My very first year teaching I was given a section of a Women’s History course for high schoolers and it’s still one of my all time favorite classes I have taught! There’s something about learning about the resilience and triumphs of women that never fails to inspire me. The fact that women have only been allowed to vote in the US for a little over 100 years amazes me and highlights why it’s so important that we spend a little time each year learning and reflecting on the history of women.

For this post I’m focusing strictly on picture books that are perfect for read alouds. If you want more options for older kids I have a HUGE list on my Amazon Storefront you can check out.  Also, if you missed my Black History Month book post you can check that out here.

Telling the stories of the women who came before us and paved the way is something I’m passionate about. Even if you have boys like I do I think it’s SO important to make sure that strong female role models are reflected in your literature selections. You can click on the titles or the pictures to see them each on Amazon.

Players In Pigtails

If you have little ones who love baseball or softball this is a must-read! I loved “A League of their Own” and this is also a story about the All American Girls Professional Baseball League. This one should be a hit with both girls and boys who are sports lovers.

Elizabeth Leads the Way: Elizabeth Cady Stanton and the Right to Vote

There are SO many great books about Women’s Suffrage but I love this one because there are some lessons outside of the historical information. Children hear a story about the tenacious Elizabeth Cady Stanton and how she refused to give up on what she believed in. Rather than accepting the limits placed on her by society, Stanton forged not only her own path but a new, more equal path for the millions of women who came after her.

Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom

While there are a plethora of books on Tubman this one is truly breathtaking. It’s a Caldecott Honor book and as soon as you open the cover you’ll know why. The illustrations are nothing short of awe inspiring. The lyrical prose is sure to engage young children in what would otherwise be a topic hard for them to picture. It is heavy on talk about spirituality which I don’t mind but thought I should mention.

Wilma’s Way Home: The Life of Wilma Mankiller

This is part of the “Big Words” series which I love. It’s the story of Wilma Mankiller who became the the first female chief of the Cherokee Nation. Her personal story is inspiring but I also appreciate the lessons about Cherokee history and the effects of the Relocation Act.

The House That Jane Built: A Story About Jane Addams

This book discusses Jane Addams and her work with Hull House to help people in need. This one has great lessons about helping other people and making a difference. Jane Addams immersed her whole life into helping people in poverty through the Settlement House movement.

Strong Girls Gift Set (Ordinary People Change the World)

I just LOVE this series by Brad Meltzer. You might have seen the spinoff TV show on PBS called Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum. This boxed set includes books on four heroic women: Amelia Earhart, Harriet Tubman, Jane Goodall, and Sacagawea. The illustrations are engaging and the way they are written is fun while still informative.

The Only Woman in the Photo: Frances Perkins & Her New Deal for America

This book discusses the life of Frances Perkins, the first woman to serve in a presidential cabinet and the mastermind behind the New Deal. The book is perfect to inspire little ones to change the world for the better. I love the pictures and it’s nice to see a book about Perkins since she’s often relegated to a sentence in history books.

Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race

This is the story of Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Christine Darden and how these math wizards helped launch the Space Program. If you are a fan of the movie you’ll love this gorgeously illustrated picture book.

Bonus: Anthology style books to read throughout the month!

I love the idea of picking up one or two of these and sharing a different woman’s story each night. You can click each picture to find it on Amazon.

Need more ideas?

Check out my Amazon Storefront Women’s History Month list: https://amzn.to/38eoQ9w

More Book Lists You’ll Love:

• Black History Month
• Valentine’s Day Books
• Christmas Books
• Books for Baby’s First Year