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32 of the Best Books about Inspiring Women

32 of the Best Books about Inspiring Women

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

Best Books about Inspiring Women

Inspiring and Empowering Girls in Your School

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 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.

Related Posts

Picture Books about Inspiring Women

Ada's Ideas: The Story of Ada Lovelace, the World's First Computer Programmer by Fiona Roberton

Ada's Ideas: The Story of Ada Lovelace, the World's First Computer Programmer by Fiona Roberton

Born in 1815, Ada Lovelace was an English mathematician. She is often called the first computer programmer because of an algorithm she wrote for a computing machine. Use this biography to promote STEM, inquiry, knowledge, gender roles, computing, mathematics, and inventions.
AMAZON
Before She Was Harriet by Lesa Cline-Ransome

Before She Was Harriet by Lesa Cline-Ransom

Harriet Tubman led hundreds of slaves to freedom, but this biography describes the other names she used at different times during her life. Use this book to discuss remarkable women, slavery, civil rights and the underground railroad.
AMAZON
Counting on Katherine: How Katherine Johnson Saved Apollo 13 by Helaine Becker

Counting on Katherine by Helaine Becker

Katherine Johnson was one of the real-life heroes of the Apollo 13 moon landing because of her mathematical abilities, curiosity and determination. This biography shows Katherine's journey to becoming an important part of NASA and an inspirational woman in STEM.
AMAZON
A Dance Like Starlight: One Ballerina's Dream by Kristy Dempsey

A Dance Like Starlight: One Ballerina’s Dream by Kristy Dempsey

In Harlem, a young Janet Collins dreamed big. Through her hard work and determination, she became the first African-American prima ballerina, performing at the Metropolitan Opera Ballet in New York in 1951. Promotes determination, inspiration, perseverance and overcoming adversity.
AMAZON
Emmeline Pankhurst by Lisbeth Kaiser

Emmeline Pankhurst by Lisbeth Kaiser

As a political activist, Emmeline Pankhurst dedicated her life to the fight for women’s equality. She organised the suffragette movement in the UK and was instrumental in women gaining the right to vote. The book includes a profile of Mrs Pankhurst’s life accompanied by historical photos and a timeline. Promotes activism, the suffragette movement, women’s rights and gender roles.
AMAZON
The Girl Who Thought In Pictures by Julia Finley Mosca

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 ground breaking improvement for the farming industry. This biography promotes women in science, creative thinking and inquiry.
AMAZON
Greta and the Giants: inspired by Greta Thunberg's stand to save the world by Zoë Tucker

Greta and the Giants: inspired by Greta Thunberg's stand to save the world by Zoë Tucker

Forest animals plea with Greta to save their home. Holding a ‘STOP’ sign, she faces the greedy giants who have plundered the environment. She is joined by others who hold the giants to account, prompting a positive change to the environment. Prompts discussions on activism, climate change and women who make a difference.
AMAZON
Hedy Lamarr's Double Life by Laurie Wallmark

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 technology. This biography promotes women in STEM, problem solvers and technology.
AMAZON
Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly Pinterest

Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly

Hidden Figures tells the inspirational story of four black women who worked at NASA in the 1940s. Their intelligence and determination changed the world by putting a man on the moon. A powerful picture book to promote gender roles, tolerance, inquirers and perseverance.
AMAZON
I Could Do That! by Linda Arms White

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 role-models, independence and perseverance.
AMAZON
I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark by Debbie Levy

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

Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has spent her life standing against injustice, inequality and unfair treatment. This biography promotes standing up for what is right, women’s rights, and equality.
AMAZON
Kamala Harris: Rooted in Justice by Nikki Grimes

Kamala Harris: Rooted in Justice by Nikki Grimes

Explore the story of the first women, first Black person, and first South Asian American to become Vice President of the United States. Read how Kamala Harris’ immigrant parents instilled her with a passion for freedom and justice. Promotes gender roles, female role models, empowerment, social justice and equality.
AMAZON
The Librarian of Basra by Jeanette Winter

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 burns down.
AMAZON
Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed

Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed

As a child, Mae Jemison dreamed of travelling into space. Her curiosity, intelligence, and determination lead to her becoming the first African American woman to travel in space. Use to promote gender roles, remarkable women, perseverance, and inspiration.
AMAZON
Malala: Activist for Girls' Education by Raphaele Frier

Malala: Activist for Girls' Education by Raphaele Frier

When fifteen-year-old Malala Yousafzai stood up to the Taliban for her right, and that of all girls, 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.
AMAZON
Marvelous Mattie by Emily Arnold McCully

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 book deals with gender roles, tolerance, open-mindedness and independence.
AMAZON

Mary Wears What She Wants by Keith Negley

Mary courageously challenges the gender norms in the 1830s. One day she wears trousers and the townsfolk react with disapproval and they throw things at her and shout that she should not dress in boys’ clothes. Read to promote gender roles, confidence, tolerance and open-mindedness.
AMAZON
Maya Lin: Artist-Architect of Light and Lines by Jeanne Walker Harvey

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

The inspiring American artist-architect, Maya Lin, used her love of open spaces to design the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington DC. Maya Lin is an environmentalist who merges her work with the physical and psychological environment.
AMAZON
My Name Is Truth: The Life of Sojourner Truth by Ann Turner

My Name Is Truth: The Life of Sojourner Truth by Ann Turner

Former slave, Isabella Baumfree, became the preacher Sojourner Truth, fighting for abolitionist and women’s rights movements. Use to discuss how adversity can be used for change, black history, abolition and women’s rights.
AMAZON

Parker Looks Up: An Extraordinary Moment by Parker Curry

When Parker Curry visited the National Portrait Gallery, she looked up to see a portrait of a queen. The powerful painting of Michelle Obama captured Parker’s imagination about the possibilities of her future regardless of race, class, or gender.
AMAZON
Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré by Anika Aldamuy Denise

Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré by Anika Aldamuy Denise

Pura Belpré journeys from Puerto Rico to America in 1921. Working as a librarian she discovered there were no books representing the Puerto Rican culture. She tells stories and then turned them into books before travelling the world to spread the stories of her homeland.
AMAZON
Razia's Ray of Hope: One Girl's Dream of an Education by Elizabeth Suneby

Razia's Ray of Hope: One Girl's Dream of an Education by Elizabeth Suneby

A new school opens in a small Afghan village. Razia has to convince her father and brothers that she should attend and follow her dreams of receiving an education. This book is based on true stories from the Zabuli Education Center for Girls.
AMAZON
Red Bird Sings by Gina Capaldi

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

Gertrude Simmons, 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.
AMAZON
Rosa by Nikki Giovanni

Rosa by Nikki Giovanni

Nikki Giovanni celebrates the life of the inspirational Rosa Parks. Over 50 years ago, Rosa refused to give up her seat on a bus during segregation in Alabama. Read to discuss the inspiration and courage of one woman, black history, civil rights, and racism.
AMAZON
Sadako by Eleanor Coerr

Sadako by Eleanor Coerr

Based on a true story. Sadako suffered from leukaemia caused by radiation from the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima. She starts to make 1000 origami cranes, but she dies before completing her goal. Family and friends complete the remaining cranes for her. A statue of Sadako stands in Hiroshima, as a symbol of hope, surrounded by paper cranes.
AMAZON
Shaking Things Up by Susan Hood

Shaking Things Up by Susan Hood

A book of poetry celebrating the lives of some remarkable women, including Mary Anning, Ruby Bridges, Mae Jemison and Maya Lin.
AMAZON
Shark Lady by Jess Keating

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.
AMAZON
She Made a Monster: How Mary Shelley Created Frankenstein by Lynn Fulton

She Made a Monster: How Mary Shelley Created Frankenstein by Lynn Fultonv

Two hundred years ago, Mary Shelley created one of the most frightening monsters in literature. Her friend, Lord Byron, set Mary the challenge to write a ghost story. During a stormy night, she dreamt of a man who was actually a monster, and Frankenstein was born.
AMAZON
She Persisted by Chelsea Clinton

She Persisted by Chelsea Clinton

One of a series of books about inspiring women and girls. Celebrate thirteen American women who persevered in the face of adversity and helped shape America through their determination, courage and persistence.
AMAZON
The Tree Lady: The True Story of How One Tree-Loving Woman Changed A City Forever by H. Joseph Hopkins

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.
AMAZON
Wangari Maathai by Franck Prevot

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.
AMAZON
Yayoi Kusama Covered Everything in Dots and Wasn't Sorry by Fausto Gilberti

Yayoi Kusama Covered Everything in Dots and Wasn't Sorry by Fausto Gilberti

Yayoi Kusama dreams of becoming an artist as she grows up in Japan. She sees the world covered in dots and transfers this vision to her artwork, an infinity of dots. Use this biography to discuss artists and how their background, culture, and identity inspire their creations.
AMAZON

What Next?

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.

Further Reading

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