This month we celebrate the women whose talent, passion, intelligence and drive have made the world a better place. One of my favorite ways to honor these fearless females during Women’s History Month (and really, every month) is to read books. Check out my list of seven fantastic reads to help you and your kids get the party started!
1. “The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read” by Rita Lorraine Hubbard and Oge Mora
Recommended age: 4-8 years
Read this if … you want your kids to understand that it’s never too late to learn something new.
In a nutshell: Mary Walker was born into slavery in 1898. As a slave, she was never given the opportunity for an education, and even after being emancipated, she didn’t get the chance to learn how to read. But Mary always dreamed of being able to decipher the squiggles that she saw everywhere. So, when she was 116 years old — yes, you read that right — she finally achieved her goal.
Why I love it: Mary Walker’s story teaches all of us that there’s no limit on learning. Bonus: Oge Mora’s collage illustrations in this book are stunning.
Favorite quote: “[M]ary would stand on her old, old legs, clear her old, old, throat, and read from her Bible or her schoolbook in a voice that was clear and strong. When she finished, she would gently close her book and say, ‘You’re never too old to learn.’”
2. “The Only Woman in the Photo: Frances Perkins & Her New Deal for America” by Kathleen Krull
Recommended age: 4-8 years
Read this if … you want to be inspired by the woman behind some of the most significant pieces of legislation in U.S. history.
In a nutshell: Naturally shy as a child, Frances Perkins learned to speak up and use her voice when she began noticing injustice around her. An early social activist, Perkins was responsible for changing the nation’s standards on fire safety and workplace protections. Her work was so impactful that she caught the attention of then President Franklin D. Roosevelt. He appointed her as Secretary of Labor — the first woman to serve in a presidential cabinet — where she helped create and implement his famous New Deal.
Why I love it: It’s so important for kids to see not only how women have had to (and still have to) work so hard to make their voices heard, but also how strong our voices can be!
Favorite quote: “The door might not be opened to a woman again for a long, long time. And I had a kind of a duty to walk in and sit down in the chair that was offered.”
3. “Me and the Sky” by Joanie Stone
Recommended age: 4-8 years
Read this if … you want your kids to know the sky’s the limit.
In a nutshell: When Beverly Bass was a child, she would dream of flying. At first, it was flying by jumping off her washing machine, but soon she began dreaming of flying planes. At 19 years old, Bass signed up for flying lessons, and before long, she was flying. She continued to pursue her passion with a new dream of becoming a commercial airline pilot. People said that a woman couldn’t possibly hold such a job, but Bass was determined. At 24 years old, she became the first female captain for American Airlines.
Why I love it: Bass didn’t just stop at learning to fly, or becoming a pilot. She kept going, learning and working hard — and then paid it forward by helping other women to do the same!
Favorite quote: “Oh, and the little girl who was told that girls can’t fly big airplanes? She was the first female to command a Boeing 777, the largest twinjet in the world for an airline.”
4. “A Girl Called Genghis Khan” by Michelle Lord
Recommended age: 5+ years
Read this if … you want your kids to know that girls really can do anything.
In a nutshell: Maria Toorpakai Wazir grew up in rural Pakistan, where girls had very little freedom. Even as a girl in a country where the Taliban held power, she knew this was wrong, so she chopped off her hair and put on her brother’s pants. Her incredible parents not only supported this, but they moved the family to Peshawar and introduced her as their son, Genghis. She took up squash and discovered that she loved it, and she was talented, too. When her secret eventually came out, the Taliban caught wind and threatened Genghis and her family, but she never gave up. In fact, she eventually went on to become the top female squash player for Pakistan and one of the top-50 players in the world!
Why I love it: Wazir’s rise to fame as an international squash champion is amazing enough, but the trials she endured really make her story awe-inspiring. I also adore her ultra-supportive parents.
Favorite quote: “I had to fight to play, fight for my beliefs, fight for the right to just be who I am!”
5. “Born Curious: 20 Girls Who Grew Up to Be Awesome Scientists” by Martha Freeman
Recommended age: 7-12 years









