March is Women’s History Month, a perfect opportunity to highlight books that celebrate the stories of remarkable women. These inspiring children’s and middle grade titles showcase real and fictional women who made a difference—through courage, creativity, science, activism, and perseverance. These are excellent choices for the classroom, book clubs, or Battle of the Books preparation.
Picture Books and Short Biographies for Younger Readers (Grades 1–5)
Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed
Grades 1–3
- Picture book biography of Mae Jemison, the first African American woman in space
- Encourages young readers to dream big and pursue their passions in science
Brave Girl by Michelle Markel and Melissa Sweet
Grades 2–4
- True story of Clara Lemlich, a Ukrainian immigrant who led the 1909 Shirtwaist Makers’ Strike
- Focuses on labor rights, immigrant experiences, and activism
Just Like Josh Gibson by Angela Johnson and Beth Peck
Grades 2–4
- Fictionalized story inspired by a girl who loved baseball in the 1940s
- Highlights determination and love for the game during a time of segregation
Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren
Grades 3–5
- Classic story of a bold, independent girl who lives on her own with a horse and a monkey
- Encourages creativity, bravery, and independence
The Youngest Marcher by Cynthia Levinson and Vanessa Brantley-Newton
Grades 3–5
- Biography of Audrey Faye Hendricks, a 9-year-old who participated in the 1963 Children’s March
- Teaches about civil rights, youth activism, and standing up for justice
You Should Meet Women Who Launched the Computer Age by Laurie Calkhoven
Grades 3–5
- Tells the story of six women who programmed the first electronic computer during World War II
- Explores the overlooked contributions of women in early computing
Who Is Sonia Sotomayor? by Megan Stine
Grades 3–5
- Biography of the first Latina Supreme Court Justice
- Shows how hard work and education helped Sonia Sotomayor achieve her goals
Buffalo Bird Girl: A Hidatsa Story by S.D. Nelson
Grades 3–5
- Biography of a Native American girl growing up in the 1800s
- Offers a rich look at Hidatsa culture and daily life along the Missouri River
Maya Lin: Artist-Architect of Light and Lines by Jeanne Walker Harvey and Dow Phumiruk
Grades 3–5
- Story of the young woman who designed the Vietnam Veterans Memorial
- Celebrates artistic vision, perseverance, and architectural impact
Patience Wright: America’s First Sculptor and Revolutionary Spy by Peggy Deitz Shea and Bethanne Andersen
Grades 3–5
- True story of a colonial American artist who used her wax sculptures to send messages during the Revolutionary War
- Highlights creativity, courage, and patriotism
Nothing Stopped Sophie by Cheryl Bardoe
Grades 3–5
- Story of Sophie Germain, a French mathematician who overcame barriers to pursue her passion for math
- A powerful biography for encouraging girls interested in STEM
Chapter Books and Memoirs for Older Kids (Grades 5–10)
Through My Eyes by Ruby Bridges
Grades 5–7
- Memoir of Ruby Bridges, the first Black child to integrate an all-white school in New Orleans in 1960
- Offers firsthand accounts of bravery, racism, and school desegregation
The Enigma Girls by Candace Fleming
Grades 3–7
- Nonfiction story of ten teenage girls who cracked Nazi codes during World War II
- Combines espionage, mathematics, and historical adventure
Force of Nature: A Novel of Rachel Carson
Grades 3–7
- A novel in verse about the life of environmentalist Rachel Carson
- Explores her early love of nature and her lasting scientific impact
Inspiring Stories for Tweens and Teens (Grades 6–10)
Fly Girls by P. O’Connell Pearson
Grades 6–10
- Nonfiction story of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs) who flew during World War II
- Focuses on courage, aviation, and women’s contributions to the war effort
The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly
Grades 6–8
- Fictional coming-of-age story about a girl in 1899 learning science from her grandfather
- Encourages curiosity and scientific exploration
Hidden Figures (Young Readers Edition) by Margot Lee Shetterly
Grades 6–9
- True story of four African American women at NASA who played crucial roles in the space program
- Explores themes of racial and gender equality in STEM
Your Life in Motion by Misty Copeland
Grades 7–10
- Memoir and guided journal by Misty Copeland, the first African American principal dancer with the American Ballet Theatre
- Encourages self-discovery and personal growth
Bonus Pick: A Powerful Musical Trailblazer
When Marian Sang by Pam Muñoz Ryan
Grades 3–6
- Biography of Marian Anderson, a Black opera singer who broke racial barriers in the arts
- Features her historic performance in Washington, D.C., in front of 75,000 people
Why These Books Matter for Women’s History Month
These books help kids:
- See diverse and inspiring role models
- Understand the contributions of women in history, science, art, and social justice
- Gain confidence and empathy through stories of perseverance and impact
- Connect to larger themes of equality, leadership, and discovery
Keep the Conversation Going
This is only a small sample of the many incredible books that teach and inspire during Women’s History Month. The girls who read these stories today may grow up to be the authors, leaders, or heroes in the books of tomorrow.
To find more book recommendations and quiz resources for Battle of the Books:
- Subscribe to the Battle of the Books Quiz Center YouTube channel: @bobqc
- Visit the website: www.bobqc.net
- Contact Lisa with questions, comments, or book suggestions: lisa@bobqc.net
Keep reading and keep learning.