New Mighty Girl Books for Women's History Month 2024

Taylor Swift: A Little Golden Book Biography

When Taylor Swift was young, she dreamed of performing as a country artist. Some of the kids at school made fun of her, thinking it was weird for her to like country music so much, but she knew she loved to write songs and sing them for whoever would listen. She would play at fairs, festivals, and baseball games — anything to get a chance to sing! And then, when she was 13, something amazing happened: a record company wanted to sign with her for a real album. Her first album released when she was just 16 years old, and she released another one soon after that rocketed up the charts. But what she loves most is being able to share stories through her lyrics — and sharing parts of her life with her fans. Told in the iconic Little Golden Book format, this biography is perfect for young Taylor Swift fans!

Simone Biles: A Little Golden Book Biography

As a child, Simone Biles had a TON of energy — and she was always flipping and cartwheeling! Doctors diagnosed her with ADHD, but her parents knew that her energy was an asset when she channeled it to the things she wanted to do. And when she discovered gymnastics, it was a match made in heaven. She rocketed up the ranks, performing incredibly difficult tricks. But when Simone went to the Olympics in 2021, she got a case of the "twisties," losing her sense of where her body was in space as she twirled and flipped. Despite the incredible pressure to compete, she knew it was too dangerous. Courageously, she let the alternate step in and cheered her teammates on from the sidelines! Told in the iconic Little Golden Book format, this is a tribute to a pioneering athlete and an incredible role model for protecting your own well-being.

Jane Goodall: A Little Golden Book Biography

When animal-loving Jane Goodall read The Story of Doctor Doolittle as a child, she knew she wanted to travel to Africa just like he did in the book. When she got an invitation to study chimpanzees in the wild, she jumped at the chance! But Goodall thought about fieldwork in a different way than most scientists. Instead of hiding her presence, she decided to let the animals get used to her — to think of her as a friend. That unique technique allowed her to observe behaviors — like chimpanzees making and using tools — that changed what it meant to be human. Told in the engaging Little Golden Book format, this biography is the perfect choice for young Jane Goodall fans.

Beyonce: A Little Golden Book Biography

As a child, Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter loved to sing and dance — but she was also surprisingly shy! Spending time on the stage, and performing in competitions, helped build her confidence. Then, in the late 1990s, she became the lead singer of a group called Destiny's Child, helping it become one of the best-selling girl groups of all time. And she wasn't done yet: Beyoncé decided to try her hand as a solo act, and quickly became a smash success. This gorgeous Little Golden Book biography, created in partnership with Ebony Jr., uses colorful illustrations and simple but engaging text to tell the inspiring story of how Beyoncé reached for her dreams.

Shakira (Little People, Big Dreams)

Even as a child, Shakira knew she loved to write songs, sing, and dance &mdsh; and she dreamed of being a performer! She knew it would be a difficult road, but she was determined to achieve her goals. At the age of 13, she recorded her first album, but it wasn't exactly a smash success. She kept going, though, and four years later, she got her first hit song! Before long, her songs were played around the world, and people were calling her the Queen of Latin Music. And Shakira used her fame and fortune to create a charitable foundation, helping children in her native country of Colombia and elsewhere get an education. This inspiring book from the best-selling Little People, BIG DREAMS series is a fun introduction to the world's most popular Latin American singer.

Vanessa Nakate (Little People, Big Dreams)

Vanessa Nakate grew up in Uganda, and she didn't think about how climate change affected her until she was a college student, when she realized that the floods and droughts that ravaged her home country, and others across Africa, were increasing. Even though African countries had little impact on climate change, it had a huge impact on them. Vanessa became an activist, campaigning to save ecosystems and fight for climate equity. She even got invited to an important summit in 2020... only to be cropped out of a photo of climate change activists. She raised her voice about how the global change movement disregarded Africa's needs, and she's still working for a greener — and fairer — world. This book from the best-selling Little People, BIG DREAMS series is an empowering introduction to an activist who raised her voice for a continent.

She's a Mensch! Jewish Women Who Rocked the World

Whether they were judo champions, chess grandmasters, astronauts, or spies, these women weren't just history makers: they were menschen! This colorful and exuberant picture book includes capsule biographies of Jewish women, past and present, from around the world and in every field from science to the arts to activists. Each biography begins with a four-line poem about the woman featured, and includes an illustration of the woman at work, plus "fun facts to mensch'n" and questions to readers about how they might change the world just like the mensch they're reading about. With additional materials including a timeline and a list of 18 honorable menschen, this is a bold celebration of Jewish women's role in history.

The Van Buren Sisters vs. the Pants Police

Addie and Gussie Van Buren's father raised them to love sports, be confident, and ignore silly opinions about what "proper" women shouldn't do. But when World War I breaks out, the sisters want to encourage women to be battlefield messengers... only to be told that women can't serve. To prove their point, the Van Buren sisters decided to ride their motorbikes across the country... wearing pants! People were horrified, and they even got stopped repeatedly for wearing "men's" clothing. But their journey was successful, and they proved their point: "woman can, if she will"! Plenty of humor and fascinating historical facts combine in this picture book that celebrates two pioneers who proved women can do whatever they dream of.

The Girl Who Heard the Music

How One Pianist and 85,000 Bottles and Cans Brought New Hope to an Island

Mahani Teave grew up on Rapa Nui, also known as Easter Island, and she heard music in everything around her. She longed to play, and took music lessons (using the island's only piano) — and it soon became clear that, to take her talent to its fullest, she would have to leave her beloved home. Mahani became a touring concert pianist, but her heart was still with Rapa Nui, particularly when she heard it was being overwhelmed with tourist and ocean trash. So she returned and built a music school out of recycled garbage, complete with solar panels and a food garden! Today, Mahani continues to build a sustainable future for Rapa Nui and to teach music. This true story is a celebration of following your dreams, both away from and back to home.

Cut! How Lotte Reiniger and a Pair of Scissors Revolutionized Animation

As a child, Lotte Reiniger loved puppetry — especially papercuts. During the 1920s, as films were on the rise, it occurred to her: paper silhouettes similar to papercuts could be the perfect tool to create stop-motion animation. With the encouragement of others working in film, she honed her skills and invented the multiplane camera, giving depth of field to her animations. And then, years before Walt Disney hit the scene, she and her small team created the oldest full-length animated film in existence! This intriguing story of a little-known pioneer of animation is a celebration of blending old and new and of using your creativity to drive art to new heights.

Josephine and Her Dishwashing Machine: Josephine Cochrane's Bright Invention Makes a Splash

Josephine Garis Cochrane was frustrated that household chores took so much of her time away from the activities she enjoyed — and she especially despised washing dishes. Mountains of crockery, all of which had to be washed by hand — and, of course, the inevitable cracks, dings, and chips when a cup or bowl fell. So she decided to take a stab at inventing a machine that could do it for her! With the help of a mechanic, she designed a hand-cranked dishwasher, and even got a patent... but investors didn't want to back a woman's invention. That is, until she exhibited at the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893 — and won first prize! This introduction to a determined inventor is full of energy and determination , just like Cochrane herself.

Her Eyes on the Stars: Maria Mitchell, Astronomer

Maria Mitchell was disappointed to miss an annular solar eclipse when she was 12 years old. Determined not to miss anything else, she took to sweeping the skies with a telescope... and discovered a comet! She won an award from the King of Denmark for her discovery and became known as "the lady astronomer." That fame allowed her to become a professional astronomer — unheard of for women of her day — as well as the first woman astronomy professor in the world. And as she trained a new generation of women to study the stars, she saw something far more exciting than the ring of the solar eclipse she missed: "another powerful ring — a ring of women." Best-selling author Laurie Wallmark introduces young readers to a trailblazer for women in science who never gave up reaching for the stars.

A Take-Charge Girl Blazes a Trail to Congress: The Story of Jeannette Rankin

Jeannette Rankin was a born leader, even as a child tending to her family's horses (or her little brothers and sisters.) And as an adult in San Francisco, when she saw poor children struggling to survive, she was determined to help! But in the early 1900s, women like Jeannette weren't even allowed to vote. So Jeannette started campaigning for women's suffrage, both in her home state of Montana and across the country. And when Montana granted women's right to vote, Jeannette ran for office, becoming America's first Congresswoman. This vivacious picture book captures the determination and drive of his pioneer of American politics, perfect for fans of I Dissent and Kamala Harris: Rooted in Justice.

Bird Girl: Gene Stratton-Porter Shares Her Love of Nature with the World

Gene Stratton-Porter grew up on a farm in 1870s Indiana, and she loved exploring both the farmyard and the natural world around her. She had a particular affection for birds, even nursing an injured hawk back to health. As an adult, she started writing stories about her wildlife encounters — but the editor wanted to publish them next to pictures of taxidermied birds! Ridiculous, she thought, so she taught herself photography and started taking picture of birds in the wild — getting so close that you could see every feather. Her incredible photographs capturing animals in their natural habitat would change American wildlife writing! This stunning picture book biography captures the story of a little-known naturalist whose love for animals shone through in everything she did.

Remembering Rosalind Franklin

Rosalind Franklin & the Discovery of the Double Helix Structure of DNA

When Rosalind Franklin was young, very few women became scientists — but she had remarkable talent as a chemist. She became an expert in crystallography: using X-rays to capture images of molecular structures. One of her images, now known as Photo 51, showed the double helix structure of DNA — but it was shown to two male colleagues without her knowledge or permission. They went on to win the Nobel Prize, and today, people still point to Franklin's story to show the damage prejudice does in science. Tanya Lee Stone, the bestselling author of Who Says Women Can’t Be Doctors?, uses her picture book biography to introduce young readers to Franklin's bittersweet story and celebrate her groundbreaking life.

The Green Piano: How Little Me Found Music

Roberta Flack grew up in a Blue Ridge mountain town, in a family full of love and music — and it was obvious early on that she had a gift for it. At the age of four she was playing hymns on the church piano! What she really needed was a piano to play at home — but her family didn't have the money for one. Then her daddy spotted an upright piano in a junkyard, "old, / ratty, beat-up, / weather-worn, / faded, / stained, / stinky"... but fixable. He cleaned it and tuned it and painted it the same green as fresh grown grass, and all the while Roberta dreamed of being able to play. And as she writes, "Grown-up me lived this dream! Year after year after year!" This lyrical, autobiographical picture book celebrates a passion for music and the power of a loving family to support your dreams.

Love Is in the Air: The Story of Aviation Pioneer Nancy Harkness Love

When she was 16 years old, Nancy Harkness took a ride with a barnstormer pilot... and fell in love with flight. She knew she wanted to fly again, and as the pilot, not a passenger, but women weren't encouraged to pursue careers in aviation. She earned her pilot's license while she was in college, and when she moved to Boston looking for work, a man named Bob Love hired her to demonstrate planes to his customers. Before long, Nancy and Bob were married, and Nancy Harkness Love had reached her dream! Love would go on to become the first female pilot to serve in the Army Air Forces and founder of the Women’s Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron (WAFS) during World War II. This colorful picture book is a celebration of a pioneer for women in aviation who helped a generation of women take to the skies.

Justice Ketanji: The Story of US Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson

As a girl growing up in Florida, Ketanji Brown Jackson's father told her: "You can do anything. You can be anything." With her parents at her back, she knew that was true! So when she ran into people who doubted her abilities, she never let them stop her, whether she was running for high school class president or applying to Harvard. As an adult, she stood confidently in front of juries, became the first Black woman to become a U.S. District Judge, and then finally, endured grilling by the Senate on her way to being confirmed America's first Black woman Supreme Court Justice! Empowering prose and vibrant illustrations combine in an inspiring portrait of woman whose story is a tribute both to personal determination and the power of a supportive community.

Loud and Proud: The Life of Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm

As a child in Brooklyn, Shirley Chisholm's father told her: "God gave you a brain, use it." And she did — not only to excel in school, but also to realize that political representation was the key to policies that supported minorities and women. She ran for Congress, and even though people told her "you don't belong here!" during her campaign, she persevered... and won! She became the first African American woman in Congress, served seven terms, and fought for key legislation like the Equal Rights Amendment. And while her Unbought and Unbossed presidential campaign didn't take her to the white house, she continues to inspire politicians both in America and around the world. Award-winning author Lesa Cline-Ransome pays tribute to Chisholm's life and legacy in this gorgeous picture book about a pioneering politician.

The First Woman Cherokee Chief: Wilma Pearl Mankiller

Before Europeans came to North America, Cherokee leadership was made up of both men and women — but English colonists insisted that men should be the only ones allowed to lead, and eventually, generations of Cherokee came to believe that too. Then Wilma Pearl Mankiller stepped in! She believed that the best person should lead the tribe, and that they needed strong leadership to tackle the injustices she saw. Drawing on the concept of gaduji — everyone helping each other — she brought her people together, and in 1985, she became the first woman Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. This Level 3 biography from the Step Into Reading series, which features both spot illustrations and photographs, is a compelling introduction to a trailblazing leader.

The Fabulous Fannie Farmer: Kitchen Scientist and America’s Cook

Fannie Farmer grew up in the late 1800s, and she loved to cook — but in her opinion, the recipes of the day were pretty silly. How much is "a goodly amount of salt" or "a suspicion of nutmeg"? No wonder some cooks struggled while other cooks got lucky (or got good advice from their teachers.) Polio prevented Fannie from going to college, so she became a teacher at the Boston Cooking School, where she treated cooking like a science, using precide measurements and specific instructions — and funny enough, her students were successful! Her cookbook became an American classic, and proved that you didn't need "feminine instincts" to be a good cook. This cheerful picture book tells Fannie's story and even includes two of her classic recipes to try.

Pedal, Balance, Steer

Annie Londonderry, the First Woman to Cycle Around the World

In the 1890s, two men offered $10,000 to the first woman who could travel around the globe by bike... and Annie Londonderry was determined to win the prize. Londonderry's family desperately needed the money, so she learned to ride a bike and the 15-month clock on her attempt started. Women's bikes were too heavy, and her corset and petticoats too bulky; she traded the first for a faster men's bike, and the second for practical bloomers. She made money by lecturing along the way — despite the dangers and the disapproving stares — and made it to her goal... 14 days before her deadline! This lively picture book is a celebration of a courageous woman who refused to give up on a history-making goal.

She Persisted: Florence Nightingale

Florence Nightingale's parents were shocked when she told them she wanted to become a nurse — they didn't think that was an appropriate job for a woman, and especially not for a wealthy one! But she refused to be guided into an "appropriate" marriage, and instead pursued her dream. She even traveled abroad during the Crimean War, where she became famous as "The Lady with the Lamp" and saved countless lives, in part by proving that improved cleanliness and diet in hospitals benefited patients. Today, she's considered the founder of modern nursing. With short chapters, spot illustrations, and suggestions for young readers interested in their own turn changing the world, this chapter book from the best-selling She Persisted series is perfect for the next generation of medical heroes!

She Persisted: Bethany Hamilton

Bethany Hamilton was born to surf — she started surfing when she was only 3 years old! By the time she was 13, she was an up-and-coming young surfer with multiple children's competition wins under her belt, and her sights set on the professional circuit. Then one morning, tragedy struck: a shark attacked her, biting off her arm. Bethany recovered, but would she be able to surf again without both arms for balance. Of course she would, and her story would inspire people around the world! experience to provide inspiration and comfort to surfers and non-surfers alike.

In this chapter book from the best-selling She Persisted series, award-winning author Maryann Cocca-Leffler introduces young readers to the story of how Hamilton's love of surfing helped her persevere through her recovery and show the world that they should never make assumptions about what someone can do.

She Persisted: Kalpana Chawla

Growing up in India, Kalpana Chawla dreamed of being an aeronautical engineer — but people told her to give that up. They knew there weren't many women in the field, and they didn't believe that she could succeed. She refused to give up her dream, though. First, she completed her degree; then, she moved to the US and pursued graduate level studies. And when she applied for an astronaut class with NASA, she was offered a position! She became the first Indian-born woman to go to space... and then tragedy struck when her shuttle, the Columbia, was destroyed during its landing, killing all of the astronauts aboard. Still, she continues to inspire girls in India and around the world. In this chapter book biography from the best-selling She Persisted series, future astronauts and scientists will learn all about this courageous woman.

She Persisted: Deb Haaland

Deb Haaland grew up the child of two military parents, so she moved around a lot — but she also developed an appreciation for public service. As a member of the Pueblo Laguna nation, she saw how important it was for Native Americans to have representation in politics, eventually running in New Mexico's 1st District and becoming one of the first two Native American women to be elected to Congress. And in 2021, she became the first Native American person in history to become a cabinet secretary — and was sworn in as the secretary of the interior while wearing a traditional bead skirt. In this chapter book inspired by the best-selling She Persisted series, kids will get a compelling introduction to an American trailblazer.

She Persisted: Dorothy Height

As a Black girl growing up in the 1920s and 1930s, Dorothy Height knew how much could be denied to her because of her race: she wasn't allowed to go to the local swimming pool and was denied entry to Barnard College, despite having her admittance letter in hand, because the dean said they'd reached their quota of Black students for the year. So she was determined to push for change! Height would go on to be a seminal leader in the Civil Rights Movement — the only woman at its highest level of leadership — and was finally recognized for her contributions with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1994. In this chapter book biography from the best-selling She Persisted series, kids can learn all about Height's amazing contributions and her determination to change the world for the better.

She Persisted: Simone Biles

Simone Biles had a difficult start in life: she spent time in foster care before being adopted by her grandparents. She also wrestled with seemingly unending energy and a diagnosis of ADHD. Then, she discovered the sport of gymnastics... and she was hooked! She proved to have incredible talent, rocketing her way up the competitive ladder and quickly reaching professional levels. Today, she's the most decorated US gymnast of all time — and she's also a role model for setting boundaries to protect your mental health. This illustrated biography from the She Persisted chapter book series is an empowering introduction to a trailblazing American athlete.

She Persisted: Ella Fitzgerald

Ella Fitzgerald was just a teenager when she lost her mother, and with the Great Depression in full swing, she struggled to find her way in the world. But she loved to sing, and when she got the chance to take the stage at Amateur Night at the Apollo, she wowed the crowed! Although she had to fight prejudice along the way, she would become a world-renowned signer who's still known as the First Lady of Song. In this illustrated chapter book inspired by the best-selling She Persisted series, readers will learn all about Fitzgerald's pioneering life — and get suggestions for how they can make a difference just like her.

She Persisted: Pura Belpré

As a child in Puerto Rico, Pura Belpré loved hearing — and telling — stories. When she moved to New York, and was offered a job at the New York Public Library, she thought it was the perfect opportunity to share those stories with even more people... especially children, and particularly children who were multilingual! She set up Spanish and bilingual storytelling times which not only helped Spanish-speaking kids find community, but also encouraged all kids to develop an interest in learning other languages. And her books and stories started being shared not just in New York, but all across the country! In this illustrated chapter book from the best-selling She Persisted series, authors Meg Medina and Marilisa Jiménez García show young readers how Belpré's story have made a different for generations of people.

Traveling Shoes: The Story of Willye White, US Olympian and Long Jump Champion

After her parents abandoned her, Willye B. White spent her childhood picking cotton with her grandparents in Money, Mississippi — but she had big dreams for her future. Her cousin noticed that Willye was the fastest runner of all the kids around, and she realized that was her ticket out. She ran for the Tennessee State Tigerbelles and made the US Olympic team, despite facing racism along the way. And at both the 1956 and 1964 Olympic Games, she competed and she won! This little-known story of a pioneering Black sprinter and long jumper highlights how Willye's muscle and grit helped move the Civil Rights Movement forward.

Elizebeth Friedman: Expert Codebreaker of World War II

What do gangsters, Nazi spies, and Shakespeare have in common? They were all cases that Elizebeth Friedman, America's first female cryptologist, managed to crack! Friedman had a gift for language from an early age, and as a young woman, that led to an unexpected opportunity: a wealthy businessman hired her to look for secret messages in Shakespeare's plays. Before long, she was one of America's top codebreakers, cracking code systems, deciphering hundreds of messages, and even testifying coolly in court to put mobster Al Capone's lieutenants behind bars. Then, when World War II broke out, she went head to head with a Nazi spy ring in South America — and quickly dismantled the entire network. This full color graphic novel from the Women Warriors of World War II series tells the thrilling story of how Friedman became famous as "Lady Manhunter."

Virginia Hall: Clever Spy of World War II

Virginia Hall was born on a small farm in Maryland, but she dreamed of seeing the world — and the foreign service seemed the perfect way to do that. She was smart and determined, and it didn't take her long to get a position at the US embassy in Warsaw, Poland, just as tensions about Hitler and the Nazi party in Germany were starting to rise. After an accident resulting in Hall losing her leg and being fitted with a wooden prosthetic she named Cuthbert, she was told she'd never serve in the field, but she wasn't going to give up! She would become a spy for the Allies, nicknamed the "Limping Lady" by the Gestapo, and the intelligence she gathered was critical. This exciting graphic novel from the Women Warriors of World War II series is a thrilling introduction to Hall, Cuthbert, and all their daring exploits.

Who Was Her Own Work of Art? Frida Kahlo

An Official Who HQ Graphic Novel

Born in Mexico, Frida Kahlo struggled with both illness and injury: a combination of a childhood bout of polio and disability caused by a bus accident left her in chronic pain. She found comfort and self-expression through art, creating vibrant paintings inspired by the landscape she saw around her and her perceptions of herself. Although she was dismissed as just the wife of another painter at first, her star rose, and eventually she was having solo exhibitions of her own in New York — and the art world would never be the same. This graphic novel from the Who Was...? biography series tells Frida's inspiring story through a compelling narrative and gorgeous color artwork.

Who Is Simone Biles?

At the Tokyo Olympic Games, the world's eyes were on Simone Biles: after a record-shattering career that included multiple Olympic and World Championships medals, she was going to lead America to victory. But then she made an announcement: she was suffering from the "twisties" — a scary loss of body awareness while in midair — that made it too dangerous for her to compete. Rather than risk injuring herself, she stepped back... and became a role model for self-care and protecting your own mental health. In this book from the best-selling Who Was...? illustrated biography series — told in the engaging Who HQ format that focuses on current events — kids will learn all about Simone's record-breaking gymnastics career and courageous decision to put her well-being first.

Bravey (Young Readers)

Chasing Dreams, Befriending Pain, and Other Big Ideas

Alexi Pappas is an Olympic runner, an actress, a filmmaker, and much more — a "bravey," someone who chases scary-feeling goals. But even in 2016, when she both made her Olympic debut and wrote, directed, and starred in her first film, she struggled with mental health. How could she be feeling anxious and depressed when everything seemed to be going right? In this profound and accessible memoir — adapted from her adult memoir — Alexi explores the key moments that left an impact on her life, from her mother's death by suicide when she was four years old, to feeling out of place at school, to discovering her love for sports and film. As she explores her own path, she encourages young readers to discover their own confidence, self-reliance, and strength... and to realize that each of them has the power to be a bravey too.

A Mighty Long Way (Young Readers)

My Journey to Justice at Little Rock Central High School

In 1957, a courageous group of teens — known as the Little Rock Nine — would brave angry mobs and threats of violence to integrate Little Rock Central High School in the wake of the US Supreme Court's decision on Brown v. Board of Education. At 14, Carlotta Walls was the youngest of the Little Rock Nine, but she was determined to keep her head held high. Despite the many challenges that lay before her, she persevered, and eventually became the first Black woman to receive her diploma on the Central High Stage. In this young readers' adaptation of A Mighty Long Way, tweens and teens can learn Carlotta's courageous story through her own words.

One Last Shot: The Story of Wartime Photographer Gerda Taro

Both Polish and Jewish, Gerta Pohorylle struggles to fit in with German classmates, but she develops the confidence to stand up for what she believes in — something that promptly gets her into trouble when she distributes anti-Nazi propaganda. To keep her safe, her family sends her to Paris, where she meets Hungarian photographer André Friedman and develops a passion for photojournalism. Rebranding herself as Gerda Taro, she makes a name for herself with photographs of military conflicts. But when Gerda goes to Spain to capture the Spanish Civil War — one of the events that leads to World War II — her eagerness to document the fight against fascism costs her life. Acclaimed author Kip Wilson tells Gerda's story in compelling verse, introducing readers to a little-known but devoted truth teller, and the first woman photojournalist killed in combat.