March is Women’s History Month. It’s the perfect opportunity to inspire young readers with the impactful true stories of women who made their mark on the world.
Shark Lady: The True Story of How Eugenie Clark Became the Ocean’s Most Fearless Scientist
by Jess Keating | Illustrations by Marta Álvarez Miguéns
A critically acclaimed zoologist tells the story of Eugenie Clark, also known as “Shark Lady” Growing up, Clark fell in love with the sharks at her local aquarium. Determined to study them, she first had to disprove common fears and misconceptions about sharks while also showing that women could be scientists.
Shining Star: The Anna May Wong Story
by Paula Yoo | Illustrations by Lin Wang
Anna May Wong grew up working in her family’s laundry in Los Angeles’ Chinatown, but her true passion was cinema. In the 1930s, she pursued an acting career, fighting against limited opportunities and stereotypical roles for Asian Americans, eventually becoming the first Chinese American movie star.
Who Says Women Can’t Be Doctors?: The Story of Elizabeth Blackwell
by Tanya Lee Stone | Illustrations by Marjorie Priceman
Elizabeth Blackwell grew up in the 1830s when career options for women were extremely limited, and the common belief was that they were not smart enough for medical careers. Blackwell, however, persisted against opposition, graduating from medical school and becoming a successful doctor.
Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré
by Anika Aldamuy Denise | Illustrations by Paola Escobar
When Pura Belpré came to America in 1921, she brought with her the culture and storytelling of Puerto Rico. She found work as a librarian at the New York Public Library and used her skills as a storyteller and puppeteer to become a champion for bilingual literature.
Mae Among the Stars
by Roda Ahmed | Illustrations by Stasia Burrington
This book shares with young readers the story of Mae Jemison, the first African American woman to travel to space. Jemison’s story is a great illustration of how if you believe in yourself and work hard, anything is possible.