and find a very special horse who could learn alongside her. After years of training with an unlikely horse named Jubilee, Lis Hartel danced back into competition, making their way to the Olympics — where Lis became the first woman with a disability ever to win an Olympic medal, and the first woman to stand equally on the podium beside men in any Olympic sport. This exuberant picture book is a celebration of a determined athlete who refused to be told she couldn't find a way.

Out of the Shadows: How Lotte Reiniger Made the First Animated Fairytale Movie

As a child in Germany, Lotte Reiniger considered herself "a modern girl" — but she still loved traditional fairy tales, and she played out story after story with flat, rod-style puppets she had received as a gift. At school, she learned about Scherenschnitte, or papercuts, and she started creating silhouette puppets inspired by the technique: puppets that could move! After collaborating with an actor, she got the chance to bring her stories to the moving picture screen — including the first feature-length stop-motion animated film. She's most famous for The Adventures of Prince Achmed, the oldest surviving animated movie, which came out in 1926 — 11 years before Disney's Snow White! This vibrant picture book, with artwork inspired by Reininger's cut-paper puppets, celebrates a pioneer in animation.

To the Front! Clara Barton Braves the Battle of Antietam

When the Civil War broke out, Clara Barton wanted to do her part to help — and she knew that the men fighting on the brutal battlefields would need supplies and medical care. On the road to the Antietam Battlefield, she finagled her way to the front of a ten-mile wagon train... only to be present for the bloodiest day in American history. Clara and her team leaped into action: they cooked meals, nursed the wounded, distributed supplies, and even held lanterns for doctors desperately operating late into the night. It was this moment that would cement her reputation as "The Angel of the Battlefield." This gorgeously illustrated picture book, which combines Barton's firsthand account of the events with author Claudia Friddell's research, captures Barton's heroism and her first steps towards becoming one of America's greatest humanitarians: the founder of the American Red Cross.

One Wish: Fatima al-Fihri and the World's Oldest University

Growing up around the year 800 CE, Fatima al-Fihri loved to learn — and she wanted everyone who wanted to learn to have the opportunity to do so. Her parents taught her at home, and her passion for knowledge sustained her through difficult times, like her family's need to flee a war. Finally, as an adult, she used an inheritance to make her wish into reality, creating a place where anyone could study, no matter if they were women or men, poor or rich, common or noble. Her school — which would become the University of al-Qarawiyyin — is still teaching people today, making it the oldest university in the world! With lyrical text and stunning illustrations, this gorgeous picture book pays tribute to a Muslim woman's determination to change the world for the better.

She Persisted: Maria Tallchief

When Maria Tallchief grew up, she loved to dance, and she discovered a gift for ballet early on. But as she rose through the ranks towards becoming a professional dancer, people told her she should change her name: most famous dancers were Russian, and Tallchief might have an easier career as "Tallchieva." But Tallchief refused: she was proud of her Osage roots. She would go on to become America's first prima ballerina, with many famous ballet roles created just for her! Her influence on American dance is still strong to this day. This book from the She Persisted chapter book series — inspired by Chelsea Clinton's best-selling picture book — is a celebration of individuality, perseverance, and a love of dance. There are also new books from this empowering series on Virginia Apgar, Nellie Bly, Sonia Sotomayor, Florence Griffith Joyner, Ruby Bridges, Clara Lemlich, Margaret Chase Smith, Oprah Winfrey, Helen Keller, Coretta Scott King, and Wangari Maathai.

Discovering History's Heroes: Susan La Flesche Picotte, Pioneering Doctor

When Susan was a child, she wrestled with the implications of her multiracial white and Native American heritage, and with the prejudice she saw every day: she once watched an elderly woman die because no white doctor would come to the reservation to help. So as an adult, she took the bold step of attending medical school — at a time when most medical schools wouldn't accept any women, let alone a Native American woman. When she graduated at the top of her class, she became America's first Native American doctor — and she returned to her native Nebraska to serve a reservation, caring for over 1,300 patients spread across 450 square miles. In this intriguing middle grade biography, kids will learn how Picotte battled epidemics like smallpox and tuberculosis, bad weather like blizzards, and much more to improve public health across her community.

We Got Game! 35 Female Athletes Who Changed the World

Whether they're breaking records, overcoming obstacles, or challenging the world to see women athletes in a new light, one thing is for sure: women athletes have got game! In this collection of capsule biographies, you'll meet a diverse group of athletes who pursued their love of their sport and inspired girls around the world. Featuring groundbreaking figures like dancer Misty Copeland, parathlete Tatyana McFadden, soccer star and activist Megan Rapinoe, and many more, these stories will encourage young readers to follow their dreams in sport — whether they're continuing one they already love, or trying out something new!

Unforgotten: The Wild Life of Dian Fossey and Her Relentless Quest to Save Mountain Gorillas

Dian Fossey fulfilled a dream in 1963, scraping together her savings and a loan and traveling to Africa. She soon fell in love with mountain gorillas, and became determined to study them in the wild — and with the help of paleoanthropologist Louis Leakey, she finally had the chance. Fossey's 18 years of research into the gorillas changed the way people thought of these previously little-understood creatures, but her aggressive anti-poaching measures made enemies of many, and she was murdered in her camp in 1985. However, her legacy lives on: today, twice as many mountain gorillas live in the wild as when she began her studies. Concluding Silvey's trilogy of biographies on Leakey's "Trimates," which includes Untamed: The Wild Life of Jane Goodall and Undaunted: The Wild Life of Biruté Mary Galdikas, this nuanced and stunning book will inspire young animal-lovers.

Lady Icarus: Balloonmania and the Brief, Bold Life of Sophie Blanchard

As a child growing up in the late 1700s in France, Sophie Blanchard was a timid girl from a lower-class family — who had no idea she'd become a national sensation! When "Balloonmania" — a fascination with aeronauts who flew balloons to greater and greater heights — struck Europe, Blanchard decided she wanted to learn to fly, and her pilot husband supported her. She defied the sexist idea that women couldn't be pilots, discovered the joy of solo flying, and found fame as the first woman to work as a professional aeronaut in France. She even won the favor of Napoleon, who titled her "Aeronaut of the Official Festivals." Even after she died in a tragic and fiery final flight, she stood as an example that women deserved to soar. This vibrant scrapbook-style biography is a compelling portrait of a legend of early aviation.

Who Was Juliette Gordon Low?

In the late 1800s, a well-bred Southern girl like Juliette Gordon Low had access to education and opportunities many girls did not — and was expected to be a proper lady. Instead, "Crazy Daisy" climbed trees, rode horses, and hiked long distances... and developed a passion for helping others. As an adult, she learned about the guiding movement in Europe, and knew that the girls of America deserved a similar organization. She founded the Girl Scouts of the United States of America in 1912; today, millions of American girls and women are proud to call themselves Girl Scouts! This captivating biography from the illustrated Who Was...? biography series is an intriguing introduction to Low's life and how she created the Girl Scouts. For another new book from this series, check out Who Is Queen Elizabeth II?

Frida Kahlo: The Revolutionary Painter!

Frida Kahlo loved art but dreamed of becoming a doctor — until an accident at age 18 left her in chronic pain. She turned to painting to keep herself occupied during her recovery, and as a form of therapy. Soon, she developed a unique style: one that drew from Mexican folk art and her inner landscape. Her work wasn't fully appreciated in her time, but today she's renowned as one of the 20th century's great artists and a feminist icon! This graphic biography from the Show Me History series is a compelling introduction to a woman who changed art forever.

Just a Girl: A True Story of World War II

In late 1930s Italy, 6-year-old Lia's life changes forever when prime minister Mussolini joins forces with Hitler. First, there are laws that bar Jewish children from attending regular school, so Lia starts attending a Judaic school. Then, her father isn't allowed to keep his job, and has to work under the table to help the family survive. Lia doesn't understand why someone would make these laws, and she especially doesn't understand why her parents send her and her sisters away to a convent. But as the war goes on — and Lia starts growing up — she begins to understand what's happening around her... even as she appreciates the moments of joy and laughter that still appear in the most difficult times. Newly translated from Italian and adapted for young readers, this powerful story includes black and white illustrations, a family photo album, and an author's note that reminds readers why they must always stand up for justice.

The Science and Technology of Marie Curie

Marie Curie not only changed the way we saw chemistry and physics: she also changed the way we saw women's role in the sciences! This book, published for the 110th anniversary of Curie's receipt of the Nobel Prize for chemistry, is part biography, part hands-on science guide, which gets kids learning about Curie's life and work while also exploring concepts like energy and matter. Kids will use materials they can easily find at home to try engaging activities like building a 3D model of the periodic table, or calculating the "half life" of candies! It's an enthralling way to learn more about Curie — and to spark an interest in chemistry and physics.

Govern Like a Girl: The Women Who Became Canada’s First Ministers

In Canadian history, only a dozen women have served as the premier of a province or territory, and only one has served as prime minister. But each of these women showed the world that governing like a girl meant accepting political power — and changing the world! In this book, political writer Kate Graham provides capsule biographies of these thirteen women, exploring their childhoods, what prompted them to run for office, and how their tenured changed their province, territory, or country. From Indigenous premiers like Eva Aariak and Nellie Cournovea to Québec's first female premier, Pauline Marois, to Canada's only female prime minister, Kim Campbell, this is an inspiring book that will show a new generation of the value women bring to politics.

Alias Anna: A True Story of Outwitting the Nazis

Zhanna and her sister Frina are both piano prodigies, with their sights set on attending one of the world's top conservatories... until the Germans invade Ukraine. Suddenly, Jewish families like theirs are forced from their homes, driven on a death march through the countryside. Her father begs her: "I don't care what you do. Just live." So with help from a guard who turns a blind eye, Zhanna and her sister flee with nothing but one another and their sheet music. Concealing themselves as Anna and Marina Morozova, they find an orphanage that can issue them "replacement papers" — and soon find themselves performing for the very Nazi soldiers who destroyed their family. This novel in verse, told by award-winning author Susan Hood and Zhanna's son, Greg Dawson, includes original letters and photographs in its powerful story of sisterhood, music, and survival.

Rolling Warrior

The Incredible, Sometimes Awkward, True Story of a Rebel Girl on Wheels Who Helped Spark a Revolution

When Judy Heumann was 5, she was told she couldn't attend grade school — because her wheelchair made her a "fire hazard." But her parents, who had survived the Holocaust, and Judy, who had survived polio, weren't going to be stopped. In this powerful young readers’ edition of her acclaimed memoir, Being Heumann, Judy explains how she went from a child who just wanted to go to school to one of America's most prominent disability advocates and activists. She tells the story of suing New York City when she was denied a teacher's license, and of holding the longest sit-in protest in US history in San Francisco. Fans of the Oscar-nominated documentary Crip Camp will love this memoir that captures Judy's courage, persistence, and the rebellious streak that keeps her fighting for equal access.

Scribbles, Sorrows, and Russet Leather Boots: The Life of Louisa May Alcott

Louisa May Alcott never quite fit with her family's plan, from her ill-timed birth, just as her father lost the patron for his school, to her hopes for a career as an author and life as an independent woman. Alternating between struggles with poverty and friendships with great thinkers, Alcott developed a unique perspective and unusual social conscience. And with her book Little Women, she found herself catapulted to fame... with all the advantages and disadvantages that implied. Drawing on journals and letters from both Alcott and her family and friends, author and poet Liz Rosenberg has created a complex, nuanced portrait of this beloved writer.

Legacy: Women Poets of the Harlem Renaissance

For centuries, accomplished women — of all races — have fallen out of the historical records. The same is true for gifted, prolific, women poets of the Harlem Renaissance who are little known, especially as compared to their male counterparts. In this stunning volume, bestselling author Nikki Grimes aims to give these women the recognition they deserve, paying tribute to figures like Mae V. Cowdery, Alice Dunbar-Nelson, and Esther Popel. Accompanying each poem is a unique, full-color portrait from one of today's most acclaimed female African-American illustrators, including Vanessa Brantley-Newton, Cozbi Cabrera, and Vashti Harrison. This gorgeous collection is a unique and powerful celebration of women's voices from a unique period in American history.

Courage: My Story of Persecution

Freshta Tori Jan had two strikes against her in Afghanistan under the rule of the Taliban, an Islamic fundamentalist regime: she was a girl and she was part of an ethnic minority. Her whole family faced potential kidnapping or even murder attempts on a daily basis, wherever they went — and lost many friends to the same. Her school was even shut down by the Taliban. But Freshta was determined not to lose her voice. Today she's become a community activist and a public speaker advocating for marginalized groups. In this book from the propulsive middle grade non-fiction series I, Witness, with black and white spot art and compelling details about life under the Taliban, this is a powerful exploration of Freshta's journey from persecution to activism.

A Face for Picasso: Coming of Age with Crouzon Syndrome

When Ariel and her twin sister Zan were diagnosed with Crouzon syndrome, a craniofacial condition where the bones of the head fuse prematurely, it was the start of dozens of surgeries that blurred the lines between medical need and making them aesthetically pleasing. As she grew, she began to realize how our society others people: fat people, people with facial differences, people of different races, and more. In this powerful young adult memoir, she explores her thoughts about beauty, identity, and feeling alienated from your own body through the lens of Picasso's life as an artist — and how his misogyny and ableism affected it. Poignant and thought-provoking, this book challenges us to examine our assumptions and urges us to look at people with new eyes.

Tiny Dancer

Siena has always dreamed of being a ballerina, and her hard work earned her a spot at the School of American Ballet — the first step towards becoming a member of George Balanchine's New York City Ballet Company. But her feelings about ballet are becoming more complicated. Siena's hours in rehearsal keep her away from family and friends. Frustrations like mastering a new step — but only on one side of the body — and being told she's too tall for certain roles begin to take their toll. And then there are the injuries, which every dancer fears and no dancer can avoid. Now Siena has to decide if she should look beyond the dance world... and who she is if she gives up the passion that has consumed years of her life. This stunning graphic memoir, a sequel to the Siebert Honor-winning To Dance, is a powerful story that speaks to the universal struggle of finding your footing in the world.

Thrill Seekers: 15 Remarkable Women in Extreme Sports

Have you ever imagined trying an extreme sport, from parkour and Formula 1 racing to cave diving and wingsuit flying? For some people, the idea is frightening, but other people love the thrill! In this book, first in the Women of Power series, author Ann McCallum Staats explores the stories of fifteen inspiring women who have dared to try things that make many people flinch. In each profile, she shares information about pivotal moments in these athletes' careers, the path that led them to their sport, and what drives them to continue pushing their limits. Packed with fascinating facts and interesting trivia about a variety of extreme sports, many of which will be new to teens, this book is sure to encourage readers to go forth boldly for whatever thrill they've always wanted to try!

Augusta Savage: The Shape of a Sculptor's Life

As a child, Augusta Savage showed a gift for sculpture — but her father believed it was sinful and she was "beaten for making art." Still, she was determined to keep creating. Although she struggled against racism, even being denied an artists' fellowship on the basis of race, she became a pillar of the Harlem Renaissance, creating stunning artwork — and teaching a generation of African American artists. She was even one of the featured artists at the 1939 World's Fair but, tragically, her sculpture was destroyed after the Fair was over because she couldn't afford to ship it home. This stunning biography in poems, accented with photographs of Savage's work, creates a vibrant and powerful portrait of a trailblazing artist who pursued a "hunger/ to pull something out of yourself."