21 Multicultural Children's & YA Books for Women's History Month

March is Women’s History Month!

The 2024 theme is “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion”, recognizing women who understand the need to eliminate bias and discrimination from individuals’ lives and institutions.

We’ve put together this list of new multicultural children’s & YA books for Women’s History Month that emphasize the contributions and achievements of women and girls from diverse backgrounds. Enjoy browsing!

Preschool

Coretta: The Autobiography of Mrs. Coretta Scott King
by Coretta Scott King

Coretta is the autobiography of Coretta Scott King––wife of Martin Luther King, Jr.; founder of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change (the King Center); and extraordinary civil and human rights activist. Learn about how a girl born in the segregated deep south became a global leader and an unforgettable champion of social change. Celebrate the life of theCoretta Scott King with this picture book adaptation of her critically acclaimed adult memoir. ~ African – Preschool

The Girl Who Figured It Out
by Minda Dentler

Minda Dentler made history when she became the first female wheelchair athlete to complete the world’s toughest triathlon, using only her arms to finish a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride, and 26.2 mile marathon. But the journey there wasn’t easy. Minda was paralyzed as an infant in India after contracting polio, and was left in the care of an orphanage. After she was adopted by an American family and moved to Washington, she underwent surgeries to enable her to walk with leg braces and crutches. As she grew, she faced many challenges, but remained undeterred by her disability. Her decision to begin training and competing in triathlons was no different. Despite the obstacles and failures she experienced along the way, Minda’s persistence and determination helped her to make sports history. The Girl Who Figured It Out is an uplifting true story that will inspire young readers to rethink what’s possible. ~ Asian – Preschool

Extraordinary Magic: The Storytelling Life of Virginia Hamilton
by Nina Crews

“Virginia was free. / To be a dreamer. / To be a wanderer. / To be her own unique self. / Free to be. Virginia Hamilton was only nine years old when she decided she would become a writer. Growing up in the countryside of Ohio, she listened to her family’s stories and knew that words held extraordinary magic. From her childhood years discovering her love for storytelling, to her early adult life honing her craft in the city, Virginia found her voice in her writing as she began a career defined by her roots. Through interconnected poems, Extraordinary Magic is a moving biography about one of America’s most celebrated children’s book authors, Virginia Hamilton, the first African American to win the Newbery Medal. ~ African – Elementary School

Maya Angelou: A Kid’s Book About Inspiring with a Rainbow of Words
by Mary Ninh

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Throughout her life Maya Angelou was faced with challenges that seemed insurmountable. But with grit and hard work, she was able to overcome them. Part of the Mini Movers and Shakers series, Maya Angelou is a beautifully illustrated book that inspires children to dream big and work hard. ~ African – Elementary School

Elementary School

Dear Ruby, Hear Our Hearts
by Ruby Bridges

“I’ve heard their hearts and now share those hearts with you. These pages truly speak to the power of children!” Ruby Bridges was the first Black child to attend an all-white elementary school in New Orleans. She established the Ruby Bridges Foundation to promote tolerance and create change through education. She traveled across the US, listening to the inspiring voices of young children. Dear Ruby, Hear Our Hearts is a compilation of letters from concerned young students about today’s issues, including bullying, climate change, gun violence, and racism. Reading Ruby’s intuitive and inspirational responses, young readers will embrace the courage to be brave, bold, and confident. ~ African – Elementary School

Journey to the Stars: Kalpana Chawla, Astronaut
by L. Wallmark & R. Mirchandani

Kalpana Chawla set her sights on flight from an early age. She was told “no” many times in life: No, girls don’t study aerospace. No, women don’t become astronauts. No, you won’t succeed in the United States. But Kalpana didn’t listen–she was too busy forging her own path to the stars. And after a long journey of dedication, perseverance, and patience, she finally made it to space. Based on the true story of the first female Indian American astronaut, Journey to the Stars is a powerful reminder for girls all over the world to never, ever give up on their dreams. Backmatter includes an author’s note and a timeline of Kalpana’s life and awards. ~ Asian – Elementary School

Miles of Style: Eunice W. Johnson and the Ebony Fashion Fair
by Lisa D. Braithwaite

Multicultural Children's & YA Books for Women's History Month

Eunice W. Johnson believed in the power of fashion and beauty to inspire people. After she and her husband, John H. Johnson, founded EBONY magazine, it quickly became the premiere lifestyle publication for mid-century Black readers. Among the many hats she wore, Eunice delighted in writing a fashion column describing the latest styles. In 1958, Eunice launched a project that would change fashion forever–the EBONY Fashion Fair. In towns and cities across the United States, Black models walked the runway in the freshest trends that season and Black attendees got to see people who looked like them in bright colors and haute couture. Decades later, Eunice’s name remains a watchword for glamour and elegance in the Black community. Miles of Style celebrates a visionary who used her influence to showcase the strength and beauty of the Black community. ~ African – Elementary School

She Can STEM: 50 Trailblazing Women in Science
by Liz Lee Heinecke

Women have been involved in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) for thousands of years. While many have faced obstacles because of their gender, things are changing for the better, and today there are more women than ever working in these disciplines. By examining the moments that inspired successful women to pursue STEM fields, delving into their adventures and struggles, and exploring their interests outside of science and engineering, She Can STEM gives kids a rare glimpse into the fascinating personalities behind the lab coats. ~ Diverse – Elementary School

Ida B. Wells Marches for the Vote
by Dinah Johnson

Ida B. Wells grew up during a time when women did not have the right to vote. But Ida aspired for equality; she had learned from her parents to forge a life through hope and bravery, so she worked tirelessly to fight for an America that was fair to everyone regardless of race and gender. Her courageous activism made her one of the most influential civil rights leaders in American history. Ida B. Wells Marches For the Vote is a stunning picture book biography about the early life of Ida B. Wells, her incredible work as a suffragist, and her critical role in the Women’s March of 1913. ~ African – Elementary School

Best Believe: The Tres Hermanas, a Sisterhood for the Common Good
by NoNieqa Ramos

Meet the Tres Hermanas: Evelina Antonetty, Lillian López, and Elba Cabrera. They moved from Puerto Rico to New York City as children and grew up to become leaders in their Bronx community. Evelina, an activist for social causes, founded United Bronx Parents. Lillian became a librarian and administrator who fought for Spanish and bilingual books and Spanish-speaking library staff. Elba worked closely with Evelina and became an ambassador and advocate for the arts. With rhythmic verse and vibrant illustrations, Best Believe provides a stirring look at three dynamic changemakers. ~Hispanic – Elementary School

The Story of Sojourner Truth: A Biography Book for New Readers
by Anita Crawford Clark

Sojourner Truth, born Isabella Baumfree, was one of the most important leaders in the anti-slavery movement. Before she fought for freedom and changed American history, she was a young enslaved girl who wanted a better life for herself and for all Black people. She overcame many incredible challenges as she bravely stood up for equality and justice. The Story of Sojourner Truth is an inspiring chapter book about one of America’s greatest champions for human rights. ~ African – Elementary School

Not Yet: The Story of an Unstoppable Skater
by Hadley Davis & Zahra Lari

After watching an ice-skating movie, young Zahra sets her mind to learn how to ice skate even though her family and friends doubt her abilities. After all, she’s too old to learn, the rink is too cold, and figure skaters don’t look like her… not yet at least! Young readers follow Zahra’s story as she glides across the floors of her house in her socks all the way to the ice rink… and as she repeatedly says ”not yet” to naysayers — including herself — who try to convince her to stop pursuing her dream. Not Yet is a universal story about courage and determination that is loosely based on the life of five-time Emirati National Champion, Zahra Lari, who was the first figure skater to compete internationally in a hijab. ~ Asian – Elementary School

Go Forth and Tell: The Life of Augusta Baker, Librarian and Master Storyteller
by Breanna J. McDaniel

Before Augusta Braxton Baker became a storyteller, she was an excellent story listener. Her grandmother brought stories like Br’er Rabbit and Arthur and Excalibur to life. When she grew up, Mrs. Baker began telling her own fantastical stories to children at the 135th Street branch of the New York Public Library in Harlem. But she noticed that there were hardly any books at the library featuring Black people in respectful, uplifting ways. Thus began her journey of championing books, writers, librarians, and teachers centering Black stories, educating and inspiring future acclaimed authors like Audre Lorde and James Baldwin along the way. Go Forth and Tell is an inspiring picture book biography about beloved librarian and storyteller Augusta Braxton Baker, the first Black coordinator of children’s services at all branches of the New York Public Library. ~ African – Elementary School

Relaxed: 28 Multicultural Children’s Books Celebrating Books & Reading

Beyond the Game: Maya Moore
by Andrew Maraniss

This is the story of WNBA star Maya Moore and her social justice work. Before she became one of the most famous basketball players on the planet, before she began speaking out for prison reform, Maya Moore was just a kid. Beyond The Game is an engaging chapter book biography about the life and work of Maya Moore—from growing up with a single mother in Jefferson City, Missouri, to her journey to becoming a star player at UCONN and the WNBA, to her social justice fighting for prison reform and speaking up for Black Lives Matter. ~ African – Elementary School

Middle School

Who Was Her Own Work of Art?: Frida Kahlo
by Terry Blas & Who HQ

Explore Mexican painter Frida Kahlo’s rise to stardom as she travels from Mexico to New York City for her first-ever solo exhibition and sets the art world aflame. A story of independence, determination, and finding beauty within one’s scars, Who Was Her Own Work Of Art? Frida Kahlo is a powerful graphic novel that invites readers to immerse themselves into the incredible life of one of the greatest artists of all time—brought to life by gripping narrative and vivid full-colour illustrations that jump off the page. ~ Hispanic – Middle School

Rebel Girls Celebrate Neurodiversity: 25 Tales of Creative Thinkers
by Rebel Girls

Walk the runway with Madeline Stuart, the first professional model with Down syndrome. Steal the scene with Salma Hayek, the award-winning actor with dyslexia. Learn how journalist and TV host Lisa Ling thrives with ADD, and how Temple Grandin’s autism has opened up new and compassionate ways of interacting with animals. Created by female and nonbinary artists from all around the world, Rebel Girls Celebrate Diversity pairs inspiring, easy-to-read text with colourful full-page portraits of 25 inspiring neurodivergent artists, athletes, innovators, and more. Includes scannable codes for listening to longer stories on the Rebel Girls app. ~ Diverse – Middle School

Mamie Phipps Clark, Champion for Children
by Lynnette Mawhinney

Born during a time when United States laws intentionally disadvantaged Black people and permitted racial segregation, Mamie developed an unstoppable desire to champion for Black children. Mamie became the first black woman to graduate from Columbia University with a doctorate degree in psychology. She expanded her earlier master’s research into the famous black-doll/white-doll experiments that exposed the negative effects of racial segregation in children. Along with her research partner and husband, Kenneth Clark, Mamie became an expert witness in several school desegregation cases, including Brown vs. Board of Education in 1954, which effectively ended racial segregation in school. Mamie dedicated her life to advocate for children who deserved more than what society offered them and she built the Northside Center in Harlem, NY to support children with special needs, academic programs, and mental health services. Mamie Phipps Clark, Champion For Children is an inspiring graphic novel that encourages readers to carry on Mamie’s legacy and become champions for themselves and others in their community. ~ African – Middle School

High School

Bless the Blood: A Cancer Memoir
by Walela Nehanda

When Walela is diagnosed at twenty-three with advanced stage blood cancer, they’re suddenly thrust into the unsympathetic world of tubes and pills, doctors who don’t use their correct pronouns, and hordes of “well-meaning” but patronizing people offering unsolicited advice as they navigate rocky personal relationships and share their story online. But this experience also deepens their relationship to their ancestors, providing added support from another realm. Walela’s diagnosis becomes a catalyst for their self-realization. As they fill out forms in the insurance office in downtown Los Angeles or travel to therapy in wealthier neighbourhoods, they begin to understand that cancer is where all forms of their oppression intersect: Disabled. Fat. Black. Queer. Nonbinary. Bless the Blood: A Cancer Memoir is a searing debut YA poetry and essay collection about a Black cancer patient who faces medical racism after being diagnosed with leukemia. ~ African – High School

Ruth Asawa: An Artist Takes Shape
by Sam Nakahira

Renowned for her innovative wire sculptures, Japanese American artist Ruth Asawa (1926–2013) was a teenager in Southern California when Japan bombed Pearl Harbor and the U.S. entered World War II. Japanese Americans on the West Coast were forced into camps. Asawa’s family had to abandon their farm, her father was incarcerated, and she and the rest of her family were sent to a detention center in California, and later to a concentration camp in Arkansas. Asawa nurtured her dreams of becoming an artist while imprisoned and eventually made her way to the experimental Black Mountain College in North Carolina. Ruth Asawa: An Artist Takes Shape is a tender graphic biography that chronicles the genesis of Asawa as an artist—from the horror of Pearl Harbor to her transformative education at Black Mountain College to building her life in San Francisco, where she would further develop and refine her groundbreaking sculptures. ~ Asian – High School

Dear Younger Me: What 35 Trailblazing Women Wish They’d Known as Girls
by Elisa Boxer

If you could go back and share words of wisdom with your younger self, what would you want to say? Thirty-five barrier-breaking women answer that question in the empowering new young adult anthology Dear Younger Me: What 35 Trailblazing Women Wish They’d Known as Girls. Emmy Award-winning journalist Elisa Boxer delivers in-depth profiles of these inspirational women, detailing their struggles and achievements and featuring a personal message from each woman written just for this book. The diverse group of women includes activists, entrepreneurs, a Holocaust survivor, WWII code breaker, author, educator, musician, athlete, politicians, scientists, and more. ~ Diverse – High School (YA)