Women’s History Month in March is a wonderful opportunity to focus on remarkable and determined women who helped change the world. There are many ways to teach students Women’s History Month, from projects and activities to interactive bulletin boards. Today, we are going to share our top 10 Picture Books to Use in Middle School for Women’s History Month.
Another powerful way to educate and inspire students is through the magic of picture books. The following picture books can introduce your class to extraordinary women and their inspirational stories. Furthermore, these tales will also influence and encourage your students to make a difference and make their own mark in the world.
10 Marvelous Picture Books for Women’s History Month
#1 Brave Girl: Clara and the Shirtwaist Makers’ Strike of 1909
Written by Michelle Markel and Illustrated by Caldecott Honor Winner Melissa Sweet
Clara Lemlich is not a household name and your students may not have heard of her before. Therefore, this book is perfect to tell the tale of this brave young girl.
Publisher’s Synopsis:
When Clara arrived in America, she couldn’t speak English. She didn’t know that young women had to go to work, that they traded an education for long hours of labor, that she was expected to grow up fast. But that didn’t stop Clara. She went to night school, spent hours studying English, and helped support her family by sewing in a shirtwaist factory.
Clara never quit, and she never accepted that girls should be treated poorly and paid little. Fed up with the mistreatment of her fellow laborers, Clara led the largest walkout of women workers the country had seen. From her short time in America, Clara learned that everyone deserved a fair chance. That you had to stand together and fight for what you wanted. And, most importantly, that you could do anything you put your mind to.
This picture book biography about Ukrainian immigrant Clara Lemlich tackles topics like activism and the U.S. garment industry. The art, by Caldecott Honor winner Melissa Sweet, beautifully incorporates stitching and fabric.
Do you want our FREE Women’s History Virtual Library that contains all the books listed here? If so, grab yours now.
Grab your Virtual Library today.
#2 The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin
Written by Julia Finley Mosca and Illustrated by Daniel Rieley
This rhyming picture book not only tells of the inspiring story of determined Dr. Temple Grandin, but students will connect to the theme of feeling like an outsider and learning to appreciate one’s own uniqueness. This book also shows that autism is a superpower.
Publisher’s Synopsis:
When young Temple was diagnosed with autism, no one expected her to talk, let alone become one of the most powerful voices in modern science. Yet, the determined visual thinker did just that. Her unique mind allowed her to connect with animals in a special way, helping her invent groundbreaking improvements for farms around the globe. In addition to the illustrated rhyming tale, you’ll find a complete biography, fun facts, a colorful timeline of events, and even a note from Temple herself!
#3 The Youngest Marcher: The Story of Audrey Faye Hendricks, a Young Civil Rights Activist
Written by Cynthia Levinson and Illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton
Students will be inspired by Audrey’s bravery, learn that anyone can change the world at a young age and that we always need to stand up for what’s right.
Publisher’s Synopsis:
Nine-year-old Audrey Faye Hendricks intended to go places and do things like anybody else. So when she heard grown-ups talk about wiping out Birmingham’s segregation laws, she spoke up. As she listened to the preacher’s words, smooth as glass, she sat up tall. And when she heard the plan—picket those white stores! March to protest those unfair laws! Fill the jails!—she stepped right up and said, I’ll do it! She was going to j-a-a-il! Audrey Faye Hendricks was confident and bold and brave as can be, and hers is the remarkable and inspiring story of one child’s role in the Civil Rights Movement.
#4 Malala’s Magic Pencil
Written by Malala Yousafzai and Illustrated by Kerascoet
The story of Malala will inspire your students to stand tall in the face of adversity and not be afraid to imagine a better world and do anything to make that happen.
Publisher’s Synopsis:
Malala’s first picture book will inspire young readers everywhere to find the magic all around them. As a child in Pakistan, Malala made a wish for a magic pencil. She would use it to make everyone happy, to erase the smell of garbage from her city, to sleep an extra hour in the morning.
But as she grew older, Malala saw that there were more important things to wish for. She saw a world that needed fixing. And even if she never found a magic pencil, Malala realized that she could still work hard every day to make her wishes come true. This beautifully illustrated volume tells Malala’s story for a younger audience and shows them the worldview that allowed Malala to hold on to hope even in the most difficult of times.
Looking to learn about other ways to teach about Malala’s remarkable life? Check out our blog post, 4 Activities for I Am Malala.
#5 Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race
Written by Margot Lee Shetterly and Illustrated by Laura Freeman
This picture book is not only an inspirational tale of the lives of these intelligent and brave women, but it is scientifically and historically informative as well. It will inspire your students to delve into science and STEM as well.
Publisher’s Synopsis:
Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Christine Darden were good at math…really good. In this beautifully illustrated picture book edition, we explore the story of four female African American mathematicians at NASA, known as “colored computers,” and how they overcame gender and racial barriers to succeed in a highly challenging STEM-based career.
#6 Joan Proctor, Dragon Doctor: The Woman Who Loved Reptiles
Written by Patricia Valdez, Illustrated by Felicita Sala
This picture book tells of Joan Proctor, a truly fascinating zoologist who dives into the world of reptiles during WWI. I love how this book encourages children to explore their interests and not to be afraid of what others may think. Joan was even known to walk her 3-foot Komodo dragon on a leash.
Publisher’s Synopsis:
While other girls played with dolls, Joan preferred the company of reptiles. She carried her favorite lizard with her everywhere–she even brought a crocodile to school! When Joan grew older, she became the Curator of Reptiles at the British Museum. She went on to design the Reptile House at the London Zoo, including a home for the rumored-to-be-vicious komodo dragons. There, just like when she was a little girl, Joan hosted children’s tea parties–with her Komodo dragon as the guest of honor.
#7 The Watcher: Jane Goodall’s Life with the Chimps
Written by Jeanette Winter
This picture book shows students how one can learn so much simply by watching the world around them. Jane’s adventurous life will inspire your students to be bold in pursuing their interests.
Publisher’s Synopsis:
Acclaimed picture book biographer Jeanette Winter has found her perfect subject: Jane Goodall, the great observer of chimpanzees. Follow Jane from her childhood in London watching a robin on her windowsill, to her years in the African forests of Gombe, Tanzania. She was invited by brilliant scientist Louis Leakey to observe chimps, to her worldwide crusade to save these primates who are now in danger of extinction and their habitat. Young animal lovers and Winter’s many fans will welcome this fascinating and moving portrait of an extraordinary person and the animals to whom she has dedicated her life.
#8 Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpre
Written by Anika Aldamuy Denise and Illustrate by Paola Escobar
As someone who has a librarian close to me in my life (my mother), I love that this picture book celebrates the important job librarians hold. This beautifully illustrated bilingual picture book. It shows how an ordinary life can impact so many and that there is significance in being a storyteller.
Publisher’s Synopsis:
An inspiring picture book biography of storyteller, puppeteer, and New York City’s first Puerto Rican librarian, who championed bilingual literature. When she came to America in 1921, Pura Belpré carried the cuentos folklóricos of her Puerto Rican homeland. Finding a new home at the New York Public Library as a bilingual assistant, she turned her popular retellings into libros and spread story seeds across the land. Today, these seeds have grown into a lush landscape as generations of children and storytellers continue to share her tales and celebrate Pura’s legacy. Brought to colorful life by Paola Escobar’s elegant and exuberant illustrations and Anika Aldamuy Denise’s lyrical text, this gorgeous book is perfect for the pioneers in your life.
#9 I Am Anne Frank
Written by Brad Meltzer
The heaviness of the Holocaust and Anne’s life is touched upon in age-appropriate ways through this picture book about Anne Frank.
Publisher’s Synopsis:
This engaging biography series focuses on the traits that made our heroes great–the traits that kids can aspire to in order to live heroically themselves. Each book tells the story of an icon in a lively, conversational way that works well for the youngest nonfiction readers. At the back are an excellent timeline and photos.
This volume features Anne Frank. Her courage and hope during a time of terror are still an inspiration for people around the world today. Anne and her family hid in an attic during the Holocaust. She kept a journal about all her hopes and fears and observations. That journal and the story of her life are still read and told today to remember the life of a young girl and warn against the consequences of bigotry.
Looking to teach more about Anne Frank? Check out our blog on 4 Activities for the Diary of Anne Frank.
4 Activities for the Diary of Anne Frank.
#10 The Story of Ruby Bridges
Written by Robert Coles and Illustrated by George Ford
Any picture book that can impel and energize children to make a difference at a young age is a win in my book.
Publisher’s Synopsis:
The inspirational true story of Ruby Bridges. The year is 1960, and six-year-old Ruby Bridges and her family have recently moved from Mississippi to New Orleans. They are in search of a better life. When a judge orders Ruby to attend first grade at William Frantz Elementary, an all-white school, Ruby must face angry mobs of parents. These parents are refusing to send their children to school with her.
Told with Robert Coles’ powerful narrative and dramatically illustrated by George Ford, Certainly, Ruby’s story of courage, faith, and hope continues to resonate more than 60 years later.
Conclusion
From librarians to scientists, from young ladies to social justice activists, from zoologists to writers, your students will be inspired by these women. These 10 picture books are just a starting point for this month. These stories offer inspiring tales of determination, courage, and resilience that will educate and empower your students.
