It’s Women’s History Month – time to celebrate the amazing achievements of women throughout history and around the globe! One good way of teaching children and teenagers about women’s history is to read biography collections about a wide range of women, from activists to performers, from scientists to daredevils.
On this list of diverse children’s anthologies about trailblazing women, there’s something for every age, even babies!
30 Diverse Children’s Anthologies About Trailblazing Women
Little Feminist Board Book Set
by Galison & Emily Kleinman
Feminism for the littlest readers! With engaging colourful illustrations and few sentences, Little Feminists introduces babies and toddlers to some amazing female role models. The set of four chunky board books includes artists, leaders, and activists, such as Frida Kahlo, Cleopatra, Harriet Tubman and Malala Yousafza. ~ Diverse – Babies & Toddlers
This Little Trailblazer: A Girl Power Primer
by Joan Holub
“Paving the way / to a future that’s bright. / Helping the world / with their skills, smarts, and might. / Little trailblazers cause great big changes.” With bright illustrations and some facts, This Little Trailblazer teaches young children about ten inspiring women who changed the world. ~ Diverse – Preschool
Shaking Things Up: 14 Young Women Who Changed the World
by Susan Hood
This stunning new release introduces 14 trailblazing girls and young women who changed history. From 6-year-old Ruby Bridges, who helped end segregation, to 21-year-old Maya Lin, who had to defend her right to create a war memorial, all of these girls and young women were persistent in the face of great challenges. With fresh poems and beautiful artwork, Shaking Things Up is sure to inspire young girls and boys alike. ~ Diverse – Preschool, Elementary School
Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race
by Margot Lee Shetterly
Math geniuses Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Christine Darden played an essential role in some of NASA’s greatest successes. Overcoming gender and racial barriers, the four black women provided the calculations for America’s first journeys into space. Hidden Figures is the first picture book adaption of this true story that will inspire children to believe in themselves and follow their dreams. ~ African – Preschool, Elementary School
More Multicultural Science Books: 50+ Multicultural STEAM Books for Children
She Persisted // She Persisted Around the World
by Chelsea Clinton
She Persisted celebrates 13 women throughout American history who persevered in the face of adversity, sometimes through speaking out, sometimes by staying seated. She Persisted Around The World highlights the tenacity of 13 women who shaped history around the globe. With engaging text and vivid illustrations, these two books will inspire young readers to stand up for what they believe in and follow their dreams. ~ Diverse – Preschool, Elementary School
Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World
by Rachel Ignotofsky
Voted Best Science Book of 2016, Women in Science highlights the contributions of fifty notable women to STEM fields. Although only ten out of the fifty featured scientists are women of colour, it is still an amazing, strikingly illustrated resource that will inspire young girls to pursue careers in science. Includes a timeline, statistics, infographics, and an illustrated scientific glossary. ~ Diverse – Elementary School
Women in Science: 100 Postcards
Women in Sports: 50 Fearless Athletes Who Played to Win
by Rachel Ignotofsky
From the author of bestselling Women in Science comes this inspiring book that highlights the achievements of fifty memorable female athletes from the 1800s to today. Women in Sports features well-known figures such as tennis player Althea Gibson and gymnast Simone Biles, as well as lesser-known champions such as Toni Stone, the first woman to play baseball in a professional men’s league. Includes infographics and a timeline. ~ Diverse – Elementary School
Amelia to Zora: Twenty-Six Women Who Changed the World
by Cynthia Chin-Lee
From Amelia Earhart, pilot and adventurer, to Zora Neal Hurston, writer and anthropologist, children learn about the struggles and triumphs of twenty-six inspiring women of diverse ethnicities. With one-page biographies, engaging mixed-media illustrations and inspirational quotes, Amelia to Zora is an inspiring introduction to the lives of some of the greatest role-models for girls of all backgrounds. ~ Diverse – Elementary School
Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World // Fantastically Great Women Who Made History
by Kate Pankhurst
With a fun layout and fascinating facts, Fantastically Great Women Who Changed The World and Fantastically Great Women Who Made History make the stories of some of the most incredible women throughout history accessible to young readers. These two vibrant books are a perfect introduction to Women’s History that will be a hit with girls and boys alike. ~ Diverse – Elementary School
Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World Activity Book
Women Who Dared: 52 Stories of Fearless Daredevils, Adventurers, and Rebels
by Linda Skeers
Rarely have female adventurers, daredevils, and rebels been mentioned in history books. Women Who Dared puts the spotlight on 52 fearless women throughout history who risked their lives for adventure, from famous ones like Bessie Coleman, the first female African American and the first female Native American to hold a pilot license, to lesser-known ones like brave Mexican-American botanist Ynes Mexia. ~ Diverse – Elementary School, Middle School
Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History
by Vashti Harrison
Bold Women in Black History introduces young readers to forty Black women who changed the world. With charming illustrations and one-page biographies, this instant bestseller tells the stories of both iconic and lesser-known women, from abolitionist Sojourner Truth to chemist Alice Ball, from mathematician Katherine Johnson to filmmaker Julie Dash. A must-have that will inspire children to be the change! ~ African – Elementary School, Middle School
More Black History Anthologies: 15 Black History Biography Collections for Children
What Would She Do?: 25 True Stories of Trailblazing Rebel Women
by Kay Woodward
This new release shares the stories of 25 incredible women, from Cleopatra to Michelle Obama, from Frida Kahlo to Malala Yousafzai. With striking illustrations and engaging text, What Would She Do? shows girls that these trailblazers overcame the same issues that they are facing today: inequality, gender stereotyping, body shaming, bullying etc. Each profile ends with a “What Would She Do?” scenario girls can relate to. ~ Diverse – Elementary School, Middle School
Anthology of Amazing Women: Trailblazers Who Dared to Be Different
by Sandra Lawrence
With fun illustrations and one-page biographies, Anthology of Amazing Women tells the fascinating stories of 50 women who excelled in science, sports, the arts, politics, and history. This inspiring collection includes familiar icons like Serena Williams and Malala Yousafzai, as well as lesser-known figures like Chien-Shiung Wu and Aud the Deep-Minded. ~ Diverse – Elementary School, Middle School
Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls, Vol.1 & 2
by Elena Favilli & Francesca Cavallo
Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls, Vol.1 & 2 are two powerful biography collections that tell the stories of 100 great women, such as Cleopatra, Malala Yousafzai and Serena Williams. Starting fairy tale like with “Once upon a time” or “Once there was a girl”, the stories are anything but your stereotypical fairy tale in which all the young girl wants is a handsome prince. On each double spread, an amazing girl or woman who made history is introduced, from scientists and painters to performers, athletes, and activists, complemented by a famous quote and an original portrait by 60 female artists from around the world. ~ Diverse – Elementary School, Middle School, High School
Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls – Gift Box Set
Rad American Women A-Z // Rad Women Worldwide
by Kate Schatz
From Angela Davis to Zora Neale Hurston, Rad American Women A-Z introduces 26 female trailblazers who shaped American History, including a discussion about what it means to be “rad” and “radical,” 26 suggestions how to be “rad,” and a resource guide. From Malala Yousafzai to Bastardilla, Rad Women Worldwide features 40 brave women from across the globe who stood up for what they believed in. With striking illustrations and engaging text, these two books will inspire girls (and boys!) to be rebels for a good cause. ~ Diverse – Middle School, High School
The Little Book of Feminist Saints
by Julia Pierpont
This stylish new book honours one hundred exceptional women throughout history and around the world, from Nina Simone to Toni Morrison, Kanno Sugako, and many more. It doesn’t feature full biographies but rather snapshots that capture the reason why the author calls these women feminist saints. With bold and expressive portraits, The Little Book of Feminist Saints is an absolutely delightful and inspiring book. ~ Diverse – High School
Wonder Women: 25 Innovators, Inventors, and Trailblazers Who Changed History
by Sam Maggs
From the bestselling author of The Fangirl’s Guide To The Galaxy comes this fun and feminist biography collection. Written in a relaxed style that appeals to teenagers, Wonder Women introduces 25 extraordinary women from the fields of science, medicine, espionage, and innovation. Includes interviews with real-life women in STEM careers, an extensive bibliography, and a guide to women-centric science and technology organizations. ~ Diverse – High School
Bad Girls Throughout History: 100 Remarkable Women Who Changed the World
by Ann Shen
The 100 women highlighted in this stunningly illustrated book were bad in the best sense of the word: they challenged the status quo and paved the way for other women. With expressive watercolour illustrations, Bad Girls Throughout History tells the fascinating stories of female pirates, artists, warriors, daredevils, scientists, activists, and spies. A delightful and inspiring read for teenagers! ~ Diverse – High School
Bad Girls Throughout History: A Journal // Bad Girls Throughout History Notes: 20 Notecards and Envelopes
By the same author: Legendary Ladies: 50 Goddesses to Empower and Inspire You (to be released April 2018)
The Book of Awesome Women: Boundary Breakers, Freedom Fighters, Sheroes and Female Firsts
by Becca Anderson
The Book of Awesome Women tells the stories and triumphs of 200 courageous women throughout history. Readers will meet some historic trailblazers, such as Sojourner Truth, Indira Ghandi, and Coretta Scott King, as well as some of today’s women warriors. A fun and easy read that young feminists will love! ~ Diverse – High School
200 Women Who Will Change The Way You See The World
by Geoff Blackwell & Ruth Hobday
200 Women Who Will Change The Way You See The World introduces a diverse range of women from around the globe. Each one answers the same questions: What really matters to you? What brings you happiness? What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery? What would you change if you could? Which single word do you most identify with? Interviewees include Alicia Garza, activist and co-founder of Black Lives Matter; Alfre Woodard, award-winning actor and activist; Dolores Huerta, labour activist and co-founder of the National Farm Workers Association; Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, author and Macarthur Foundation fellow; and many more. ~ Diverse – High School
FIRSTS: Women Who Are Changing the World
by The Editors of TIME
“They have been on journeys they could only imagine.” Firsts: Women Who Are Changing The World unique TIME collection profiles nearly 50 women who achieved “Firsts” in business, politics, science, technology, sports, entertainment and more. Each woman tells her own story and shares her perspective on life, accompanied by a distinctive photograph. ~ Diverse – High School
Still I Rise: The Persistence of Phenomenal Women
by Marlene Wagman-Geller
Taking its title from Maya Angelou’s famous poem, Still I Rise celebrates the unconquerable spirit of a diverse range of women throughout history. With engaging text, each chapter tells the story of the struggles and triumphs of one woman, from Fannie Lou Hamer to Wangari Maathai, from Bessie Coleman to Sonia Sotomayor. ~ Diverse – High School
Fight Like a Girl: 50 Feminists Who Changed the World
by Laura Barcella
Fight Like a Girl introduces readers to the history of feminist activism in the U.S. With short portraits written in a conversational style, the book highlights the stories of those who paved the way as well as those who are working hard to further the feminist cause today. ~ Diverse – High School
100 + Native American Women Who Changed the World
by Kb Schaller
100 + Native American Women Who Changed the World is a unique collection of biographies of historical and contemporary women of Indigenous heritage. From environmentalist Colleen Swan to ballet dancers Maria and Marjorie Louise Tallchief to pilot Bessie Coleman, this well-researched anthology highlights the lifes and achievements of a wide range of women. A fascinating and powerful read! ~ Diverse – High School
More Native American Children’s Books: 32 Native American Children’s Books
Because I Was a Girl: True Stories for Girls of All Ages
by Melissa de la Cruz
In their own words, 38 women of different races, backgrounds, and ages share the obstacles and challenges they faced because of their gender. Because I Was a Girl is an inspiring collection of writings from girls and women who were trailblazers in their fields, from Dolores Huerta to Gloria Molina to Anna Ponder. ~ Diverse – High School
*You can buy any of the books on this site from Amazon USA by clicking on the book titles or images.*
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More Multicultural Children’s Books About Amazing Girls & Women:
32 Multicultural Picture Books About Strong Female Role Models
26 Multicultural Picture Books about Inspiring Women & Girls
Multicultural Book of the Month: Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls
Multicultural Book of the Month: Shark Lady
Multicultural Book of the Month: Voice of Freedom
Multicultural Book of the Month: Drum Dream Girl
Multicultural Book of the Month: Maybe Something Beautiful
Author Spotlight: Faith Ringgold
Join us for our annual Women’s History Month series, celebrating the contributions and accomplishments of women around the world! Don’t miss our series from last year, 2016 and 2015, and find even more posts on our Women’s History board on Pinterest:
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March 5
Mommy Evolution
March 6
Colours of Us: 30 Diverse Children’s Anthologies About Trailblazing Women
March 7
Discovering the World Through My Son’s Eyes
March 8
Creative World of Varya
March 12
Crafty Moms Share
March 13
Let the Journey Begin
March 15
Melibelle in Tokyo
March 19
Madh Mama on Multicultural Kid Blogs
March 20
Kampuchea Crossings
March 27
A Crafty Arab
March 29
Family in Finland
March 30
Mama Tortuga
Don’t miss our Women’s History Month Activity Printables, on sale now!
3 Responses
Mia Wenjen
This list makes me so happy! I have two daughters and I wish these books were around when they were younger. Thanks so much for sharing your great review on the Diverse KidLit Blog Hop! I would have read them nonstop!
Colours of Us
Thank you, Mia!
ThemeIt
Estuve 6 meses viento sorento,santa fe, trailblazer y sw4 y termine decidiendome por la toyotorta.Es lenta, ruidosa y no me gusta como se pliega la tercer fila. Peeeero cuando piso la arena del faro querandi y les bajo unas libras a las cubiertas me doy cuenta por que la elegi y lo que digan los opinologos me hace reir. El techo es un elemento que no le interesa a los que la compramos, sino lo traeria desde hace mas de una generacion, es un todo terreno diseñado para el mal trato y se la banca sin problemas. Por eso es la nro uno y vende 500 unidades todos los meses mientras las otras no pasan de 50. No todos buscamos la pantashita mas moderna.