Women’s History Month- Books for All Ages

“13 women who changed the word”

Chelsea Clinton, the daughter of former President Bill Clinton tells the story of 13 remarkable women in history. These women all stem from science, arts, politics, and athletic. Some of the stories are of Virginia Apgar, Harriet Tubman, Sally Ride, Virginia Tallchief, Oprah Winfrey among others. The book is beautifully illustrated for kids and features quotes from each female across the pages. Chelsea Clinton has also written many other children’s books under the “She Persisted” title.

“When the whole world is silent, even one voice becomes powerful”

This book tells the story of Malala Yousafzai. Malala grew up striving to change the way women were silenced in her country of birth. One day, Malala refused to be silent and something terrible was done to silence her. Malala was not one to sit back, she survived. With her passion and braveness, she inspired girls around the world to speak up in order to create change in the world.

“I am a working girl. One of those who are on strike against intolerable conditions.”

This is the true story of Clara Lemlich. Clara and her family emigrated from Europe to America to start a better life. Clara worked tirelessly; in the day she went to school and in the afternoons she worked at a large factory with other immigrant families. Clara and the other immigrants were treated unfairly. Clara encouraged others to speak up against injustice. She is known to have led one of the largest strikes seen at that time. Clara changed the word by helping others fight for better treatment while working.

“Separate and Equal are two different things. Just cause it’s the way, doesn’t make it right.”

Hidden Figures is based on the academy award-winning movie of the same name. The book tells the story of four women in the fields of aeronautics, science, and space exploration. Until the release of the movie, the contributions of these four amazingly talented women were unknown. In their respective field of work, they dealt with racism and sexism. Without their contributions, we may have never been able to make it to space!

” Don’t mistake politeness for lack of strength”

Turning Pages is written by Sonia Sotomayor herself. In it, she tells her journey from growing up in the Bronx, NY to becoming the first Hispanic American on the Supreme Court. Sonia credits her love for reading to many of her achievements. It was an outlet as her family were immigrants and could not afford a lot of things. This beautiful book tells her struggles such as being diagnosed with childhood diabetes as well as her many accomplishments!

“Women belong in all places where decisions are being made”

Ruth Bader Ginsburg lived her life not being afraid to disagree. She disagreed about inequalities, unfair treatment based on gender and race. She sought to make a change early on in her life. Growing up Jewish in Brooklyn, NY was not easy but she overcame all of her obstacles to be the second female appointed to the supreme court. She was also the first Jewish supreme court justice. Ruth Bader Ginsburg has inspired many women with her beliefs and accomplishments; she died in September of 2020.

“To fly we have to have resistance”

Maya Lin was always interested in art, even at a young age. She later enrolled in Yale University where she studied to become an architect and sculptor. In 1981, as an undergrad in college, she won the content as the designer of the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, D.C. In this book beautiful book, you will learn how Lin grew in Ohio and how she always viewed the world a little differently than everyone else.

“I have more brains, common sense, and know- how generally than have any two engineers, civil or uncivil”

Women are not engineers, scientists, mathematicians much less builders. In the late 1800s, Emily Roebling defeated all odds by designing and finishing the building of the Brooklyn Bridge. Emily’s husband was the chief engineer of the bridge, soon after the project started he got terribly sick. Not wanting to scrap the project, Emily took the job and all of its responsibilities. When the bridge opened in 1883, she was recognized for her dedication; her name is on a plaque on the bridge onto this day.

“I was quiet but I was not blind”

Jane Austen is renowned as one of the most brilliant writers of our time. Growing up she was very shy and quiet but a great listener. She listened to everything and everyone around her. Above all, Jane loved to read and write stories. Jane wrote six novels in her lifetime; including “Pride and Prejudice,” and “Sense and Sensibility.” The book features major events in her life as well as a timeline of all of her important writing milestones.

“Every great dream begins with a dreamer”

Harriet Tubman is undoubtedly one of the most celebrated African Americans for her work on the underground railroad. This is the story of Harriet before her heroic deeds. She wore many hats in her life. Above all, she is remembered for being courageous, dedicated, and a true champion of freedom.

“In the beginning, I wanted to enter which was essentially a man’s field. I wanted to prove I could do it. Then I found that when I did as well as the men in the field I got more credit for my work because I am a woman, which seems unfair”

Eugenie Clark or the shark lady as she is called broke barriers from early on in her life. As a little girl, she fell in love with sharks and vowed to learn more about them. She wanted to change the way people viewed sharks. She got a science degree in college (not common for women at the time) and soon after made many discoveries about sharks. This book showcases the strength and determination of Eugenie Clark, the zoologist that many are not aware of.

“Our friendship developed through flowers… our children, which I am growing and you are naming”

Katherine Olivia Session grew up in Northern California surrounded by great tall redwood trees. Upon graduating college with a degree in science, Kate moved to San Diego. Kate never thought she would be living in a place with no trees! She started a movement to bring greenery into the city. Her work can be seen all over San Diego today. This beautiful book outlines Katherine’s vision and determination to change and better the landscape of a city many of us are familiar with.

“A little less stuffiness right here would surely do none of us any harm”

Anne Carrol Moore worked at New York Public Library. She is celebrated for creating the first children’s room at the library! Prior to her, children were not allowed to borrow books. She made a space that was colorful, lively, and age-appropriate. Most important, children had access to books and could now take them home to read. This beautiful book follows Miss Moore as she created the first children’s room at the New York Public library.

“When it comes to justice, there is no easy way to get it. You can’t sugarcoat it. You have to take a stand and say, ‘This is not right.’“

On March 2, 1955, fifteen-year-old Claudette Colvin refused to give up her seat to a white woman in segregated Alabama; Claudette was arrested. Nine months later, the famed Rosa Parks was also arrested. Parks became known as the face of the bus boycott while Claudette was shunned and teased at school. Many believed that Parks was chosen because she had lighter skin and that would be better for the movement, as Claudette was darker and younger. Claudette went on to be a key plaintiff in Browder v. Gayle, this led to the desegregation of Montgomery, Alabama. While Claudette is often not recognized as a civil rights hero, her story should be known to all girls in the world. She was brave, determined, and resilient!

Many may not be aware but many women played an important part in the American Revolution. Many worked as spies, messengers, and even soldiers. Women fought on both the American and the British sides of the war. This book provides a variety of sources such as letters, journals, and eyewitness accounts that all look at the many ways women impacted the American and British Revolution.

This book depicts the story of 32 exceptional women who played major roles in their countries’ fight in World War II. You will hear stories from Germany, Poland, the Netherlands, France, Belgium, Denmark, Great Britain, and the United States. You will learn about: Noor Inayat Khan, the first female radio operator sent into occupied France and transferred crucial messages to the Resistance. Johtje Vos, a Dutch housewife, hid Jews in her home and repeatedly outsmarted the Gestapo. Law student Hannie Schaft became involved in the most dangerous resistance work—sabotage, weapons transference, and assassinations. Soviet pilot Anna Yegorova flew missions against the Germans on the Eastern Front in an all-male regiment, eventually becoming a squadron leader. Young readers will be amazed to learn about this group of courageous women who helped to defeat the Nazis.

On August 18, 1920, Women in the United States of America were granted the right to vote in accordance with the 19th Amendment. The road to suffrage was long and tiresome. Many women such as Elizabeth Cady Staton, Susan B. Anthony, and Sojourner Truth gave speeches, protested, went on hunger strikes, and were even arrested. They never gave up! The American suffrage movement went on for 150 years. President Wilson eventually listened and voting rights were granted in 1920. In this book, you will learn about the suffrage movement as well as all of the brave women who made change possible.

This is the A-Z book of women’s power. You will learn about girls who are no older than the age of 20, yet wise beyond their age. You will learn about women in the fields of boxing, rock climbing, or skateboarding, dance, writing, music, as well as art. These women come from all parts of the world and are all unique in their courage, perspective and actions. Some of these women include Malala Yousafzai, Anne Frank, and Joan of Arc!