Women's History is a topic that I am really passionate about because I come from a family of many strong females. I was raised to ignore traditional gender roles and I'm raising my daughter the same way. This has led to me being a huge women's rights advocate. If this is a topic you'd love to bring to your classroom, I've compiled a list of children's books that focus on women's history. All would make excellent 2nd grade read alouds!
When to Weave Women's History into 2nd Grade Read Alouds
Right after recess is my favorite time to do read alouds. It's such a nice settling-in activity going from hectic playground behavior to calmer classroom behavior.
A great time of year to focus on this topic is in March for Women's History month! But, I truly believe that this is an important concept to sprinkle in all year long. When you share your love for reading and your passion for an empowering topic like how inspiring and strong women have influenced the world, you will model so much more than just fluent reading!
Children's Books About Women's History
Here are 17 inspiring women's history read alouds to add to your classroom library.
Note – These are Amazon affiliate links.
1. A is for Awesome: Iconic Women Who Changed the World
by Eva Chen and Derek Desierto
Get ready to celebrate incredible women from A to Z, showcasing their amazing feats and impact – all in a beautifully illustrated book!
2. Women Who Dared: 52 Stories of Fearless Daredevils, Adventurers, and Rebels
by Linda Skeers and Livi Gosling
Step into the world of Women Who Dared: 52 Stories of Fearless Daredevils, Adventurers, and Rebels, where you'll be inspired by the incredible bravery and boldness of remarkable women from across the ages.
3. Girls Can Do Anything: An Empowering Book for Children
by Caryl Hart and Ali Pye
“Girls Can Do Anything” is a lively and empowering book for kids that celebrates the endless possibilities for girls, showing them they can achieve anything they set their minds to!
4. Shark Lady: The True Story of How Eugenie Clark Became the Ocean's Most Fearless Scientist
by Jess Keating and Marta Álvarez Miguéns
“Shark Lady” tells the inspiring true story of Eugenie Clark, who fearlessly pursued her passion for marine biology, defying gender norms and diving deep into the world of sharks to become one of the ocean's most renowned scientists.
5. Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History
by Vashti Harrison
“Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History” is a fantastic book packed with engaging illustrations and inspiring tales of remarkable African American women who made history, encouraging young readers to dream big and make a difference.
6. Black Women in Science: A Black History Book for Kids
by PHD Kimberly Brown Pellum
Dive into the inspiring tales of Black women in science with “Black Women in Science: A Black History Book for Kids”, and discover how these trailblazers have left their mark while encouraging young readers to pursue their passions in STEM.
7. Herstory: 50 Women and Girls Who Shook Up the World
by Katherine Halligan and Sarah Walsh
Featuring concise and inspiring biographies, “Herstory: 50 Women and Girls Who Shook Up the World” highlights the remarkable contributions and impact of influential female figures throughout history.
8. Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Tales of Extraordinary Women
by Elena Favilli and Francesca Cavallo
Like a treasure trove of bedtime stories, “Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Tales of Extraordinary Women” shares the amazing journeys and achievements of different women from history in a way that'll leave you feeling inspired and empowered before drifting off to sleep.
9. Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World
by Kate Pankhurst
“Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World” is all about cheering on these incredible ladies who rocked history with their amazing feats – it's like a fun-filled journey through time, celebrating the awesome things they did!
10. Dinosaur Lady: The Daring Discoveries of Mary Anning, the First Paleontologist
by Linda Skeers and Marta Álvarez Miguéns
Check out “Dinosaur Lady: The Daring Discoveries of Mary Anning, the First Paleontologist”! It's all about Mary Anning's amazing life and how she rocked the world of paleontology with her groundbreaking finds.
11. Malala's Magic Pencil
by Malala Yousafzai and Kerascoët
“Malala's Magic Pencil” is this wonderful book that tells the story of Malala Yousafzai's childhood dreams and how she believed education could really make a difference in the world.
12. Brave Girl: Clara and the Shirtwaist Makers' Strike of 1909
by Michelle Market and Melissa Sweet
In “Brave Girl: Clara and the Shirtwaist Makers' Strike of 1909,” Clara Lemlich, a gutsy immigrant, rallies her fellow garment workers in a fight for better working conditions and rights during the 1909 strike—showcasing courage and determination in the face of adversity.
13. Grace Hopper: Queen of Computer Code
by Laurie Wallmark and Katy Wu
Chronicle the remarkable life of Grace Hopper, a pioneering computer scientist whose groundbreaking contributions to technology defy gender stereotypes and inspire future generations in STEM fields, in “Grace Hopper: Queen of Computer Code”.
14. Maya Lin: Artist-Architect of Light and Lines
by Jeanne Walker Harvey and Dow Phumiruk
“Maya Lin: Artist-Architect of Light and Lines” takes you on a fascinating journey through the life and work of Maya Lin, highlighting her revolutionary designs and how they've shaped art, architecture, and our relationship with the environment.
15. Women in Sports: 50 Fearless Athletes Who Played to Win
by Rachel Ignotofsky
Rachel Ignotofsky's “Women in Sports: 50 Fearless Athletes Who Played to Win” is a fascinating anthology that showcases the achievements of fifty remarkable female athletes, inspiring readers to challenge stereotypes and pursue their dreams with determination.
16. Before She Was Harriet
by Lesa Cline-Ransome and James E. Ransome
“Before She Was Harriet” is like taking a journey through a picture book time machine, celebrating Harriet Tubman's amazing life from her later years all the way back to her younger days!
17. I am Anne Frank
by Brad Meltzer and Christopher Eliopoulos
“I Am Anne Frank” by Brad Meltzer tells the story of Anne Frank in a way that's easy for kids to understand. It's all about bravery, hope, and why it's important to speak out against unfairness.
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