7 Empowering Books For Bold And Courageous Girls
Inspiring Girls To Achieve Great Things
In continuous celebration of Women’s History Month, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite children’s books that empower girls and set a new standard for equality. A collection of picture books ranging in reading levels, these works are equally darling and educational, not to mention inclusive of breathtaking illustrations.
From real-life women like Maya Angelou and Anne Frank to fictional heroines like Rosie Revere and Ada Twist, these books encourage respect, passion, kindness, and empathy. Most importantly, they remind children that every person is wonderful and capable of great things.
So, whether you’re a teacher or a parent, a relative or friend, take a look at these fantastic books for gifts, classroom additions, and bedtime tales. You may even find yourself purchasing a copy for your personal library!
Little Leaders: Bold Women In Black History
Author | Vashti Harrison
Age Range | 8+ Years
A captivating and educational read, Little Leaders: Bold Women In Black History by Vashti Harrison tells of the iconic and lesser-known female figures of American black history. A children’s book featuring forty inspiring African American women, including poet Maya Angelou, mathematician Katherine Johnson, and American activist Ruby Bridges, each biography is complemented with beautiful illustrations and empowering quotes.
Little Leaders is available in hardcover or on Audible.
Reviews | “With darling illustrations and short, easy to read biographies, the book is perfect for children and the young at heart.” – Upworthy
Price | $11
Little Leaders
Grace For President
Author | Kelly DiPucchio
Age Range | 5+ Years
Grace For President, written by Kelly DiPucchio and illustrated by LeUyen Pham, tells the story of Grace, an African American girl who has decided she will someday become the first female president of the United States. Because of her young age though, she begins her political career by campaigning for president at her primary school.
A fun, educational, and beautifully illustrated work of children’s literature, Grace For President promotes equality and women leadership, all while brilliantly teaching young readers about the complex electoral college. Available in hardcover and paperback.
Reviews | “This story is perfect for teaching students about elections and diversity. Unlike most picture books about elections, it shows the electoral college in a way that students can understand. This is a perfect book to read-aloud and teach with!” – Heather B.
Price | $7
Grace For President
Fantastically Great Women Who Changed The World
Author | Kate Pankhurst
Age Range | 5+ Years
Teach the littles in your life about history’s most notable women leaders and trailblazers using Kate Pankhurst’s fantastic children’s book, Fantastically Great Women Who Changed The World. Inspiring, educational, and interactive, every page is full of color and includes facts about the brave women who’ve changed history. We especially love the diverse lineup in this 32-page read. Featured women include the likes of Rosa Parks, Anne Frank, Frida Kahlo, and Amelia Earhart.
Available in hardcover, paperback, and as an e-book, Pankhurst also created an activity book with stickers and postcards. And, if you love this book, check out Fantastically Great Women Who Made History, also by Pankhurst and released this past February.
Reviews | “I love reading this book with my daughter! It’s great too see more books out there about amazing women. I didn’t know much about these women growing up so I am glad that I get to share their stories with my daughter.” – Tasia T.
Price | $8
Fantastically Great Women Who Changed The World
Rosie Revere, Engineer & Ada Twist, Scientist
Author | Andrea Beaty
Age Range | 5+ Years
It’s impossible to pick just one of Andrea Beaty’s talented, award-winning children’s books, so we’re featuring both Rosie Revere, Engineer and Ada Twist, Scientist, two fantastic and delightful stories about girls pursuing their passions in the field of science.
With charming and colorful illustrations by David Roberts and the option of project books (purchased separately) to accompany each story, Beaty’s creations are sure to inspire and encourage young girls to go after their dreams. Both books are available in hardcover, paperback, e-book, and on Audible.
Reviews | “I cannot possibly say enough good things about this book! I have purchased copies for every gift I can, and donated them to my grandchildren’s schools as well. Excellent, excellent story and illustrations. The grand kids are huge fans.” – Patrice B.
Price | $12
Rosie Revere, Engineer & Ada Twist, Scientist
The Name Jar
Author | Yangsook Choi
Age Range | 3+ Years
Written and illustrated by Yangsook Choi, an award-winning Korean American female author, The Name Jar tells the story of Unhei, a new girl at school who just moved from Korea to the USA. Because many of the students at her new school are unable to pronounce her name, Unhei struggles to belong. Eventually, Unhei is encouraged by new friends to share with others the meaning of her name and help them to pronounce it correctly.
The Name Jar (available in paperback or as an e-book) teaches young readers about immigration and cultural differences, and we love Choi’s book for the classroom or home reading. A beautiful, memorable tale, it reminds us all to respect and be kind to one another.
Reviews | “As a second grade teacher, I read this to my class every year because I love the story and the beautiful message it presents…This is such a great multicultural story and a great way to explore a different culture, Korean, and my students love learning some of the tidbits of information about Korea revealed through the story.” – Olivia S.
Price | $7
The Name Jar
Women In Science
Author | Rachel Ignotofsky
Age Range | 10+ Years
A New York Times Bestseller and #1 seller on Amazon, Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World by Rachel Ignotofsky is the perfect book for adolescence, specifically young girls interested in science.
Featuring fifty notable women famed for math, engineering, tech, science, and more (think Katherine Johnson, a mathematician and African American woman who calculated the trajectory of the Apollo 11 mission), this children’s book is both educational and beautifully illustrated. Paired with Ignotofsky’s I Love Science self-discovery journal, Women In Science (available in hardcover and as an e-book) belongs on every girl’s nightstand.
Also by Ignotofsky, Women In Sport: 50 Fearless Athletes Who Play To Win, is equally inspiring for the little athletes in your life.
Reviews | “The illustrations are beautiful and so many important facts have been condensed to give the reader quick info about these incredible women. It’s a great book for women and girls, but I think it’s important for men and boys to read about the accomplishments of these women and the obstacles they had to overcome because of gender bias.” – Frances J.
Price | $10
Women In Science
I Like Myself!
Author | Karen Beaumont
Age Range | 6+ Months
An entertaining and colorful board book by author Karen Beaumont and illustrator Dave Catrow, I Like Myself! teaches young kids about the importance of self-esteem and loving everything about themselves. It also encourages children to be kind to one another, and to respect differences in physical appearance and/or abilities.
With playful rhymes, fun imagery, and an important message, this one is a perfect bedtime story for kids who are just learning to read. It is available in hardcover, paperback, and as a board book.
Reviews | “This book is completely adorable. It sends such a positive message about self-confidence. I’ve been reading this to my 3 month old daughter and she loves the illustrations.” – Alissa G.
Price | $8
I Like Myself!
Kayti Christian (she/her) is a Senior Editor at The Good Trade. She has a Master’s in Nonfiction Writing from the University of London and is the creator of Feelings Not Aside, a newsletter for enneagram 4s and other sensitive-identifying people. Outside of writing, she loves hiking, reading memoir, and the Oxford comma.
