New Mighty Girl Books for Women's History Month 2023

My Name Is Malala

Who is Malala? She is a daughter, a sister, and a friend. She was a student — even when people told her girls shouldn't go to school. And that turned her into an activist, who fought not only for her own right to learn, but also for the rights of girls around the world to do the same. Even when people threatened her, she refused to be silent, and now people around the world know her name. In Malala Yousafzai's first board book, she uses simple text, accented by colorful illustrations, to show the youngest readers that extraordinary figures are real people who are both relatable and inspiring. This charming board book is sure to inspire the next generation of readers and leaders.

Big Ideas for Little Environmentalists: Conservation with Jane Goodall

Jane Goodall loved animals, even as a child, and as an adult, she wanted to study them! She made groundbreaking observations about chimpanzees at Gombe, but in the process, she also realized that the actions of humans were hurting the chimpanzees and their environment. In fact, even well-meaning human activity — like traveling into natural spaces to observe animals in the wild — could cause big problems. Since then, she's inspired millions of people around the world to protect the environment! This inspiring board book is the perfect way to show young animal-lovers how they can make the world a greener place.

I Am Temple Grandin

When Temple Grandin was a child, she was different from other children — and her parents were told that she wouldn't be able to attend school, let alone live an independent life. Instead, her mother found people who could help her, and tried to understand why some things, like eye contact, strong smells, bright lights, and loud noises were so overwhelming for Temple. As she got older, Temple discovered that she also had incredible gifts, including a remarkable visual memory and the ability to understand how animals perceived their environment. As an animal scientist and as an autism advocate, she's change the way other people see the world, too! Tthis inspiring book from the Ordinary People Change the World series is a tribute to the power of unique perspectives.

Splash! Ethelda Bleibtrey Makes Waves of Change

When Ethelda Bleibtrey was born, girls and women might paddle in the water, but few of them really swam. But after she contracted polio, she discovered that swimming reduced her pain and helped her rebuild her lost muscle. From that moment, she was determined to swim whenever she could! She had to fight antiquated ideas about women in the water; she even got arrested for "nude swimming" when she took her stockings off at one pool! But her work — including her three Olympic gold medals and her multiple world records — inspired people around the world. This exuberant picture book celebrates a trailblazer for women's swimming who knew how to make a splash.

The Astronomer Who Questioned Everything: The Story of Maria Mitchell

As a child, Maria Mitchell wondered how boats found their way across the sea when they left her island of Nantucket. Her father showed her how they read the stars: by understanding them, you could always find the way you needed to go. She grew up learning how to use a telescope and other astronomers' tools, but at the time, few people thought a woman could study the stars. Then she learned that there was a prize for the first person to find a new comet... and she was sure she could win it. Not only did she win that prize, but Mitchell would go on to become the first professional female astronomer in America — and one of the first female college professors. With gorgeous artwork and intriguing text, plus back matter all about Mitchell's life and achievements, this is a beautiful introduction to a woman who used the stars to find her way.

Dolly! The Story of Dolly Parton and Her Big Dream

Dolly Parton was one of twelve kids in rural Tennessee, and her family struggled to get by. Kids would laugh at her at school because she wore tattered, patched clothes, but she didn't let it keep her from dreaming big dreams: she was going to write songs and perform them for everyone! In between farm chores and homework, Dolly took every opportunity she could to sing, whether it was in her church choir or on small local radio shows... and she started to dream even bigger. Maybe she could perform at the Grand Ole Opry! People laughed at that too: "you're just a kid," they said. But she reached the iconic stage at the age of 13: she was a kid, but she had done it. Exuberantly illustrated and rhythmically told, this is a charming story about Parton's big dreams and the childhood moments that taught her that true success is about individuality, family, and kindness.

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.

Lucille Ball: A Little Golden Book Biography

Lucille Ball wanted to be a famous performer — but people told her she wouldn't be a star. She struggled to get the big roles in movies that she dreamed of. But when she and her husband, Desi Arnaz, got the chance to create their own TV show, I Love Lucy, her comedic skills made the show a smash success. Then, her business savvy helped her become a producer and the first woman to own a major studio! This book from the Little Golden Book biography series tells the story of this trailblazing star who built an entertainment empire in a colorful, fun way, perfect for young readers — and for parents and grandparents who grew up watching and loving Lucy's show.

I Am Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton's family didn't have much money, but they had plenty of music! From an early age she showed a talent for singing and songwriting. When she set out to become a professional performer, her managers thought she should sing pop music, but what she loved was country — and she became a smash success! She used her fame and fortune to give back, becoming a reading advocate whose Imagination Library has donated 150 million books, and a philanthropist whose causes include animal welfare and the development of a Covid vaccine! This picture book from the best-selling Ordinary People Change the World series captures how Dolly is so much more than just a country music star — and inspires young readers to imagine what they might do when they grow up.

Harriet's Ruffled Feathers: The Woman Who Saved Millions of Birds

Harriet Lawrence Hemenway loved all things fashion — especially hats! What was more fun than a hat with ribbons or flowers or, best of all, feathers? But then she learned that millions of birds were killed every year to supply the feathers for her cap, and she was horrified: "To think this bird should be deprived of its own finery for someone else’s hat! A passion for fashion was one thing, but this was featherbrained!" So she set out to change fashion, pushing for laws making it illegal to sell wild bird feathers. And in 1896, that newfound love for birds led her and her friends to found the Massachusetts Audubon Society, which later grew into the country's largest national bird conservation organization! This lively picture book biography is a celebration of how one pioneering conservationist's love of fashion led to a crusade that saved millions of birds.

Annette Feels Free

The True Story of Annette Kellerman, World-Class Swimmer, Fashion Pioneer, and Real-Life Mermaid

Annette Kellerman grew up loving to dance until an illness made her legs weak. She couldn't dance with braces on her legs... until her father introduced her to swimming! In the water she could twirl, and race, and dive. She even competed against men — and won. But she was frustrated with the swimming costumes required for women; how could you enjoy the water in multiple layers of skirts that dragged you down? So she designed her own swimsuit, which fit close to her skin and kept her legs free. Some people were horrified, and she was even arrested once for "indecency," but her swimsuit caught on — and her determination introduced girls and women around the world to a love of water sports. This vibrantly illustrated picture book biography is a celebration of "The Original Mermaid" and of the power of finding freedom.

Hedy Lamarr (Little People, Big Dreams)

Hedy Lamarr loved machines and science — and she loved performing as a musician and an actress. She became famous for the latter, and ended up being a glamorous Hollywood star — but she never gave up her curious, innovative spirit. She proved herself in chemistry, electronics, and engineering, and even developed technology that formed the basis of our internet-connected world.In this empowering book from the Little People, BIG DREAMS series, kids will learn the scientific side of Lamarr's story — a side that's finally being given its due.

Florence Nightingale (Little People, Big Dreams)

Florence Nightingale grew up in a wealthy family, and she could have spent her days with a wealthy husband and a life of luxury. Instead, she felt called to help care for the injured, sick, and poor, so she trained to be a nurse. At the time, most people thought nurses weren't important; all they did was provide a little care and comfort. Florence, though, knew nurses could do much more. When war broke out, she traveled to help nurse injured soldiers, and she used her knowledge of science to show that the dirty hospitals and poor food were more dangerous than the injuries! Although she became famous to the world as the Lady with the Lamp, her greatest legacy is her role as the mother of modern nursing. This compelling book from the Little People, BIG DREAMS series will inspire young readers to imagine how they too could change the world.

Wilma Mankiller (Little People, Big Dreams)

Wilma Mankiller grew up surrounded by other Cherokee people, and she was proud of her heritage and her community. But when her family moved to San Francisco, she realized that not everyone saw Native Americans the way she did — and she was determined to change that. She became an advocate for Native American rights, working to challenge prejudice and change minds — and when it was time to elect a new Chief of the Cherokee Nation, she became the first woman ever to hold the role! This inspiring book from the Little People, BIG DREAMS series captures Wilma's determination and courage — and will help kids realize that they can take a stand about the things that matter to them.

Helen Keller (Little People, Big Dreams)

Helen Keller was always a curious child, but after she became blind and deaf as a toddler after an illness, she was cut off from the world around her. Her family learned some ways to connect with her, including hand-signing, but they — and Helen — wanted her to be able to engage with the wider world, too. With the help of Anne Sullivan, a teacher with her own experience living with disability, Helen learned how to finger spell and how to talk. She became the first deaf-blind person to graduate from university, and spoke around the world about the rights of people with disabilities. This inspiring book from the Little People, BIG DREAMS series is a compelling introduction to a courageous and determined author and activist.

The Mother of a Movement: Jeanne Manford - Ally, Activist, and Founder of PFLAG

When Jeanne Manford's son Morty told her he was gay, it didn't change how she felt about him — but few parents spoke openly about their gay children in the early 1970s. Then he was beaten during a gay rights demonstration at a political gathering, and the police didn't intervene. Furious, Manford wrote a letter to the editor of the New York Post: "I have a homosexual son and I love him," she declared. Two months later, she marched with Morty in the Christopher Street Parade... and had the idea to found a group for allies of LGBTQ+ people. Her idea eventually developed into PFLAG, Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, an organization that has hundreds of chapters in America and around the world. This touching picture book is a tribute to parental support and the power of unconditional love.

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.

Dressing Up the Stars: The Story of Movie Costume Designer Edith Head

Edith Head grew up in a small mining town in Nevada, but she always knew she wanted to live someplace bigger — and more exciting. She didn't have many friends, but she had lots of ideas for things she could make! With the help of fabric scraps and other supplies donated by townspeople, she sewed clothes for her dolls, her toys, and even local animals. When she discovered movies as a high schooler, she knew she wanted to be one of the people who made the costumes. She started out sketching costumes... and ended up dressing some of the biggest stars, becoming the first woman to head a major Hollywood movie studio's costume department. She even won eight Academy Awards! In this inspiring picture book biography, full of detailed mixed-media illustrations, kids will learn all about this pioneer for women in film.

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.

The Fire of Stars: The Life and Brilliance of the Woman Who Discovered What Stars Are Made Of

As a child, Cecilia Payne thrilled at the "lightning bolt of discovery" that could come when you observed the natural world — and she soon developed a love of astronomy in particular. Although people tried to discourage her from a career in science, she knew she wanted to untangle the mysteries of the universe. Her perseverance took her to the Harvard College Observatory, where she came to a stunning conclusion: stars, and therefore the universe, were primarily made of hydrogen. And although that idea was originally considered impossible, today it's hailed as one of the most important discoveries in astronomy. This gorgeous, lyrical picture book sets Payne's story alongside the birth of a star, celebrating a STEM pioneer and the explosion of discovery that sets curious minds aflame.

The Brilliant Calculator: How Mathematician Edith Clarke Helped Electrify America

Edith Clarke loved math from an early age — and in the days before calculators, she was good at it! As an adult, she wanted to be an engineer, but nobody in the early 1900s wanted to hire a woman engineer. She got a job for a company building power lines, manually calculating their equations... but at night, she studied electrical current load in wires, and tried to figure out how to make the process faster. Her invention of the Clarke Calculator — a graphing calculator on paper that was ten times faster than doing it by hand — not only help her achieve her dream and become the first woman electrical engineer in America, but also helped people across the country connect telephones and electric lights! This compelling picture book is a little-known story of an innovative woman who lit up the nation.

Pitch Perfect and Persistent! The Musical Debut of Amy Cheney Beach

Amy Beach showed perfect pitch and an excellent singing voice by the age of 2 — but despite her obvious talent, her mother did NOT want her to pursue it. Drawing attention to herself wasn't appropriate for a young lady! But with the help of her supportive Aunt Franc, Amy stood up for her love of music. She demanded to be allowed to play the piano, and insisted on lessons from a real music teacher. She wouldn't give up until she was allowed to perform on stage. And at the age of 16, Amy Beach performed at Boston's Music Hall, kicking off an astounding career as a musician and America's first successful woman composer! This gorgeously illustrated picture book biography is a tribute to a love of music and the power of persistence.

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.

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.

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.

Sanctuary: Kip Tiernan and Rosie's Place, the Nation's First Shelter for Women

Kip Tiernan grew up during the Great Depression, and she often helped her grandmother feed hungry, homeless men who came looking for help. That spirit of selflessness stayed with her as an adult, and she continued volunteering — but she noticed that some of the people she served were women dressed as men. They couldn't officially seek help at the men-only shelters, because people believed that there were no women without homes... even though it didn't take Kip long to find women sleeping in parks. After years of arguing on their behalf, Kip finally opened Rosie's Place, America's first women's shelter — one that asked no questions, just provided food, beds, and safety for women in need. Written by a former educator at Rosie's Place, this compelling picture book biography is a celebration of compassion, determination, and the power of one person to make change.

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.

Jackie and the Mona Lisa

When Jackie Kennedy came to the White House, she wanted to encourage Americans to appreciate arts and culture — and as the First Lady, she had the platform to do it! She turned the drab, dilapidated White House into a living museum, full of historically significant furniture and artifacts — and she started the tradition of hosting cultural events on its grounds. Then, she got a big, bold idea: she would arrange a loan of the Mona Lisa, one of the most famous pieces of art in the world, so it could be put on display in America! Author Debbie Rovin Murphy tells this little-known story with exuberance and style, and illustrator Jen Bricking's bright, cheerful illustrations capture the passion of one of America's most influential First Ladies.

Just Wild Enough: Mireya Mayor, Primatologist

Mireya Mayor grew up in a house with cats, dogs, rabbits, birds, a chicken, and even a snapping turtle! But while to some people that would be a wild place to live, she didn't think it was wild enough. As an adult, she gave up her job as a cheerleader for the National football League to become the first woman wildlife TV reporter for National Geographic, traveling the world in search of nature stories... but it still wasn't wild enough. Then she arrived in Madagascar, where she learned that the mouse lemur was at risk of having its habitat destroyed. That was a wild place... and one that she could protect. She convinced the prime minister to make the mouse lemur's rain forest a national park! With vibrant illustrations and an exciting story of wildlife adventure, this picture book biography from the She Made History series celebrates a woman who refused to give up on her dreams.

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.

Jovita Wore Pants: The Story of a Mexican Freedom Fighter

Growing up in Mexico, Jovita envied her brothers Ramón and Luciano: they got to wear pants! Abuela made Jovita wear big skirts, but they always tangled around her legs and kept her from moving freely. She could climb the tallest mesquite tree or ride her horse Morongo in a skirt — but it would be so much easier in pants. Then, when the Cristeros War for the right to practice religion freely broke out, Jovita's fathers and brothers joined in, and she watched, learning the terrain of the battles and the strategies her father used. When tragedy struck, she was ready: Jovita cut her hair, put on men's clothes, and led a battalion to victory. Award-winning author Aida Salazar tells the true story of her great aunt Jovita Valdovinos, a Mexican revolutionary who refused to stand by just because she was a girl.

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.

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

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

Dorothy the Brave

Growing up on a farm in North Carolina, Dorothy Lucas never expected to learn to fly. As a teenager, she got the chance to move to Washington, D.C. to live with her aunt and uncle while she finished high school... and that's where she was when Pearl Harbor was attacked and America joined World War II. Her brothers enlisted right away, but women weren't allowed, and Dorothy still wanted to help the war effort. Then she learned about the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) and figured that was her chance. As a poor farm girl she felt a bit out of place among the adventurous daughters of wealthy families who made up many of the WASP, but she proved herself and got her chance to soar. This vibrant story about a determined young woman who went from Rosie the Riveter to WASP is an inspiring story of following your dreams.

Celia Planted a Garden: The Story of Celia Thaxter and Her Island Garden

Celia Thaxter's father was a lighthouse keeper, so she grew up on a desolate island that was almost barren... but not quite. She found hints of color — mosses and starfish and a few morning glories — and she started planting her own garden, nestling marigolds between the rocks. Then, when she was 12, the family moved to Appledore Island. Her father built a hotel, and Celia planted a garden. Before long, her lush greenery — complete with almost sixty types of flowers — drew guests from around the world, including famous authors like Longfellow, Whittier, and Hawthorne. And Celia started writing too, creating poems about the natural world that charmed her readers. Celebrated authors Phyllis Root and Gary D. Schmidt, and award-winning illustrator Melissa Sweet, have created a stunning tribute to a woman who created beauty in places no one thought possible.

Rosalind Looked Closer: An Unsung Hero of Molecular Science

Rosalind Franklin grew up in England under the shadow of World War II, deeply aware of how her Jewish heritage — and her sex — could count against her. But she was always fascinated by the natural world, particularly the mysteries you could discover on a microscope slide. She defied both her father's discouraging words and society's expectations and studied chemistry at Cambridge. She learned a new technique called X-ray diffraction that allowed her to take pictures of molecular structures — and when she tried it with DNA, she took the first picture ever to reveal the mesmerizing double helix. Franklin's role in the discovery was minimized by others, but today, this unsung hero is finally getting her due for always looking closer. This inspiring picture book, full of intriguing detail and warm artwork, is an inspiring introduction to a pioneer of molecular biology.

Sisters in Science: Marie Curie, Bronia Dluska, and the Atomic Power of Sisterhood

Marie Curie is one of the most famous scientists in the world — but few people know that her success was in large part due to a pact she made with her sister Bronia! As students at the secret "Flying University" the sisters agreed that Marie would support Bronia's medical education at the Sorbonne in France, and then Bronia would support Marie in her own schooling. When Bronia graduated, Marie almost gave up on her dream, but Bronia convinced her to keep going — and the rest is history. This compelling dual biography of two sisters who both blazed trails in STEM is a testament to the power of family support.

She Persisted: Maya Lin

Maya Lin was only a student when her design was selected for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC. Many people were horrified: how could a young, Asian-American woman be the person to create such an important public space? And her design baffled them: how could simple slabs of stone with engraved names be a fitting tribute to so many dead American soldiers? But Lin had a unique vision — one which incorporated the surrounding landscape into her installation — and today the Vietnam Veterans Memorial is considered one of the most powerful monuments in the country. Inspired by Chelsea Clinton's best-selling She Persisted picture book series, and written by award-winning author Grace Lin, this compelling book about a pioneering artist and architect will encourage young readers to imagine how their own perspective could change the world.

She Persisted: Wilma Mankiller

Wilma Mankiller was proud of her Cherokee heritage — but not everybody thought she should feel that way. She quickly learned that Native Americans of every tribe had suffered mistreatment from the U.S. government, and were still facing prejudice in the present. She became an activist who dedicated her life to helping Native Nations reclaim their rights, and even became the first woman elected Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. Written by award-winning author Traci Sorell, with black and white spot illustrations by Gillian Flint, this chapter book biography is an inspiring introduction to this pioneering leader — even includes a list of ways young readers can make a difference to the causes that matter to them.

She Persisted: Temple Grandin

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

She Persisted: Rosalind Franklin

Rosalind Franklin wanted to be a scientist at a time when people didn't think women belonged in science — so she had to fight to prove herself every step of the way. She became a pioneer for X-ray crystallography, taking astounding pictures of important molecules — including DNA, the molecule that makes up life. That played a key role in the discovery of DNA's double helix structure, but her male colleagues took the credit. Today, though, the world recognizes just how important Franklin's work was! This chapter book inspired by Chelsea Clinton's best-selling She Persisted picture book series, written by award-winning author Kimberly Brubaker Bradley and with spot illustrations by Gillian Flint, even includes a list of ways that readers can follow in Franklin's footsteps.

She Persisted: Malala Yousafzai

In Pakistan, many people didn't believe girls should get an education — but Malala Yousafzai and her family believed differently. Malala spoke up about her right to learn, even when it meant she became a target for the Taliban. And even after she was attacked, she refused to give up, speaking out around the world about the importance of ensuring that every girl around the world had the chance to go to school. She would go on to become the youngest Nobel Peace Prize winner in history! Inspired by Chelsea Clinton's best-selling She Persisted series, and written by award-winning author Aisha Saeed, this illustrated chapter book is the perfect introduction to this determined, courageous activist.

Louise Bourgeois: She Saw the World as a Textured Tapestry

French American painter, printmaker, and sculptor Louise Bourgeois is particularly famous for her giant sculpture of a weaving spider, Maman — but why did she make it? In this fascinating book, produced in collaboration with The Met, young readers will learn all about Bourgeois' life, from her days learning to weave and draw at her mother's side, to her artistic career working with wood, steel, stone, cast rubber, and thread. Then, they'll get to experiment with creating their own works of art, just like Bourgeois did! This gorgeous volume is perfect to encourage kids to explore their own artistic ideas — and to help them see the world through the eyes of an iconic artist.

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 Georgia O'Keeffe?

Georgia O'Keeffe grew up on a dairy farm in Wisconsin, and she loved to paint. She spent years teaching at art schools, but it was her work in New York and New Mexico that shaped her art style into the one we know today. With her paintings of skyscrapers, barns, skulls, and flowers, she captivated audiences — and today she's knows as the Mother of American Modernism, the first woman ever to have an exhibition of her life's work at the Museum of Modern Art. With black and white illustrations throughout, as well as timelines, additional facts, and fun sidebars, this book from the Who Was...? biography series is a celebration of a woman whose paintings helped people see the world in a new way.

Who Is Stacey Abrams?

As a child, Stacey Abrams' parents taught her to take care of her community — and it wasn't long before she realized politics were one way to do it. She became a typist for a congressional campaign at the age of 17, then worked hard to get to Yale law school. Since then, she's been elected into the House of Representatives, become the first Black woman in the US to be a major party's nominee for governor, and started Fair Fight Action to help prevent voter suppression across the country. This fascinating book from the Who Was...? series' Who HQ NOW format, which features the stories of newsmakers and trending topics, is an inspiring introduction to a pioneering woman in politics whose story is just getting started.

Troublemakers in Trousers: Women and What They Wore to Get Things Done

It's hard to imagine it today, but for generations, wearing pants was an act of defiance! For years, women were held back from achieving their dreams, whether it was the chance to work in the field of their choice, to opportunity to lead and fight, or even the ability to present their artwork to the world. The women who defied the status quo often defied fashion norms too — breaking the rules in order to become the person they needed or wanted to be. In this exuberant book, you'll meet 21 women who refused to be defined by their gender, from Hatshepsut to Joan of Arc to Frida Kahlo. It's a collection of capsule biographies that serves as a powerful reminder that pushing the limits of society can lead to great things!

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.

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

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

It's My Whole Life: Charlotte Salomon: An Artist in Hiding During World War II

German Jewish artist Charlotte Salomon was born in Berlin, and during her childhood and young adulthood she witnessed the rise of the Nazi party and the increasing anti-Semitism of the Third Reich. By 1941, she was in hiding in the south of France — and working on a series of autobiographical paintings. Over two years, she created 769 works capturing her life and experiences; the collection, named Life? or Theater?, is often considered a painted parallel to Anne Frank’s The Diary of a Young Girl and an early graphic novel. Then, in October of 1943, just after entrusting her paintings to a friend, she was captured and deported to Auschwitz; she and her unborn child were gassed to death upon arrival. This powerful biography, complete with color photographs of Salomon's work, is a gripping and poignant look at the life of an artist, ended too soon.

Heroines, Rescuers, Rabbis, Spies: Unsung Women of the Holocaust

Author Sarah Silberstein Swartz knows there were many dedicated, courageous, and self-sacrificing women heroes during the Holocaust — so why do we know so few of their names? In this book, she profiles nine ordinary women and extraordinary heroes, from Rabbi Regina Jones, the first female rabbi — ordained just as Nazi persecution started accelerating, and killed in the Auschwitz concentration camp; Rachel Eiga Auerbach, who used her journalist skills to record the lives of Polish Jews under Nazi occupation; and sisters Regina Zlotnik Silberstein and Ruth Zlotnik Altman — the author's mother and aunt — who were active in the Warsaw resistance, Swartz tells their stories with admiration, ensuring their names will never be forgotten.

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.

Pride of a Nation: A Celebration of the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team

Celebrate nearly four decades of astounding women's soccer with this officially authorized history of the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team! In Pride of a Nation, soccer fans get a unique look at this pioneering team, from its earliest days to its greatest successes (including four World Cup titles and four Olympic gold medals.) You'll also meet some of its greatest stars over the years, including Mia Hamm, Brandi Chastain, Abby Wambach, Megan Rapinoe, Carli Lloyd, Briana Scurry, Hope Solo, Alex Morgan, Sophia Smith, Rose Lavelle, Catarina Macario, Mallory Pugh, and more. With 250 full-color photographs — including many unique behind-the-scenes shots — and an exploration of the cultural impact of the team, this is a beautiful tribute and an inspiring keepsake for a new generation of soccer players and fans.