Inspiring women run the gamut. There are artists, politicians, and athletes-- among others. We conclude March-- Women's History Month-- with a tribute to more books about some of our fantastic female forebearers. >
The books listed below are for elementary-school-aged readers. They all include authors’ notes in the back for those who are curious to learn more.
Amelia and Eleanor Go For a Ride  by Pam Muñoz Ryan/ illustrated by Brian Selznick.
This book’s author and illustrator both did meticulous research to tell the tale (with a little artistic license) of an actual adventure that aviator Amelia Earhart and first-lady Eleanor Roosevelt share.
My name is Celia : the life of Celia Cruz = Me llamo Celia : la vida de Celia Cruz  by Monica Brown/ illustrated by Rafael López.
Bright, whimsical illustrations and enthusiastic, bilingual text celebrate the life and music of Celia Cruz, the “Queen of Salsa.”
Me—Jane  by Patrick McDonnell.
Simple text combines with cartoonish illustrations backed by detailed nature sketches- along with a few photographs and notebook pages. These show how young Jane’s passions lead her to become famous conservationist, Jane Goodall.
Sojourner Truth's step-stomp stride  by Andrea Davis Pinkney & Brian Pinkney.
This book outlines the life of Sojourner Truth, a freed slave who speaks all over the United States about human rights, especially for women and blacks. Flowing, impressionistic illustrations look like personifications of movement and freedom.
Through Georgia’s Eyes  by Rachel Rodríguez/ illustrated by Julie Paschkis.
Georgia O’Keefe’s art and the life behind it inspire both the simple text and bright cut-paper collages in this book.
When Harriet met Sojourner  by Catherine Clinton/ illustrated by Shane W. Evans.
Two famous women who emerge from slavery in the mid-1800s and then fight for freedom for others feature in this book. The book tells the two stories on alternating pages. This highlights parallels between the lives of Harriet Tubman and Sojourner Truth and recalls the true story of their meeting. Stylized illustrations with quilt and constellation motifs behind enhance the text.
Who says women can't be doctors? : the story of Elizabeth Blackwell  by Tanya Lee Stone/ illustrated by Marjorie Priceman.
A brilliant girl overcomes the odds when, at the urging of an ill friend, she earns the first American medical degree conferred upon a woman. This revolutionary occurrence in 1849 and the doors that it opens for women are the subjects of this empowering story.
You forgot your skirt, Amelia Bloomer!  By Shana Corey/ illustrated by Chesley McLaren.
More than a tale of fashion, in chronicling the life of Amelia Bloomer this feminist tale introduces Elizabeth Cady Stanton and the American Suffrage Movement of the 1840s. Colorful, sweeping illustrations complement the text’s light tone that ties Bloomer’s life to how contemporary women dress and live.
For more information, go to www.womenshistorymonth.gov
Anna Francesca Garcia earned her Master of Library and Information Sciences Degree from the University of North Texas. She has worked for eight years in public libraries in Nevada and Missouri. Currently, Anna is the Outreach Education Librarian for the Kansas City Public Library. Her undergraduate degree is in Women's Studies with a theatre minor. In sharing books like those listed here, she encourages the dreams of her five-year-old daughter.