9 Great Women Biographies for Kids

Introduce your kids to an inspiring lineup of influential women with this comprehensive list of the best biographies for young readers. From historical figures to trailblazing scientists, these stories will help kids explore diverse perspectives and connect meaningfully with their lives.

Me . . . Jane by Patrick McDonnell

Meet Jane, a young girl, and her beloved stuffed animal, chimpanzee Jubilee. Jane loves being outside and exploring; she dreams of growing up and helping animals. Learn about Jane Goodall’s love for chimpanzees and her continued efforts to protect them. Patrick McDonnell drew upon quotes from Jane Goodall’s autobiography to create this attractive, charming, accessible biography for young children. Ages 2+.

Yayoi Kusama Covered Everything in Dots and Wasn’t Sorry by Fausto Gilberti

Do you love polka dots? Learn about Yayoi Kusama and how she grew from a little girl in Japan who carried her sketchbook everywhere to becoming a world-famous artist. Today, one can find Ms. Kusama’s designs in books, clothing, and museums. This book is perfect for an artist’s study or a fun storytime. Age 4+.

Shark Lady: The True Story of How Eugenie Clark Became the Ocean’s Most Fearless Scientist by Jess Keating Illustrated by Marta Álvarez Miguéns

I love this book! I once had a learner who was reluctant to read and loved sharks; I can’t tell you how excited she was to read this book! As a young girl, Eugenie Clark was fascinated by sharks. She dedicated her life to studying their behavior, utilizing her research to debunk beliefs that women can not be scientists and that sharks are not merely “ugly and scary creatures.” Furthermore, Dr. Clark worked hard as a marine conservationist. This book is perfect for shark lovers. Ages 5+. 

I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark by Debbie Levy and Illustrated by Elizabeth Baddeley

I Dissent is an excellent picture book biography about the life of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the second woman and first Jewish woman to serve on the United States Supreme Court. Learn about the challenges RBG faced and the obstacles she overcame fighting for justice and equality for all. In the back of the book, you can see photographs from RBG’s life and additional sources for information. Ages 5+.

Game Changers: The Story of Venus and Serena Williams by Lesa Cline-Ransome and Illustrated by James E. Ransome

This extraordinary picture book introduces young readers to two of the world’s most famous women’s tennis players, sisters Venus and Serena Williams. From a young age, the Williams sisters, two best friends, worked hard to train to be the top players in their game. Not arduous training nor racism stood in the way of Venus and Serena Williams. The husband and wife author and illustrator team created an exceptional vibrant nonfiction work that shows persistence, determination, and hard work are vital to achieving one’s dreams. Ages 5+. 

Dinosaur Lady: The Daring Discoveries of Mary Anning, the First Paleontologist. Written by Linda Skeers, Illustrated by Marta Álvarez Miguéns

Meet Mary Anning, the world’s first paleontologist! Beginning as a hobby as a young girl, Anning’s understanding of fossils transformed scientists understanding of dinosaurs. Click here for more fantastic dinosaur book titles! Age 5+.

The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read by Rita Lorraine Hubbard and Illustrated by Oge Mora

Born on a southern plantation in 1848, Mary Walker worked hard her whole life. Freed at age 15 from slavery, Ms. Walker found jobs sharecropping, house cleaning, babysitting, and volunteering for her church—this entire time, harboring a deep desire to learn how to read. Finally, when Ms. Walker was 114 years old, having outlived her family, Ms. Walker found the opportunity to pursue her dream.

I found Ms. Walker’s story inspiring; her grit, work ethic, and determination to follow her dream prove you are always young enough to learn. Ms. Mora’s art is a treat for the eyes. Age 5+.

Holding Her Own: The Exceptional Life of Jackie Ormes by Traci N. Todd and Illustrated by Shannon Wright

Check out this new stunning biography on Jackie Ormes. Ms. Ormes was a trailblazer who became the first nationally syndicated black woman cartoonist. Holding Her Own: The Exceptional Life of Jackie Ormes introduces a new generation to Ms. Ormes, who used her talent to create empowering cartoons of black women. Through these cartoons, Ms. Ormes addressed political and social issues of the times. Holding Her Own is a compelling picture book for children and adults. Ages 7+. 

The Chocolate Chip Cookie Queen: Ruth Wakefield and Her Yummy Invention by Carmen Bredeson

Learn about the woman behind one of America’s most beloved cookies! The Chocolate Chip Cookie Queen introduces readers to Ms. Wakefield’s creativity and entrepreneurial spirit. This book is a delectable choice for a biography project for school (maybe even scoring some “brownie” points by bringing in some cookies!) or for fun!  Ages 7+. 

What do all of these women have in common?

Each one of the women mentioned above worked tirelessly to pursue their dream. Each one showed grit and overcame obstacles. What is your dream? How will you follow it? Please DM me on Instagram @playgroundlibrarian; I would love to hear about it.

Happy Reading!

XO, Sheryl