Empowering Her Story: Picture Books to Celebrate Women's History Month
March is Women’s History Month! In recent years, the number of nonfiction books showcasing incredible women throughout history has increased. This collection of nonfiction picture books includes such a multitude of inspirational women’s stories. From women in government to sports to environmental activism and fashion to so much more! We’re delighted to share a diverse and inclusive collection of stories that will inspire all types of readers.
Check out some of our favorite recommendations below, and visit our Bookshop for more incredible Women's History Month picture books.
Mother of Sharks
Author: Melissa Cristine Marquez | Illustrator: Devin Elle Kurtz | Publisher: Penguin Workshop
"Forbes 30 Under 30 Honoree and globally renowned shark scientist Melissa Cristina Márquez teams up with award-winning illustrator Devin Elle Kurtz to create an informative, powerful picture book. With lyrical writing and gorgeous art, this moving story explores Melissa’s personal journey from inquisitive ocean-loving child in Puerto Rico to becoming the Mother of Sharks."
Yvonne Clark and Her Engineering Spark
Author: Allen R. Wells | Illustrator: DeAndra Hodge | Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Based on a true story, this inspiring picture book is about a curious, tinkering girl who grew up to become one of the first Black female engineers for NASA – for fans of Ada Twist, Scientist and Counting on Katherine.
Make Your Mark: The Empowering True Story of the First Known Black Female Tattoo Artist
Author: Jacci Gresham and Sherry Fellores | Illustrator: David Wilkerson | Publisher: Dial Books
A picture book biography celebrating the first known Black female tattoo artist in the U.S., Jacci Gresham, co-authored by Jacci herself, and with stylish, accessible artwork by David Wilkerson.
Lucy! How Lucille Ball Did It Again
Author: Amy Guglielmo and Jacqueline Tourville| Illustrator: Brigette Barrager | Publisher: Harry N. Abrams
Lucy! is a buoyant picture book biography of trailblazer Lucille Ball, the comedy queen who loved to make the world laugh, from authors Amy Guglielmo and Jacqueline Tourville and bestselling illustrator Brigette Barrager.
Wild Greens, Beautiful Girl
Author: Erica Lee Schlaikjer| Illustrator: Cinyee Chiu | Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press
On the eastern plains of Taiwan, a young girl and her mother pick wild greens before a rainstorm drenches them and their garden. When she goes to pull at the roots of a spiky, stalky weed, she learns that the plant is not what it seems. A lyrical story that shows young readers how to appreciate the bounty of nature and the beauty of identity.
Chinese and Pinyin translations are included in pages and backmatter features additional information on the indigenous Amis people of Taiwan. An Own Voices, Own Stories award winner and Junior Library Guild Selection.
Cantora
Author: Melisa Fernandez Nitsche | Illustrator: Devin Elle Kurtz| Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
"Sing out! With a stunning, graphic style and a melodious text, this picture book tells the story of Latin American icon Mercedes Sosa and how she became the voice of a people from exile to triumph."
Finding My Dance
Author: Ria Thundercloud | Illustrator: Kalila J. Fuller| Publisher: Penguin Workshop
"In her debut picture book, professional Indigenous dancer Ria Thundercloud tells the true story of her path to dance and how it helped her take pride in her Native American heritage."
Miles of Style: Eunice W. Johnson and the EBONY Fashion Fair
Author: Lisa D. Brathwaite | Illustrator: Lynn Gaines| Publisher: Lee & Low Books
"A chic biography about Eunice W. Johnson who brought elegant and contemporary fashion to Black America through the annual EBONY Fashion Fair!
Winner of Lee & Low's New Voices award, Miles of Style celebrates a visionary who used her influence to showcase the strength and beauty of the Black community."
Breaking Through the Clouds
Author: Sandra Nickel | Illustrator: Helena Perez Garcia| Publisher: Harry N. Abrams
"Writer Sandra Nickel and illustrator Helena Perez Garcia’s Breaking Through the Clouds is an inspiring picture book biography about the meteorologist whose discoveries helped us understand how weather works."
Girls on Wheels
Author: Srividhya Venkatl | Illustrator: Kate Wadsworth| Publisher: Kokila
"Inspired by the skateboarding revolution in India, Girls on Wheels follows three friends who support one another through the ups and downs of learning to skateboard."
Chef Edna: Queen of Southern Cooking, Enda Lewis
Author: Melvina Noel | Illustrator: Cozbi A. Cabrera| Publisher: Harry N. Abrams
"Featuring gorgeous color illustrations by Coretta Scott King– and Caldecott-honor recipient Cozbi A. Cabrera, Melvina Noel’s Chef Edna is a warm and inviting picture book portrait of African American culinary legend Edna Lewis, who brought Southern cooking to the masses."
Bessie the Motorcycle Queen
Author: Charles R. Smith Jr. | Illustrator: Charlot Kristenson| Publisher: Orchard Books
"Hop on the bike with Bessie Stringfield, the motorcycle queen of Miami, in this powerful picture book from Coretta Scott King medalist Charles R. Smith, Jr. and debut picture book illustrator Charlot Kristensen. A much-needed story about a Black woman who paved the way for future generations."
