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11 February 202026 April 2020 Kirsten

18 of the Best Books about Inspiring Women

18 of the Best Books about Inspiring Women

Read these books about inspiring women to empower girls and boys to reach for their goals no matter the obstacles. These women in these books promote gender roles, resilience, perseverance, inquirers and courage.

Books about Inspiring Women

This collection of books are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to learning about remarkable women.

Reading these books about strong women will empower girls and boys to be the best they can be and reach for their goals no matter the obstacles. Teach all your students to be courageous, determined, knowledgable and independent with these remarkable women as an example.

If you are sharing books about inspiring women for International Women’s Day visit Classroom Resources for International Women’s Day for supplementary resources.

18 of the Best Books about Inspiring Women

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Counting on Katherine by Helaine Becker

Katherine Johnson was one of the real-life heroes of the Apollo 13 moon landing becasue of her mathematical abilities, curiosity and determination. This biography shows Katherine's journey to becoming such an important part of NASA and an inspirational woman in STEM subjects.

Emmeline Pankhurst by Lisbeth Kaiser

This is just one of a series of books about inspiring women. Emmeline Pankhurst was dedicated to the fight for women's equality and she changed the world. The book includes a profile of Mrs Pankhurst's life accompanied by historical photos and a timeline. This book promotes activism, the suffragette movement, women's rights and gender roles.

The Girl Who Thought In Pictures by Julia Finley Mosca

No one expected Temple Grandin to be able to talk after being diagnosed with autism. But her ability as a visual thinker helped her connect with animals and invent groundbreaking improvement for the farming industry. This biography promotes women in science, thinkers and inquirers.

Hedy Lamarr's Double Life by Laurie Wallmark

Actress Hedy Lamarr was a brilliant inventor behind the movie screen. Her groundbreaking communications system is behind today's Wi-Fi, GPS, and Bluetooth, an integral part of today's technology. This biography promotes women in STEM, problem solvers and technology.

Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly

Hidden Figures tells the inspirational story of four black women who worked at NASA and how their intelligence and determination changed the world. Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Christine Darden who worked as computers at NASA in the 1940s. They helped NASA in science, aeronautics, and space exploration. Their hard work and determination helped put a man on the moon. This powerful picture book will empower girls and promote tolerance, inquirers and perseverance.

I Could Do That!: Esther Morris Gets Women the Vote by Linda Arms White

Linda Arms White depicts Esther Morris as a strong and dynamic woman who, angry that only men can vote in her state of Wyoming, was instrumental in getting the vote for women. Use to promote a growth mindset, female lead characters, independence & perseverance.

I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark by Debbie Levy

Supreme Court justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has her life standing against injustice, inequality and unfair treatment. This biography promotes standing up for what is right.

The Librarian of Basra by Jeanette Winter

When war comes to Iraq librarian Alia Muhammad Baker worries about her library and its books. With the help of the community, she starts to move the books to her own home. Through Alia's courage and perseverance, much of the library collection is saved before the library is burned down.

Malala: Activist for Girls' Education by Raphaele Frier

When fifteen-year-old Malala Yousafzai stood up to the Taliban for her right, and , to an education they tried to kill her. Her injuries didn't stop her activism and she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her inspiring work.

Marvelous Mattie by Emily Arnold McCully

Learn about the work of Margaret E. Knight and her fight against restrictive gender roles in a time when women were not accepted as scientists. This memorable picture book empower girls and deals with gender roles, tolerance, open-mindedness and independence.

Maya Lin: Artist-Architect of Light and Lines by Jeanne Walker Harvey

The inspiring American artist-architect, Maya Lin, uses her love of open spaces to design the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington DC.

Red Bird Sings: The Story of Zitkala-Ša, Native American Author, Musician, and Activist by Gina Capaldi

Gertrude Simmons is known as Zitkala-Ša (Red Bird) is born on a Sioux reservation in 1876. At boarding school in Indiana, she develops a talent for music. She becomes a music teacher, composer, and performer, but also works as an activist for Native American rights.

Shaking Things Up by Susan Hood

This book of poetry empower girls and celebrates the lives of some remarkable women, including Mary Anning, Ruby Bridges and Ruby Bridges.

Shark Lady by Jess Keating

Eugenie Clark, the Shark Lady, came across prejudice from people who thought women shouldn't be scientists and who believed sharks were scary. She devoted her life to learning about sharks and sharing her discoveries about these beautiful animals. This biography promotes women in science, persistence, knowledge and STEM.

She Persisted by Chelsea Clinton

Celebrate thirteen American women who persevered in the face of adversity and helped shape America through their determination, courage and persistance.

The Tree Lady: The True Story of How One Tree-Loving Woman Changed A City Forever by H. Joseph Hopkins

Over 100 years ago, Katherine Olivia Sessions started a movement to transform the desert town of San Diego into a garden-filled oasis. Today, her parks and garden can still be found all over this green city. This biography reflects on the ideas of following your dreams and staying strong in the face of adversity.

Wangari Maathai by Franck Prevot

Wangari Maathai, started a movement in Africa to prevent deforestation. She encouraged African women to plant trees leading to thriving farms and communities. She then gave seedling to men, school children and even soldiers.

Yayoi Kusama: From Here to Infinity by Sarah Suzuki

Yayoi Kusama dreamed of becoming an artist when growing up in Japan. She saw the world covered in dots and transferred this to her artwork. Yayoi said, ‘Our earth is only one polka dot among a million stars in the cosmos. Polka dots are a way to infinity."

In Conclusion...

Remember to check out the post Classroom Resources for International Women’s Day for more resources.

I hope you find these books about inspiring women as fascinating as I did! Do you have any favourite picture books to promote remarkable women? Let me know in the comments below. It would be great to have a selection of recommended books to choose from when I update this post.

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More Books to Explore

The Children’s Library Lady has over 150 picture books on a large variety of topics. You will find book, author and illustrator information, as well as resources. You can also browse themed books lists and explore all the books on the website.

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