Books to Celebrate Women's History in Your Classroom
Every year, the President of the United States proclaims March as Women’s History Month. It is a time to remember remarkable American women who made tremendous achievements despite many hardships.
Share these highly recommended children’s books with your students to cultivate a deeper understanding of what women have done throughout America's history.
Books About Women's Achievements
I Am Lucille Ball by Brad Meltzer
Children are going to love this adorable book that is part of the “Ordinary People Change the World” series. Not only does Lucy talk to the reader and offer advice on self-esteem, but she provokes the reader to make silly faces the next time they see their reflection in a window.
Children will learn about Ball’s childhood and her young adult life as a struggling actress.
Pair this book with Amazing Grace by Mary Hoffman to compare two people with the same passion for performing arts.
Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World by Rachel Ignotofsky
This beautifully illustrated book will intrigue readers to learn about the great inventions and discoveries women have made.
Ask students to note the American women listed in this book. Download a “Remarkable Woman Bookmark” template for children to write important facts about these American scientists.
Children can enlighten others by distributing the bookmarks or donating them to the school library.
Books About Women's Leadership
I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark by Debbie Levy
Ruth Bader Ginsburg endured many injustices as a young Jewish woman. Throughout her life, she objected to unfair rules and laws, and she continues to do that from her seat on the U. S. Supreme Court.
Children will notice illustrated verbs that act as the focal point for many of the pages. Ask children to consider why the illustrator gave such importance to words like agreed, protested, resisted, persisted, disapproved, and objected. Begin a unit on argument by having children brainstorm problems they see in school and argue for or against each problem. Children should back up each idea with examples to support their arguments.
Compare the life of Ruth Bader Ginsburg with Dr. Martin Luther King and follow the reading comprehension lessons found in Martin’s Big Words Lesson Plans & Teaching Resources.
Brave Girl: Clara and the Shirtwaist Makers’ Strike of 1909 by Michelle Markel
Young Clara Lemlich could not go to school like other boys and girls. She had to earn money for food by working in a garment factory. The conditions in the factory were deplorable.
Clara knew the only way to make things better was to call a strike. She was right. The strike made significant changes for thousands of young women.
Pair this book with Peppe the Lamplighter to learn more about the plight of young immigrants in the early 1900s.
Books About Women's Strength
Wilma Unlimited: How Wilma Rudolph Became the World’s Fastest Woman by Kathleen Krull
This powerful picture book published over twenty years ago continues to captivate young readers as they learn how Wilma Rudolph fought polio to become an Olympian.
Rudolph encountered many hardships as a sick, poor child growing up in a time when people of color had little rights as American citizens. Rudolph’s strength and determination helped her push through every challenge she faced.
Pair this book with lessons from Helen’s Big World: The Life of Helen Keller to inspire children to never give up when working through a challenge.
Books About Women's Love for Others
The House That Jane Built: A Story About Jane Addams by Tanya Lee Stone
Jane Addams helped thousands of people every week by opening up her home to feed, educate, babysit, and entertain people who were not as fortunate as she was. It bothered Addams that some people starved while she lived a very comfortable life.
Under her remarkable leadership, wealthy friends donated time, money, and property to transform the poor community into a thriving community center.
Use this book to practice making connections with children as they consider how they have helped those in need.
