March is Women's History Month [1], which is an especially great time to educate ourselves and our kids about past and current revolutionary women. Thanks to the incredible work those women carried out, women now have more rights and girls can feel more empowered to make changes that improve gender equity. For children's books about amazing leaders such as Rosa Parks [2], Frida Kahlo, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Marsha P. Johnson, and more, read ahead. And remember, these books contain important messages for children of all genders [3]! These books can inspire everyone, proving women are strong and capable of creating great change.
Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History
Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History [5] ($16, originally $17) tells the stories of 40 Black women who have led the way and positively affected multiple generations of girls and women.
Frida: A Bilingual Counting Book
Frida: A Bilingual Counting Book [6] ($7, originally $10) teaches kids about Mexican artist Frida Kahlo while also teaching them how to count to 10 in Spanish.
Herstory: 50 Women and Girls Who Shook Up the World
For inspiring stories about women and girls who didn't let others' doubt stop them, check out Herstory: 50 Women and Girls Who Shook Up the World [7] ($18, originally $20).
She Persisted: 13 American Women Who Changed the World
Written by Chelsea Clinton [8], She Persisted: 13 American Women Who Changed the World [9] ($17, originally $18) shares stories of tenacious women and encourages girls to stand up when they're told to sit down.
Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race
Based on the New York Times bestselling book and Academy Award-winning movie, Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race [10] ($17, originally $18) dives into the story of Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Christine Darden. These four women overcame racial and gender barriers while working as mathematicians for NASA.
I Look Up to . . . Ruth Bader Ginsburg
I Look Up to . . . Ruth Bader Ginsburg [11] ($7, originally $8) shares Ruth's qualities and inspiring quotes in a kid-friendly way.
The Story of Ruby Bridges
When we talk about women's history, we have to keep other intersectional barriers in mind. The Story of Ruby Bridges [12] ($7, originally $8) educates readers about Ruby's experience going to an all-white school as a Black girl, in which she bravely faced racist people and helped pave the way for civil rights [13].
The Role of Women in the American Revolution
Since women's roles in historical movements are under-discussed, The Role of Women in the American Revolution [14] ($13, originally $14) shows how essential women were in such a monumental time.
Women Artists A to Z
When teaching kids about women's history [15], we can teach them about women in all fields. For an educational book about women artists, consider Women Artists A to Z [16] ($18, originally $20).
Black Women in Science
Girls — especially Black girls and girls of colour — need to be told they can excel in science fields because so many people and entities tell them otherwise. Black Women in Science [17] ($9, originally $10) does just that, celebrating Black women in STEM and all they've accomplished.
Goodnight Stories For Rebel Girls
As a kid, reading a book about rebels would've excited me — and as a future parent, I look forward to reading this book to my kids for the important content, as well. Goodnight Stories For Rebel Girls [18] ($16, originally $35) shares the stories of 100 historical women with illustrations from 60 female artists from all over the world. Authors Francesca Cavallo and Elena Favilli write each story like a fairytale.
Goodnight Lab: A Scientific Parody Bedtime Book for Toddlers
A parody of Goodnight Moon, Goodnight Lab: A Scientific Parody Bedtime Book for Toddlers [19] ($17, originally $18) encourages girls to become scientists if they want to, and features a girl of colour on the cover. While this book isn't exactly history-specific, it builds on the changes historical women have made in science to show STEM isn't only for white men.
A True Book: Malala Yousafzai
Perfect for kids in third through fifth grade, A True Book: Malala Yousafzai [20] ($7) shares Malala [21]'s experiences, including writing a blog about girls' education [22], standing against terrorists, and being shot for her beliefs.
ABC What Can She Be?
Similar to the Goodnight Lab book, ABC What Can She Be? [23] ($16, originally $17) isn't about a historical woman, but it shows that thanks to those women, girls of all sizes, races, and more can choose any career they want.
I Am Jazz
An activist for transgender kids, Jazz Jennings [24] knew she was a girl since she was 2 years old. In I Am Jazz [25] ($17, originally $18), Jessica Herthel and Jazz herself share Jazz's story in a clear-cut, easy-to-understand way. Including transgender women in conversations about women's history is crucial!
Kamala Harris Breaking Barriers
To educate your children about our current vice president — who's also the first woman and person of colour to be vice president — check out Kamala Harris Breaking Barriers [26] ($15). This book teaches kids how to make the world a better place with inspirational quotes from Vice President Harris [27].
History Smashers: Women's Right to Vote
Many women played a role in getting women the right to vote, and History Smashers: Women's Right to Vote [28] ($7, originally $8) explains how it happened, sharing the minor details and misunderstandings some people have.
The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin
The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin [29] ($9, originally $10) is about an autistic woman who became an amazing scientist and powerful voice despite people doubting her because of her disability [30].
Patsy Mink, Mother of Title 9
As the first woman of colour in Congress, Patsy Mink co-wrote Title IX, a law affecting education and sports. You and your child can read more about her inspiring story in Patsy Mink, Mother of Title 9 [31] ($17).
All the Way to the Top
All the Way to the Top [32] ($17, originally $18) shares the story of Jennifer Keelan-Chaffins, a disabled woman who crawled up the Capitol steps to make sure Congress passed the American Disabilities Act. As far as reading level, this book is a great option for kids who are between 4 and 8 years old.
A Is for Awesome!: 23 Iconic Women Who Changed the World
In this board book called A Is for Awesome!: 23 Iconic Women Who Changed the World [33] ($9, originally $10), young children can learn about trailblazing women and the alphabet all in one.
Shaking Things Up: 14 Young Women Who Changed the World
Kids in preschool and the first few years of elementary school will love Shaking Things Up: 14 Young Women Who Changed the World [34] ($17, originally $19). This book includes poems and artwork about Mae Jemison, Maya Lin, Nellie Bly, and more amazing women.
Sylvia and Marsha Start a Revolution!
Sylvia Rivera and Marsha P. Johnson were two transgender women of colour who started the Stonewall Riots and fought for LGBTQ+ equality. With the help of Sylvia and Marsha Start a Revolution! [35] ($17, originally $18), you can teach your children about diversity and gender.
Who Was Rosa Parks?
If you want to help your children understand Rosa Parks's experience on the bus and how it triggered civil rights protests, reading Who Was Rosa Parks? [36] ($6) is a great way to do so.
Awesome Athletes: Gabby Douglas
Gabby Douglas [37] ($29) is an Awesome Athletes book about the life story of Gabby [38], the first Black athlete to win the Olympic all-around title [39].