Picture Books Celebrating Women’s History
March is Women’s History Month! In recent years, the number of nonfiction books showcasing incredible women throughout history has increased. 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."
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."
