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Rad Women Your Girls (and Boys!) Should Read About

by Laura Lambert

Illustration: Nathan Gelgud

If you Google it, the “Year of the Woman” was back in 1992, when an unprecedented number of women took U.S. Senate seats. That was the first election I ever voted in, and it makes me pretty proud.

And that was just the beginning! Kamala Harris is the first female vice president in our nation’s history, there are four women on the U.S. Supreme Court, and women make up more than a quarter of all members in Congress—the highest percentage in U.S. history and a significant increase from 1992.

And that’s just American politics.

Sisters are seriously doin’ it for themselves — and there’s a slew of books that prove how women have been making history since the beginning of, well, history. Here are notable nonfiction titles for early and middle grade readers.

She Persisted

She Persisted

by Chelsea Clinton, illustrated by Alexandra Boiger

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Introduce your child to 13 persistent women who changed America. This bestselling picture book spotlights activists, politicians, and change-makers who stood up and spoke out for their beliefs. Other books in this series include She Persisted in Science and She Persisted in Sports.
(Ages 4 - 8)

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All Rise: The Story of Ketanji Brown Jackson

All Rise: The Story of Ketanji Brown Jackson

by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by Ashley Evans

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Whatever she did, wherever she was, Ketanji Brown Jackson rose to the top.

The first Black woman to serve on the Supreme Court, Ketanji is an inspiration and role model to children of all ages. She represents resilience, integrity, and excellence in the face of challenges and adversity, rising above her life’s many obstacles. Young readers will thoroughly this picture book biography, with its repeating “She rose” reframe and lively illustrations.
(Ages 4 - 8)

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What's the Big Deal About First Ladies

What's the Big Deal About First Ladies

by Ruby Shamir, illustrated by Matt Faulkner

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As the adage goes, “Behind every great man is a great woman.” Ruby Shamir and Matt Faulkner’s book is about the women behind the men who hold the highest office in the nation — our first ladies. Let it be known that these women are not just picking out china patterns. Even before Hillary Clinton’s groundbreaking stint as First Lady, America’s first ladies were wielding substantial influence. From Martha Washington to Jill Biden, first ladies have helped influence America in ways both large and small.
(Ages 4 - 8)

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Celia Cruz, Queen of Salsa

Celia Cruz, Queen of Salsa

by Veronica Chambers, illustrated by Julie Maren

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Get to know Celia Cruz, a renowned Cuban-American singer and performer known for her vibrant voice and infectious energy. From humble beginnings in Havana, Cuba, to becoming a global icon and symbol of Latin music, this vibrant children’s book is a testament to her hard work and talent.
(Ages 5 - 8)

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I am Malala Yousafzai

I am Malala Yousafzai

by Brad Meltzer, illustrated by Christopher Eliopoulos

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A Pakistani activist and Nobel Laureate, Malala Yousafzai defied the Taliban and fought for girls' education, becoming a global advocate for human rights and an inspiration to millions worldwide. Brad Meltzer’s Ordinary People Change the World series offers kids a fun, informative look at important historical figures; this one on Malala is no exception.
(Ages 5 - 9)

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She Persisted: Wilma Mankiller

She Persisted: Wilma Mankiller

by Traci Sorell and Chelsea Clinton, illustrated by Alexandra Boiger and Gillian Flint

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If your child loves the She Persisted picture books and wants to learn more, they’ll enjoy the chapter books. Easy-to-read text, illustrations, and fun facts make these books perfect for newly independent readers to learn about women like Wilma Mankiller. She became the first woman Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation through her tenacity and hard work.
(Ages 6 - 9)

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Mae Makes a Way

Mae Makes a Way

by Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich, illustrated by Andrea Pippins

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Fashionistas will enjoy this biography about Mae Reeves, a hat designer who became the first Black woman to own a business on South Street in Philadelphia. Even though she faced many obstacles, her eye for fashion and desire to help women look their best made her a successful entrepreneur.
(Ages 7 - 10)

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To the Front!

To the Front!

by Claudia Friddell, illustrated by Christopher Cyr

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Meet “The Angel of the Battlefield” in this story about Clara Barton. During the American Civil War, Clara and her team worked at the front, nursing the wounded, cooking, and providing medical supplies. Her passion for humanitarian work eventually led her to open the American Red Cross.
(Ages 7 - 10)

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Who Was Ruth Bader Ginsburg?

Who Was Ruth Bader Ginsburg?

by Patricia Brennan Demuth and Who HQ, illustrated by Jake Murray

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Oh, how I love the Notorious R.B.G.! I will admit, though, that in some ways she was in the shadow of Sandra Day O’Connor, the first woman elected to the Supreme Court. Today, Justice Ginsburg has evolved into her own cultural icon, warmly embraced by millennials. Her lifelong fight for women's rights paved the way for significant advancements in gender equality, making her a revered figure and inspiration for many.
(Ages 8 - 12)

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Troublemakers in Trousers

Troublemakers in Trousers

by Sarah Albee, illustrated by Kaja Kajfez

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Throughout history, some women found it easier to get things done if they dressed in men’s clothing. Young readers will learn about 21 women who crossed fashion boundaries or impersonated men to reach their goals. Kids will learn about these fascinating ladies, from ancient royals to artists and athletes.
(Ages 8 - 12)

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Who Is Michelle Obama?

Who Is Michelle Obama?

by Megan Stine and Who HQ, illustrated by John O'Brien

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Before she became the first African-American First Lady of the United States, Michelle was a smart and successful lawyer, having graduated from both Harvard and Princeton. As an activist and self-proclaimed "Mom in Chief", she championed causes for health, education, poverty awareness, and more. She still serves as a positive role model for young girls who are learning about education, self-respect and family.
(Ages 8 - 12)

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Who Was the Girl Warrior of France?: Joan of Arc

Who Was the Girl Warrior of France?: Joan of Arc

by Sarah Winifred Searle and Who HQ, illustrated by Maria Capelle Frantz

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Kids who prefer reading graphic novels will love this full-color biography about Joan of Arc. Readers will learn about the teenager and how she became a fierce warrior and one of the most recognized names in French history.
(Ages 8 - 12)

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100 Women Who Made History

100 Women Who Made History

by DK

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In 100 Women Who Made History kids learn how vital women have been to the world's evolution, milestones, and progress. Be it through art, science, leadership, or entrepreneurship, this book highlights great women who made a mark on history. Funky “bobble-head” illustrations and photos are mixed with fun facts to profile well-known women like Rosa Parks and Catherine the Great, and lesser-known ladies like Wu Zetian, the only female to ever rule China, and Sarah Breedlove, America’s first female self-made millionaire.
(Ages 8 - 12)

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Who Sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott?: Rosa Parks

Who Sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott?: Rosa Parks

by Insha Fitzpatrick and Who HQ, illustrated by Abelle Hayford, colors by Hanna Schroy

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The legendary story of Rosa Parks comes to life in this full-color graphic novel biography. Kids will learn about her famous bus ride and advocacy work during the civil rights movement. Her courage is still a source of inspiration for countless people today.
(Ages 8 - 12)

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Rad Women Worldwide

Rad Women Worldwide

by Kate Schatz, illustrated by Miriam Klein Stahl

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Rad Women Worldwide tells 40 biographies of amazing women spanning centuries, continents, and sensibilities. There are contemporary Colombian graffiti artists, ancient poets, mountain climbers, Nazi resisters, polar explorers, punk musicians, female kings, female pirates and, of course, Malala Yousafzi, the youngest Nobel Peace Prize winner.

It’s an apt, globally-minded follow-up to Schatz and Stahl’s New York Times bestseller, Rad American Women A-Z, where A stands for activist Angela Davis, B stands for tennis player Billie Jean King, and C stands for comedian Carol Burnett.
(Ages 10 - 17)

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Women in Science

Women in Science

by Rachel Ignotofsky

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Girls in STEM is a hot topic these days, but it definitely isn't brand new. Women in Science features familiar pioneering women like Madame Curie but also lesser-known astronomers, paleontologists, mathematicians, philosophers, and more! The illustrations, also by Ignotofsky, are so whimsical they are bound to inspire the next generation of professional artists.
(Ages 10 - 17)

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Agent Most Wanted

Agent Most Wanted

by Sonia Purnell

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World War II, Nazi-occupied France, and a spy with a prosthetic leg make this an engaging read for tweens and teens. Virginia Hall went behind enemy lines to gather support for the Allies during the war. This book will captivate kids who love learning about history and espionage.
(Ages 10 and up)

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Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2016 and updated in 2024.