Children’s books for
Counting the Stars Before John Glenn orbited the Earth or astronauts walked on the moon, a group of dedicated female mathematicians known as “human computers” used their knowledge, pencils, adding machines and writing paper to calculate the orbital mechanics needed to launch spacecraft. Katherine Johnson was one of these women. “Counting the Stars: The Story of Katherine Johnson, NASA Mathematician,” follows her from a 6-year-old schoolgirl in the segregated South all the way to NASA. This inspiring picture book biography with dreamy illustrations is geared to ages 4-8. (By Lesa Cline-Ransom; Illustrated by Raul Colon)
Women’s History Month What better way to mark Women’s History Month than with a fun, informative history lesson — all while snuggled up on the couch. Here are some of our favorite books inspired by trailblazing ladies.
Work It, Girl series Ordinary People Who Changed the World Each picture book biography in the Ordinary People Who Changed the World series tells the story of a significant historical figure in a simple, conversational, playful way. The Strong Girls Gift Set features four heroic women–Amelia Earhart, Harriet Tubman, Jane Goodall, and Sacagawea. Other female icons in the series include Marie Curie, Sonya Sotomayer, Billie Jean King, and Rosa Parks. For ages 5-8. (By Brad Meltzer; Illustrated by Christopher Eliopoulos) 14 MARCH2020
Work It, Girl is a series of biographies featuring modern women in the world of work, from designers and musicians to CEOs and scientists. Each book tells the heroine’s story in ten chapters that highlight transformative moments in her life. At the end, ten key lessons show what we can learn from these moments, and self-reflection questions help the reader apply these lessons to their own life. Oprah, Beyonce, Ellen Degeneres, J.K. Rowling, Michelle Obama, and Mae Jemison are among the women featured. The biographies, which feature bright illustrations, 3D paper artwork and inspiring quotes, are geared to ages 8-12. (By Carline Moss; Illustrated by Sinem Erkas)
Shaking Things Up In this book of poems, you will find Mary Anning, who was just 13 when she unearthed a prehistoric fossil. You’ll meet Ruby Bridges, the brave 6-year-old who helped end segregation in the South. And Maya Lin, who at 21 won a competition to create a war memorial, and then had to appear before Congress to defend her right to create. “Shaking Things Up: 14 Young Women Who Changed the World” is a poetic and visual celebration of persistent women throughout history. (By Susan Hood, and featuring 13 female illustrators)
Malala’s Magic Pencil There are a slew of children’s books about Malala Yousafzai, a Pakistani girl whose work as an education activist made her the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, but this book is by Malala herself. It focuses on her childhood, and handles sensitive subjects like violence in a gentle way, saying only that “dangerous men tried to silence me, but they failed.” This beautifully illustrated book tells Malala’s story for a younger audience, providing a child-friendly introduction to this contemporary Muslim female role model and her work. For ages 4-8. (By Malala Yousafzai, Illustrated by Kerascoet)
