99 Books about Extraordinary Black Mighty Girls and Women

I Am Strong: A Little Book About Rosa Parks

Celebrate the courage and determination of Rosa Parks in this board book version of the New York Times bestselling biography I Am Rosa Parks! The friendly Ordinary People Change The World biography series teaches kids that everyone has the power to be a hero — they just need to figure out how to unlock it. This board book's simple rhyming text and short sidebars reminds young readers that, just like Rosa Parks, they can "Stand strong and do what's true."

Harriet: My First Harriet Tubman (Little People, Big Dreams)

Harriet Tubman was born into slavery — but she knew that everyone should be free. She made a courageous escape and journey north through the Underground Railroad, but she couldn't bear to stay there knowing others needed her help. Harriet would return over and over to help more people escape to freedom; in all of her missions, she never lost a "passenger." This simplified board book adaptation of Harriet Tubman (Little People, Big Dreams) is an accessible way to introduce Tubman's inspiring story to toddlers. For more board books about inspiring Black women, we recommend Maya: My First Maya Angelou, Wilma: My First Wilma Rudolph and Rosa: My First Rosa Parks.

Misty Copeland: Ballet Star

Ruby is excited to see a real ballet — and best of all, it's a performance of The Nutcracker starring her idol, ballerina Misty Copeland! As she and her sister Jasmine get ready to watch the curtain rise, Ruby talks about Copeland's life and career: her late start on ballet lessons at the age of 13, her stunning rise to fame, and her historic role as the American Ballet Theatre's first African American principal dancer. In this level one book from the I Can Read series, newly independent readers can sound out short sentences with simple words to read a story all by themselves.

I Am Rosa Parks

When kids hear about Rosa Parks' defiant refusal to move seats, they may think that it takes special courage to take that big a step — but the reality is that ordinary people can do incredible things! This title from Brad Meltzer's Ordinary People Change The World series shows how Parks' willingness to stand up for justice began with small moments from childhood, but became a driving force in her life that made her a major figure for the Civil Rights movement. It also shows just how much resistance she had to face along the way. It's an excellent choice to introduce younger kids to this Civil Rights hero.

My Little Golden Book About Misty Copeland

Learn all about pioneering ballerina Misty Copeland in this Little Golden Book biography! Although Misty always loved to move to music, her family's struggles with poverty meant she didn't walk into her first ballet class until she was almost thirteen. But there, she proved she had unstoppable talent! Although she faced racism from the ballet world, she persevered, and eventually became the first Black principal dancer int he history of the American Ballet Theatre. Today, she shares her inspiring story with people around the world, encouraging girls everywhere to pursue their dreams. Told in the beloved Little Golden Book format, this biography provides a child-friendly introduction to Copeland's life and career, full of empowering messages about determination, hope, and following your passion.

Bring Me Some Apples and I'll Make You a Pie: A Story About Edna Lewis

When Edna Lewis became a chef, it was strange enough to see a woman in a professional kitchen, let alone an African-American woman. Long before the natural-food movement became popular, she sang the praises of eating local foods, choosing pure, wholesome ingredients, and taking food from farm to table. In this lyrical book, readers follow Lewis through one year, from planting to growing season to harvest and finally to a family dinner with a table piled high with delicious foods. An author's note about Lewis' life provides more information, while eager young chefs can test out the five kid-friendly recipes that are also included.

The Story Of Ruby Bridges

To kids today, the idea of a child having to be escorted to school by armed guards to protect her from an angry mob is shocking, but 6-year-old Ruby Bridges faced exactly that in 1960. After a judge ordered that Ruby should attend the previously all-White William Frantz Elementary School, parents withdrew their children and held angry protests in front of the school. This compelling depiction of the child who became a civil rights hero just by attending first grade is now available in a special anniversary edition, which includes an updates afterword about Ruby's ongoing life and legacy. Independent readers can learn more about Ruby Bridges in Ruby Bridges Goes to School for ages 5 to 8 and Through My Eyes for ages 8 to 12.

Mister and Lady Day: Billie Holiday and the Dog Who Loved Her

Billie Holiday's life was big and bold: she had a powerful voice, gardenias in her hair, and country-wide fame as Lady Day, one of the great performers of her time. She also had lots of dogs: a coat-pocket poodle, a beagle, Chihuahuas, a Great Dane, and more. But her favorite was Mister, a boxer who bolstered her courage when she needed it — like before her big performance at Carnegie Hall. This charming story tells the story of Holiday's bond with Mister, accented with stylish and colorful illustrations. An author's note includes more details about Holiday's troubled life, as well as a photograph of Holiday with the real-life Mister.

Coretta Scott

Many people know her only as Coretta Scott King, but she holds her own place in Civil Rights history for her work both before and after her husband's death. In this poetic picture book, Ntozake Shange captures her childhood — including defining moments like walking five miles to the colored school while the White kids' bus showered her with dust — to the marches at Selma and Washington, and ends with stirring images of protesters set to lines from the gospel song "Ain't Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Round." This evocative book is a powerful way to introduce this key figure of history. Kids can learn more in Coretta Scott King: I Kept On Marching for ages 7 to 10.

Fancy Party Gowns: The Story of Fashion Designer Ann Cole Lowe

As soon as she could walk, Ann Cole Lowe learned how to sew. She worked alongside her mother in her dress shop, sewing party dresses for glamorous, wealthy women. After her mother died, Lowe decided to go to design school and set up her own shop. She ended up becoming "society's best kept secret" and sewed exquisite creations, including Jackie Kennedy's wedding dress and Olivia de Havilland's dress at the Oscars when she won for Best Actress. This picture book biography of an influential yet little-known fashion designer celebrates art, vision, and those who create beautiful things.

Mae Jemison (Little People, Big Dreams)

As a girl, Mae Jemison dreamed of being an astronaut — but when she watched the Moon landings, none of the astronauts were women. Worse, when she told a teacher she wanted to be an astronaut, the teacher thought she'd probably rather be a nurse! Instead, the intelligent young woman started college at 16 and medical school at 20, and joined the Peace Corps to help people around the world. And by the time she came back to America, women could be astronauts... and she became the first Black woman in space. This inspiring book from the Little People, BIG DREAMS series is the perfect way to inspire a new generation to reach new heights, just like Mae.

Sewing Stories: Harriet Powers' Journey from Slave to Artist

As a slave girl on a plantation in Georgia, Harriet Powers learned how to sew and quilt — so after she was freed following the Civil War, it only made sense to turn to her skill with a needle and thread to support herself and her family. She eventually started making pictorial quilts, illustrating everything from Bible stories to local legends. Today, these quilts are priceless examples of African American folk art. This conversational biography about an important but little-known figure from the American art world will give kids a new perspective on the power of sewing stories, as well as the challenges and triumphs that African-American people experienced when slavery was ended.

Art From Her Heart

Folk artist Clementine Hunter created beautiful artwork, even if she didn't have a canvas to use: window shades, glass bottles, old boards, and more became her medium if that's what it took to paint. Her pictures captured both the backbreaking work and the many joys of working on a southern farm. When her talent was discovered, her art went from hanging outside her home to big, important galleries... segregated galleries that Hunter wasn't allowed to enter, even as people admired her work. This charming picture book biography celebrates creative expression and reminds young readers that there's no such thing as the perfect time to make art — so you may as well do it whenever you can!

Trailblazer: The Story of Ballerina Raven Wilkinson

Raven Wilkinson saw her first ballet performance when she was five, and from that moment on, she wanted to dance. But no Black ballerina had ever danced with a major touring troupe before, and even when she won role after role, she encountered racism and bigotry from her audiences. For a while, she even left to dance in Holland, where "people were far more interested in who I was, rather than what I was." But she returned to her home country, and danced with the New York City Opera until she was fifty, inspiring a new generation of dancers — including famous names like Misty Copeland. This elegant picture book biography of a dance pioneer celebrates the power of refusing to give up on your dream.

Fearless Mary: Mary Fields, American Stagecoach Driver

In Cascade, Montana, in 1895, a stagecoach driver had a critical job: without the stagecoach, nothing could get through the mountains to St. Peter's Mission and the people there. But when Mary Fields, a tough and unflappable former slave — a woman in her 60s, no less — applied for the job, everyone thought the idea was ridiculous... until she proved she can hitch a team of six horses faster than any other applicant. For eight years, with nothing but her gun and her pet eagle to protect her, Fields would ride the dangerous path, never once losing a package or passenger. Author Tami Charles creates a vibrant portrait of this determined woman — and, in an author's note, explains what details about Fields weren't recorded, inviting kids to think about who and what gets included in the history we read.

Counting on Katherine: How Katherine Johnson Saved Apollo 13

Katherine Johnson loved to count, and despite the prejudices against both women and African Americans, she was determined to find a way to make her love of math into a career. As one of NASA's "human computers," Johnson hand calculated elaborate equations... including the trajectories that helped launch the Apollo 13 mission to the moon. When disaster befell the Apollo 13 mission, it was Johnson's flight-path calculations that brought the astronauts safely home. This inspiring biography of the mathematician catapulted to fame by Hidden Figures celebrates a love of math and encourages kids to follow their passions. For another picture book about Johnson and her colleagues, check out Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race.

Mamie on the Mound: A Woman in Baseball's Negro Leagues

When Mamie Johnson was growing up, she had a passion for baseball that drove her to overcome every obstacle: when she couldn't find gear to practice with, she made a bat from a branch and a ball from stone wrapped with twine and tape. She had a strong right arm and a pitcher's eye — but she couldn't find a team. The All-American Girls Pro Baseball League didn't admit Black women, and while Jackie Robinson had already broken the color barrier in the Brooklyn Dodgers, the men's teams wouldn't even consider a woman. Finally, she got her chance in 1953, and after signing with the Negro Leagues' Indianapolis Clowns, she became the first female pitcher to play on a men's professional team! This empowering biography celebrates how a passion for baseball drove Johnson to become a pioneer for women in sports.

The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read

Imagine learning to read at the age of 116! When Mary Walker was born into slavery in 1848, she wasn't allowed to learn to read — and even once she was freed at the age of 15, there was too much work to do to learn... or so she thought. But she was healthy and strong, and at the age of 114, she had outlived all her other family. It was time, perhaps, to follow that long-held dream: "Could someone her age learn to read? She didn’t know, but by God, she was going to try." Walker was certified the nation's oldest student twice over, and at 116, she learned! This inspiring story proves that, with perseverance and dedication, there's nothing you can't achieve.

Lift as You Climb: The Story of Ella Baker

Ella Baker's grandfather was a preacher who questioned his flock: "What do you hope to accomplish?" Ella Baker's mother gave her the answer that everyone should "lift as you climb": use your own success and influence to help others. As an adult, Baker joined the Civil Rights Movement, and took both her relatives' words to heart, educating her fellow African Americans about their rights. She partnered with Martin Luther King, Jr. to create the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, and worked with the NAACP and the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, too. In this stunning biography in verse about Baker's little-appreciated influence in the fight for equal rights, kids are invited to consider how they, too, will lift others up.

Wilma Unlimited: How Wilma Rudolph Became the World's Fastest Woman

Wilma Rudolph was born so tiny that no one expected her to reach her first birthday — but she did. Then, before she was five years old, her left leg was paralyzed by polio, and no one expected her to walk again — but she did that too, working so hard on her leg exercises that she stopped using a leg brace before she turned twelve. Eight years later, she represented the US at the 1960 Olympiad, where she became the first American woman to win three gold medals in one Olympic Games. Kathleen Krull's telling of this piece of sports history lets Rudolph's determination and drive shine through. For another picture book biography of Rudolph, we recommend Wilma Rudolph (Little People, Big Dreams) for ages 5 to 8. For a picture book that captures how Rudolph inspired the girls who watched her performance, check out the fictional The Quickest Kid in Clarksville which is suitable for ages 4 to 8.

Little Melba and Her Big Trombone

Melba Doretta Liston loved music as far back as she could remember, but it was when she was seven years old that she fell in love with an instrument: a shiny brass trombone. She taught herself how to play, and by the time she was a teenager, she had entered the world of jazz, joining a band and touring the country. Overcoming prejudices based on both her race and her gender, she became both a renowned trombone player and a masterful arranger who worked with jazz greats like Randy Weston, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Billie Holiday, and Quincy Jones. This exuberant biography of one of music's little-known trailblazers is bursting at the seams with the joy of music.

Only the Best: The Exceptional Life and Fashion of Ann Lowe

When Ann Cole Lowe grew up, she learned how to sew from her mother and grandmother. She didn't want to make simple garments, though; she dreamed of being a designer! She managed to get into design school — although she was forced to learn segregated from the other students — and she became "society's best kept secret," sewing the dress Olivia de Havilland wore when she won an Oscar and even Jacqueline Kennedy's wedding dress! She always insisted on the very best: for her designs, for her clients, and for herself. Award-winning author Kate Messner, costume historian Margaret E. Powell, and fashion designer and illustrator Erin Robinson tell Lowe's inspiring story with verve and style that's sure to captivate young creative thinkers.

Beautiful Shades of Brown: The Art of Laura Wheeler Waring

As a child, Laura Wheeler Waring loved mixing paints to get the perfect shade — especially if it was to capture the skin colors of people in her family. But she couldn't help but notice that museums didn't show paintings of people with brown skin. Defying prejudice, she studied art at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, and then in Paris, where work by Matisse and Gaugin encouraged her to paint the people she knew. And when she returned home to America, her portraits of famous African American people would become classic works of art that still inspire visitors to the National Portrait Gallery. This beautiful picture book about a trailblazing artist celebrates self-expression, diversity, and welcoming different points of view.

Pies from Nowhere: How Georgia Gilmore Sustained the Montgomery Bus Boycott

When the Montgomery Bus Boycotts broke out to protest segregated seating, cook Georgia Gilmore wanted to help. She knew that the boycotters would need cars and gas, and for that, they needed money — so she recruited a bunch of her fellow cooks and bakers to make food to sell. Supporting the boycott was risky, so Gilmore only took cash, and whenever someone asked where the food or money came from, the answer was always the same: "nowhere." This celebration of a little-known figure of the Civil Rights movement celebrates the power of community and how one person can fuel a movement.

The Case for Loving: The Fight For Interracial Marriage

Kids will be shocked to learn that there was a time when it was illegal to marry someone with a different skin color. Mildred Loving and Richard Perry Loving had been in love for years, but when they moved back to their hometown after getting married, they were arrested. In this charming picture book, author Selina Alko follows the Lovings as they marry, get arrested, and then dare to challenge these unjust laws — all the way to the Supreme Court. Mixed media illustrations capture the love of this adoring couple, as well as their strength as they defied prejudice.

Jackie Ormes Draws the Future: The Remarkable Life of a Pioneering Cartoonist

Zelda Jackson, known as Jackie to her friends, had a tremendous artistic talent — and a big imagination to go with it. As a child in the early part of the 20th century, she drew adventures: running through fields, swimming through oceans, anywhere she could dream of. As a high school student, she drew doodles for her high school year book, capturing day to day life. And as an adult, she became a journalist who tackled tough issues — including racism, pollution, and other social justice causes — and became one of the first Black women to have a syndicated newspaper cartoon! Written and illustrated by Liz Montague, one of the first Black cartoonists at the New Yorker, this is an inspiring tribute to a woman used her pen for both words and pictures to change the world.

What Do You Do With A Voice Like That?

The Story of Extraordinary Congresswoman Barbara Jordan

Even as a child, Barbara Jordan's voice made people stand up, take notice, and listen! But what do you do with a voice like that? In Jordan's case, she used it to carry her to places that African American women didn't usually go in the 1960s: to law school, to the Texas state senate, and to the United States Congress. She also used it to give voice to the marginalized people around her, fighting for civil rights and equality. This powerful picture book biography celebrates the power of raising your voice and owning your confidence.

Making Their Voices Heard: The Inspiring Friendship of Ella Fitzgerald and Marilyn Monroe

Ella Fitzgerald had a gorgeous voice that captivated jazz audiences — and one of her fans was an actress named Marilyn Monroe, who was fighting against sexism for better roles and more voice in her career. When Marilyn got a role with lots of singing, she listened to Ella's recordings to prepare. Her success helped her negotiate better pay and more creative control, and she wanted to thank Ella in person. And when she learned that Ella got turned away from the biggest club in town because she was Black, Marilyn knew she could help Ella's voice be heard too. This powerful true story about these two close friends celebrates how far we can go when we lift one another up.

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.

To Boldly Go: How Nichelle Nichols and Star Trek Helped Advance Civil Rights

When Nichelle Nichols played the role of Lieutenant Nyota Uhura on a new show called Star Trek in the 1960s, people were astonished: she was the first Black woman astronaut anyone had ever seen on screen, and one of the few Black TV characters who wasn't a servant or a caricature. Courageous, smart, and strong, she inspired a generation of kids to dream of the stars — and when the TV show was over, she wasn't done yet! She used her platform as a TV role models to recruit for NASA, inspiring a generation of more diverse astronauts and scientists. This beautiful tribute to a pop culture icon who inspired millions of people — including real-life astronaut Dr. Mae Jemison — is perfect for fans of Hidden Figures and Mae Among the Stars.

Ice Breaker: How Mabel Fairbanks Changed Figure Skating

In the 1930s, Mabel Fairbanks was a homeless orphan who dreamed of figure skating, even though Black girls like her weren't allowed in public ice rinks. She saved her pennies for a pair of skates and a compassionate rink owner eventually let her in. Her talent was obvious — but she still wasn't allowed to compete. Instead, she performed in clubs and on TV, and later became a coach, eventually becoming the first African-American woman inducted into the U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Fame. This introduction to a sports pioneer will show kids how each generation helps lift the next up and inspire them to pursue their own dreams!

Saving American Beach

The Biography of African American Environmentalist MaVynee Betsch

As a child, MaVynee Betsch loved American Beach, a private beach her grandfather had bought so African Americans like her could visit when Jim Crow laws kept them off most public beaches. There, she met artists like Ella Fitzgerald and Zora Neale Hurston who inspired her love of singing. MaVynee became an opera singer and traveled around the world, but when she finally came home, she discovered that American Beach had been neglected, and developers wanted to buy it. She refused to let the beach go, though, and devoted herself to preserving both its natural beauty and its historic importance. This stunning picture book, illustrated by Caldecott Honoree Ekua Holmes, is a tribute to a pioneering singer and conservationist, and the special place that her beloved beach had in the lives of so many people.

Catching the Moon: The Story of a Young Girl's Baseball Dream

In 1920s, there is no girls' baseball — so Marcenia Lyle joins the boys playing on the local team. Her parents, though, wish that she would focus on appropriate careers: teaching, nursing, or being a maid. When Gabby Street, a famous baseball manager, comes to scout kids for a summer camp sponsored by the St. Louis Cardinals, Marcenia plays her absolute best, but she's crushed when Mr. Street says it doesn't matter: there are no girls in his camp. However, she's determined to win that spot anyway, and her spectacular showing convinces both Mr. Street and her skeptical parents that baseball is her future. This story about the girl who would grow up to be "Toni Stone," the first woman to play on a professional baseball team, is sure to delight young sports fans.

You Should Meet: Mae Jemison

Mae Jemison dreamed of becoming an astronaut from childhood. She went to medical school and joined the Peace Corps, but she never forgot that dream — so in 1985, she applied to NASA, and in 1992, Jemison became the first African-American woman to go into space! In this Level 3 Ready-To-Read book from the You Should Meet series, newly independent readers can learn all about Jemison's fascinating life and career. Additional material at the end includes information about math and history, and even a timeline with fun facts about space! For an inspiring picture book about Jemison, check out Mae Among The Stars for ages 4 to 8.

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.

You Should Meet: Katherine Johnson

She's been called one of the greatest American minds of all time, and when NASA first started using computers to calculate launch trajectories, they only trusted them after she double-checked the math! Katherine Johnson broke both gender and racial boundaries when she started working for NASA in the 1950s as a human computer, performing the complex calculations necessary to launch rockets, satellites, and eventually, the Apollo 11 moon mission. New chapter book readers who are fans of the hit movie Hidden Figures will be excited to read their very own book about Johnson from Ready to Read's You Should Meet series. Older readers can check out Hidden Figures Young Readers Edition for ages 8 to 13.

Ida B. Wells: Let the Truth Be Told

Trailblazing journalist and activist Ida B. Wells was a suffragist, a civil rights campaigner, and an anti-lynching pioneer. This book takes young readers through Wells' life, from her birth in slavery to her remarkable academic career, and then highlights her work as a teacher and crusader for equality on multiple fronts. Long before boycotts, sit-ins, and freedom rides, Ida B. Wells was hard at work to better the lives of African Americans and used fierce determination and the power of the pen to educate the world about the unequal treatment of Blacks in the United States. Older kids can read about Wells in Ida B. Wells: Mother of the Civil Rights Movement for ages 10 and up.

The Power of Her Pen: The Story of Groundbreaking Journalist Ethel L. Payne

Even as a child, Ethel Payne loved hearing stories — and the best ones were the true ones. Her English teacher encouraged her writing, and her chance came when she got a job as a correspondent in Japan for a Chicago newspaper. An article she wrote about discrimination in the military made nationwide news, and soon she was breaking all kinds of gender and racial barriers for women in journalism. She wasn't afraid to ask the tough questions — even once she received a White House press pass — and it wasn't long before she was known as the "First Lady of the Black Press." This is an inspiring story of a woman who defied expectation and dedicated herself to truth and progress.

Midnight Teacher: Lilly Ann Granderson and Her Secret School

As an enslaved child in Kentucky, Lilly Ann Granderson learned to read from her master's children as they played school, and she passed on what she learned to others on the plantation. When she was sold to a plantation in Mississippi, she learned that it was illegal for enslaved people to learn to read and write, and the punishment was brutal: thirty-nine lashes. Granderson was still determined to teach others, however, so she formed a secret night school, despite the risks, and taught hundreds of people. This inspiring story about a little-known champion of literacy captures Granderson's unwavering belief in the power and importance of education.

Lizzie Demands A Seat! Elizabeth Jennings Fights for Streetcar Rights

Elizabeth Jennings lived in New York, a "free state" where slavery was outlawed — but that didn't mean she was equal. That truth became shockingly clear one day in 1854 when she was in a rush for church. She boarded a streetcar, only to be ordered off by the conductor because it was a "Whites only" car. When she refused to leave, she was thrown off the streetcar. Jennings decided to take her case to court — complete with testimony from a White witness — and won the first legal victory for equal rights on public transportation. This compelling picture book about Jennings' famous case also features back matter about how Jennings' case set a precedent for future battles, including Rosa Parks' future transit protest.

The First Step: How One Girl Put Segregation On Trial

It sounds like a familiar story at first: an African American girl is told she can't return to school, because it's for Whites only, and her family challenges the city with a court case. But the girl was Sarah Roberts, and the year was 1847 — over a hundred years before the famous battles faced by Ruby Bridges and the Little Rock Nine. Roberts v. the City of Boston was the first court case challenging segregated schools, and it marked one of the first steps toward achieving legal equality for all people in the United States. With dramatic text from Susan E. Goodman and captivating artwork from E. B. Lewis, this book is a must have for any collection about the battle for equal rights.

Fly High! The Story Of Bessie Coleman

Bessie Coleman knew she wanted to "find a bigger life" — one where her future didn't involve picking cotton and struggling to get by. When she grew up, she moved to Chicago and heard tales of the first World War from veterans... including stories of women pilots in France. So when no one in America would teach her how to fly, she saved every penny she could and traveled there, where she became the first African American to earn a pilot's license. Coleman would return to America and become a famous stunt pilot, and everywhere she went, she would remind kids, "You can fly high just like me." This evocative picture book biography captures the determination and drive of this aviation pioneer. For another book about Coleman, check out Talkin' About Bessie: The Story of Aviator Bessie Coleman for ages 7 to 10.

My Name Is Truth: The Life of Sojourner Truth

Former slave Isabella Baumfree transformed herself into Sojourner Truth, speaking out for equal rights on behalf of both the abolitionists and the women's rights movement. This beautifully illustrated picture book biography is written in the voice of Truth herself, like a monologue in dialect, giving young readers a sense of the power of the spoken word to influence people. The story begins with Truth still in slavery and follows her as she escapes, finds a new life, and then is reborn into a remarkable orator. This moving and passionate story is a fitting tribute to a dedicated and inspirational figure from American history. For more books about Truth, we recommend Sojourner Truth's Step Stomp Slide for ages 5 to 8, Only Passing Through for ages 7 to 11, and Who Was Sojourner Truth? for ages 8 to 12.

She Persisted: Ruby Bridges

When Ruby Bridges was ready to go to school, her family faced a tough choice: schools in New Orleans, Louisiana, had just been desegregated. If she went to William Frantz Elementary School, 6-year-old Ruby would be the first Black student to integrate the school... and many people didn't want her there. Every day, she had to walk past an angry mob, escorted by federal marshals, and she was alone in the classroom because every other parent had pulled their children out of school. Her quiet courage inspired people across the country, and took an important step towards full desegregation of schools. This early chapter book from the bestselling She Persisted series by award-winning author Kekla Magoon is a tribute to a girl who changed history!

Mumbet's Declaration of Independence

Mumbet was a slave in Massachusetts when she heard the state constitution's provision, "All men are born free and equal, and have certain natural, essential, and unalienable rights." If that's so, she thought, then I should be free too! With the help of a young lawyer named Theodore Sedgwick, Mumbet dared to challenge the legality of slavery under the constitution. Thanks to their work, in 1783 slavery was officially outlawed in Massachusetts — freeing 5,000 slaves in the state. This fascinating picture book biography tells Mumbet's story, accented with vivid illustrations, creating a sense of hope that all injustice can be righted with determination.

Trailblazers: Simone Biles

Simone Biles exploded on to the scene with a stunning performance in the 2016 Olympic Games that won her four Olympic gold medals! In this book from the Trailblazers biography series, kids can read all about her path to the international gymnastics stage: her search for a home after spending time in foster care, discovering a passion for her sport, and realizing that her determination and strength could make her a superstar. With a timeline and a list of further reading at the back, this is the perfect book to inspire readers to remember that, like Simone says, "We always have more to give."

Vision of Beauty: The Story of Sarah Breedlove Walker

Sarah Breedlove Walker was born in 1870 to former slaves, and she was determined to become more than her family could have dreamed possible a generation earlier. In her 30s, she realized that no company was making cosmetics or hair care products for African-American women. After tinkering with formulas (and changing her name to the more French-sounding Madam C. J. Walker) she started selling door to door. By 1912, the Mme. C.J. Walker Manufacturing Company was one of the biggest companies in America and Walker was the first American woman to become a self-made millionaire. This true story of the inventor, entrepreneur, and philanthropist who created a whole new field of beauty products is sure to fascinate readers. Adults can read more about Walker in On Her Own Ground: The Life and Times of Madam C.J. Walker.

In Her Hands: The Story of Sculptor Augusta Savage

Growing up in Florida in the 1890s, young Augusta loved playing with clay, sculpting it into little figures of animals and people. Her father, a stern preacher, felt she was wasting time on idle nonsense. However, as she grew, Savage's sculpting talent grew too, until she had to make a choice: pursuing her dream would mean leaving behind everything she knew. She dared to take the step of moving to New York City, and got accepted to an art school. Surrounded by other artists of the Harlem Renaissance, she became an artist and an instructor, passing on her love of art to others. This lovely biography draws on the spare facts about Savage's life and childhood to create a warm portrait of a woman who never gave up on her dream.

Coretta's Journey: The Life and Times of Coretta Scott King

When Coretta Scott King was photographed in a black veil, mourning her husband Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination, many people thought of her as only a wife — but she was much more than that, both to Martin and to the Civil Rights Movement. She spoke up against injustice even as a young woman, but in a movement that prioritized men's voices, she wasn't taken seriously by many. Martin told her, "Corrie, you are a brave soldier. I don't know what I would do without you." And when he died, she had the courage to step forward, holding the movement together and preserving Martin's legacy for the future. This lyrical story from the award-winning team behind Memphis, Martin, and the Mountaintop is a powerful introduction to this instrumental figure.

Streetcar to Justice

How Elizabeth Jennings Won the Right to Ride in New York

On her way to church in July 1854, Elizabeth Jennings was refused a seat on a streetcar, and when she sat down anyway, she was forced off the car by the conductor and a police officer, leaving her bruised and injured. She decided to take her case to court with the support of her family and her community, and legal representation by a future President of the United States! Her victory is little known today, but it was a pivotal moment in the long fight for desegregation of public transportation. Amy Hill Hearth turns a journalist's eye to telling this inspiring story, packing in facts about life in mid-1800s New York and vivid storytelling that will keep middle readers engrossed until they reach the triumphant conclusion.

Who Was Ida B. Wells?

When Ida B. Wells was born in 1862, slavery was still legal; she was freed by the Emancipation Proclamation of 1865. But just because slavery had ended didn't mean things were fair. The intelligent girl saw injustice all around her, and she was determined to end it. As a journalist, she drew the world's attention to the horrors of lynching and other prejudices based on race and sex. As an activist, she helped cofound the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), and she marched as a suffragist, too! This exciting book from the Who Was...? biography series introduces middle grade readers to Wells' life as a civil rights activist, anti-lynching campaigner, and pioneering journalist.

A Song for Gwendolyn Brooks

Gwendolyn Brooks grew up on the South Side of Chicago, and she loved words: even as a child, she was constantly reading and writing. Her parents fostered her gifts, and as she grew older, Brooks developed her own voice: clever, thoughtful, and steeped in both the experience of Black people in America's cities and the struggles of women in a world run by men. She would publish 20 books of poetry, two autobiographies, and a novel — and become the first Black author to win the Pulitzer Prize. This elegantly written and complex picture book for older readers from the People Who Shaped Our World series is a stirring introduction to this distinguished poet.

Rise! From Caged Bird to Poet of the People, Maya Angelou

A a child in Stamps, Arkansas, Maya Angelou seemed ordinary — even though she faced brutal trauma that left her feeling like a caged bird. But Angelou's love of the written and spoken word helped her survive her emotional pain, triumphing over all the forces that could have ground the inspiration out of her. In this luminous picture book, lyrical text by Bethany Hegedus and metaphorical illustrations by Tonya Engel create a unique, vibrant portrait of one of the 20th century's most distinctive voices. This powerful picture book biography for tween readers, written for the 50th anniversary of the publication of I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, is both comprehensive and emotionally moving.

Voice of Freedom: Fannie Lou Hamer, The Spirit of the Civil Rights Movement

"I am sick and tired of being sick and tired", Hamer once famously proclaimed, and that sentiment drove her to be a champion of civil rights for over two decades. Her booming oratorical voice and her signature song "This Little Light of Mine" became a key part of the movement, including the Freedom Summer of 1964; her speech at the Democratic National Convention aired on national news despite interference from President Johnson and spurred people to action. Told in the first person, this book's lyrical text and collage illustrations depict the perseverance and courage of this heroic woman.

Life in Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina - Young Readers Edition

When Misty Copeland first started dancing at age thirteen, no one could have guessed she would become the first African-American principal dancer at the American Ballet Theatre. The quiet girl from a struggling family quickly demonstrated remarkable talent, and soon she was making a name for herself. But at the same time as she was discovering a new home onstage, her chaotic home life and a difficult relationship with her mother made things even more challenging. Copeland first told her story of resilience and following her dream for older teens and adults in Life In Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina; now tween readers can enjoy her story as well. Younger fans of Copeland can check out When I Grow Up: Misty Copeland; Copeland is also the author of a picture book, Firebird, which is suitable for ages 5 to 9.

Blast Off Into Space Like Mae Jemison

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

Become A Leader Like Michelle Obama

Michelle Obama grew up with a close-knit family that believed in the importance of education. She worked hard at school, got into Princeton and Harvard, and qualified as a lawyer. She knew she wanted to give back by helping other girls believe that they could achieve their dreams. And when her husband, Barack Obama, became President, that gave her an opportunity to be a role model to a whole nation. In this book you'll learn all about this inspirational leader — and discover 10 tips from her life that you can apply to your own exciting career. For more books from the Work It, Girl series celebrating inspiring Black women, check out Blast Off Into Space Like Mae Jemison and Run the Show Like CEO Oprah Winfrey.

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.

Becoming: Adapted for Young Readers

Michelle Obama's best-selling memoir Becoming is now available in this adaptation for tween and teen readers! From South Side Chicago, to Princeton and Harvard Law, to the White House, Michelle's life has gone through many changes — often forcing her to wrestle with who she was and who she wanted to be. In this memoir, she tells her story, honestly and authentically, and encourages young readers to use her example as they stride forth into their own lives. She shows how life may play havoc with your plans, and how going with the flow can lead you to unexpected (and wonderful) things. Most importantly, she asks them: how will you use your life to help yourself, help others, and make the world better?

Brown Girl Dreaming

Author Jacqueline Woodson tells her personal story in this collection of biographical poems. In her two homes, South Carolina and New York, Woodson never felt quite like she belonged, and growing up African-American in the 1960s and 1970s meant dealing with the remnants of Jim Crow laws and a dawning awareness of the Civil Rights Movement. In these poems, Woodson explores her search for her place in the world, her struggles with reading as a child, and her joy at discovering a talent for writing that allowed her to express her thoughts and feelings. Powerful and intimate, readers will enjoy seeing a glimpse into the childhood emotional life of one of their favorite authors.

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.

Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina

When Michaela DePrince was orphaned and abandoned during the war in Sierra Leone, the people at the orphanage called her a "devil child" because of the spots on her skin from vitiligo. But the orphanage was also where she saw an image of a ballerina that would change her life. After she was adopted by an American family, she asked to learn to dance, and it wasn't long before it was obvious she had phenomenal talent. DePrince would go on to become the youngest principal dancer at the Dance Theatre of Harlem and a soloist for the Dutch National Ballet. In this moving and personal memoir, DePrince tells her own story of perseverance and hope. Younger readers can learn DePrince's story in the Step Into Reading level 4 biography, Ballerina Dreams: From Orphan to Dancer, which is suitable for ages 6 to 9.

Passenger on the Pearl: The True Story of Emily Edmonson's Flight from Slavery

In 1848, 13-year-old Emily Edmonson and her siblings took a bold chance: they, along with seventy other slaves, boarded the Pearl in Washington, D.C., hoping to sail north to freedom. But the ship was captured before reaching its destination, and in retribution, the escapees were auctioned to plantations in the Deep South where they would experience even crueler treatment. However, Edmonson never gave up her dream of freedom, and eventually she would achieve it, becoming a teacher at a school for young African-American women. Author Winifred Conkling provides plenty of resources to reference about the real experiences of enslaved people and the risk associated with attempting to escape and failing, but also about the courage of people like Edmonson who refused to accept that they should not be free.

March Forward, Girl: From Young Warrior to Little Rock Nine

As a child, Melba Pattillo Beals saw Klansmen hang a man from the rafters during a prayer meeting; as a teen, she was almost raped when she was unknowingly taken to a KKK meeting. And throughout, she asked tough questions: why should she have to drink from a separate fountain, or live her life feeling unsafe? The adults in her life wanted her to keep quiet out of fear, but she refused: she knew there was a future where she could live free — and as one of the Little Rock Nine, she made her mark on history. This powerful memoir captures the courage and determination of Beals and the other child activists like her who pushed for change.

The Truths We Hold: An American Journey (Young Readers Edition)

Kamala Harris is a pioneering vice presidential candidate — and it was the values and influences of her childhood that led her to a political career. In this young readers edition of her adult memoir The Truths We Hold, Harris tells her own story and explores how her family and community taught her to fight for fairness and justice. She examines her work as a lawyer, an attorney general, and a senator, and lays bare the professional and personal challenges she faced along the way. Most importantly, she tells young readers that, when things seem darkest, it's time to step up: "Do we retreat or do we fight? I say we fight."

Loving vs. Virginia

A Documentary Novel of the Landmark Civil Rights Case

When Richard and Mildred Loving fell in love, they didn't intend to change American history; they just wanted to get married. But in Virginia, miscegenation laws made it illegal for interracial couples to marry and have children — and after the Lovings married in another state, they were arrested and charged. So they decided to fight... all the way to the Supreme Court. This novel in verse alternates between Mildred and Richard's perspectives and also incorporates news clippings, maps, and archival photos as it tells the story of an ordinary couple who became the face of a landmark civil rights case.

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."