We may be halfway through Women's History month, but there is always more to learn! Here is a selection of NEW children's books about well-known (and less well-known) women whose discoveries, art, bold ideas, and strength of character have changed the world forever. And they're all available at YPL now!
Happy reading!
1) Mary Oliver: The Art and Life of a Bestselling American Poet by Mari Bolte
The Queens of STEAM series explores the life and work of women who've made a big impact in a specific area of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math). In this edition, newly independent readers meet Mary Oliver, one of America's most influential and bestselling poets.
2) Virgina Wouldn’t Slow Down!: The Unstoppable Dr. Apgar and Her Life-saving Invention by Carrie A. Pearson
The Apgar Score is known the world over: a test given to babies to determine their health moments after they are born. Less well-known is the story of the brilliant, pioneering woman who invented it.
3) Valentines for All: Esther Howland Captures America's Heart by Nancy Churnin
When Esther Howland first saw the fancy valentine her father brought home from England, most Americans thought Valentine's Day was a waste of time. But through the card, Esther felt how much her father loved her. Could she help others express themselves in the same way?
4) Guts for Glory: The Story of Civil War Soldier Rosetta Wakeman by JoAnna Lapati
Through intricately detailed scratchboard art and excerpts from Rosetta's letters, this fascinating biography introduces young readers to an unconventional woman who was determined to claim her own place in history. Memorable and inspiring, Guts for Glory is a stirring portrait of the Civil War and the courage of those who fought on its front lines.
5) One of a Kind: The Life of Sydney Taylor by Richard Michelson
For fans of All-of-a-Kind Family, here is the true story of how Sarah Brenner, a poor girl from New York City's Lower East Side, became Sydney Taylor- dancer, actress, and successful children's book author.
6) Shining Star: Vera Rubin Discovers Dark Matter by Suzanna Slade
Pioneering astronomer Vera Rubin discovers dark matter--the mysterious substance that makes up most of the universe--while confronting sexism, and paves the way for future women scientists in this engaging STEM/STEAM picture book biography.
7) Extraordinary Magic: The Storytelling Life of Virginia Hamilton by Nina Crews
This lyrical picture book biography tells the story of one of America's most celebrated children's book authors, Virginia Hamilton, the first African American to win the Newbery Medal.
8) Remembering Rosalind Franklin: Rosalind Franklin and the Discovery of the Double Helix Structure of DNA by Tanya Lee Stone
Rosalind Franklin was a Jewish scientist with a remarkable talent as a chemist. Although there were few women working in this field in the 1950s, Franklin, using crystallography, captured an image that held the secret to unlocking the structure of DNA: the double helix. Her Photo 51 was used by her male colleagues without her knowledge, and they went on to win the Nobel Prize, while Franklin never found out how instrumental her work was to the discovery of the double helix. This incredible story uncovers the life and work of an extraordinary scientist, rightfully celebrating her landmark contributions to history.
9) Pedal, Balance, Steer: Annie Londonderry, the First Woman to Cycle Around the World by Vivian Kirkfield
Annie Londonderry proves women can do anything they set their minds to-even cycle around the world-in this nonfiction picture book for cycling enthusiasts, budding travelers, and anyone who dreams of reaching a difficult goal.
10) I Am Ruth Bader Ginsburg by Brad Meltzer
Before Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was the judge, she was a young Jewish girl growing up in Brooklyn, inspired by books, past female trailblazers, and her mother to make the world a better, more just place to be. So even when people turned her away--for being a girl and for being Jewish--she never stopped fighting for equal treatment for everyone by pushing back against unjust laws and the beliefs around them.
11) 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. Here is Ida's story with a specific spotlight on her fearless role in the Women's March of 1913.
12) The Fabulous Fannie Farmer: Kitchen Scientist and America’s Cook by Emma Bland Smith
Fannie Farmer, America's most famous cooking teacher, discovers that precise measurements are a recipe for cooking success in this STEAM picture book that includes two of her classic recipes.
13) Traveling Shoes: The Story of Willye White, US Olympian and Long Jump Champion by Alice Faye Duncan
Untold until now, here is the story of Black sprinter and long-jumper Willye B. White, who went from picking cotton as a child in Mississippi to competing and winning in the 1956 and 1964 Olympics.
14) Jane Goodall by Lori Haskins Houran
This Little Golden Book about Dr. Jane Goodall–the world’s leading expert on chimpanzees and founder of the Jane Goodall Institute, which protects chimpanzees and their habitats–is an inspiring read-aloud for young animal lovers.
15) She’ll Be the Sky: Poems by Women and Girls compiled by Ella Risbridger
From well-loved poets -- including Maya Angelou, Wendy Cope, Lucille Clifton, and Christina Rossetti -- to newer voices -- such as Amanda Gorman, Yrsa-Daley Ward, and Amineh Abou Kerech -- this outstanding collection from talented anthologist Ella Risbridger has poems for every mood and every moment.
16) Determined Dreamer: The Story of Marie Curie by Deborah Hopkinson
Before Marie Curie was the first woman in France to earn the highest degree in physics--before she discovered two new radioactive elements, and became the first woman to win a Nobel Prize (and then the first person to win two!)--she was a little girl named Marie Sklodowska who dreamed of being a scientist--and was determined to make that dream come true.
17) Comet Chaser: the True Cinderella Story of the First Woman Astronomer by Pamela S. Turner
The real-life Cinderella story of the very first professional woman astronomer–Caroline Herschel! She was the first woman to discover a comet, the first officially recognized in a scientific role, and the first to be given a Gold Medal by the Royal Astronomical Society in England.
Laura Cacace is a children's librarian at the Will branch of YPL. She is currently reading The Love of My Life by Rosie Walsh for the Rather Be Reading book club, which meets in person at the Will library on the last Wednesday of every month.