Books About Women In History

The Best Women In History Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about women in history? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Women In History

Gladys Aylward
Sale price
$1139
Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 1998

Gladys Aylward

By Janet Benge, Geoff Benge · Christian Heroes: Then & Now series

A London housemaid with no backing sets out alone to bring her faith to China.

205 pages· 43,904 words· Est. 5 hour read
4.4 Goodreads · 7,330 ratings
$11.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Without formal education or a missionary society behind her, Gladys Aylward, a housemaid from England, saved her own money for the long overland journey to China. This biography follows her life of faith and determination there, through hardship and danger, in one of the great missionary stories of the twentieth century.
L. M. Montgomery
Sale price
$1398
Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 2018

L. M. Montgomery

By Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara, Anuska Allepuz (Illustrator) · Little People, BIG DREAMS series

Discover how imagination transformed a young girl's dreams into beloved stories.

32 pages· 423 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
4.2 Goodreads · 629 ratings
$14.99Save 7%
Hardcover
Summary: Explore the life of Lucy Maud Montgomery, who, despite a challenging childhood, found solace in her imagination. Her dreams gave birth to Anne of Green Gables, a character cherished worldwide. This book, part of the Little People, BIG DREAMS series, offers a glimpse into Montgomery's journey from a dream-filled child to a celebrated author. With engaging illustrations and fascinating facts, it inspires young readers to dream big and overcome obstacles. What dreams will you pursue?
Who Is Michelle Obama?
Sale price
$574
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2013

Who Is Michelle Obama?

By Megan Stine, Who HQ, John O'Brien (Illustrator) · Who Was . . . ? series

A biography of Michelle Obama, from her childhood to her time as First Lady of the United States

112 pages· 8,129 words· Est. 1 hour read
4.3 Goodreads · 975 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: From Chicago's South Side to the White House, Michelle Obama's journey is one of resilience and impact. As a Princeton and Harvard Law graduate, she navigated the challenges of public life alongside her husband, Barack Obama. This biography explores her role as 'Mom in Chief' and her influence on the nation. What drives her passion and commitment to change? Dive into the life of a woman who redefined the role of First Lady, balancing family and public service with grace and determination.
A Race Around the World
Sale price
$1597
Picture Book · Ages 5–7 · 2019

A Race Around the World

By Caroline Starr Rose, Alexandra Bye (Illustrator) · She Made History series

Two women race around the world in 1889, each vying to beat the clock and each other.

32 pages· 1,621 words· Est. 13 min read-aloud
4.2 Goodreads · 321 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: In 1889, reporter Nellie Bly sets off to circle the globe faster than Jules Verne's fictional 80 days. Hours later, Elizabeth Bisland embarks in the opposite direction, determined to outpace Bly. As they race against time and each other, who will triumph in this thrilling real-life adventure?
Library on Wheels
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 8–12 · 2018

Library on Wheels

By Sharlee Glenn

A librarian revolutionizes access with a horse-drawn book wagon.

56 pages· 3,190 words· Est. 25 min read-aloud
4.4 Goodreads · 697 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Mary Lemist Titcomb, a visionary librarian, faces the challenge of reaching rural communities in early 20th-century Maryland. Determined to provide access to all, she introduces the innovative horse-drawn Book Wagon, forever changing the library system. As book wagons spread across the country, Titcomb's pioneering spirit inspires a movement, leading to the birth of the bookmobile. Discover how one woman's dedication and creativity overcame barriers, bringing books to those who needed them most. Will her revolutionary idea gain the support it deserves, or will it be lost to history?
Who Was Annie Oakley?
Sale price
$674
Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 2002

Who Was Annie Oakley?

By Stephanie Spinner, Who HQ, Larry Day (Illustrator) · Who Was . . . ? series

Annie Oakley's life story inspired books, movies, television shows, and Broadway musicals, and changed the image of American women forever

112 pages· 8,244 words· Est. 1 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 1,043 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: In a time when women were expected to stay home, Annie Oakley shattered expectations with her extraordinary sharpshooting skills. Journey with her as she travels the globe, redefining what it means to be a woman in the 19th century. Will her daring performances change the world's view on women's roles forever?
Amelia and Eleanor Go for a Ride
Sale price
$1899
Picture Book · Ages 7–10 · 1999

Amelia and Eleanor Go for a Ride

By Pam Muñoz Ryan, Brian Selznick (Illustrator)

Two iconic women defy convention for a daring night flight adventure.

40 pages· 987 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud
4.2 Goodreads · 1,488 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In April 1933, Amelia Earhart and Eleanor Roosevelt escape a White House dinner for an unprecedented adventure. Clad in evening gowns, they commandeer a plane, soaring over Washington, D.C. This picture book captures their daring spirit and friendship, inviting readers to dream as boldly as these two trailblazers.
Mary Shelley
Sale price
$1398
Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 2019

Mary Shelley

By Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara, Yelena Bryksenkova (Illustrator) · Little People, BIG DREAMS series

Discover how a young girl's imagination created a legendary monster.

32 pages· 396 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
4.1 Goodreads · 466 ratings
$14.99Save 7%
Hardcover
Summary: Explore the life of Mary Shelley, who, as a child, spun tales beneath garden trees. Her vivid imagination later birthed 'Frankenstein,' a story that would captivate the world. This book, part of the Little People, BIG DREAMS series, combines quirky illustrations with fascinating facts, offering a glimpse into the mind of a literary pioneer. Follow Mary's journey from a dream-filled childhood to becoming a renowned novelist, inspiring young readers to dream big and achieve greatness. What other stories might her imagination have conjured if given the chance?
Herstory
Sale price
$1899
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2018

Herstory

By Katherine Halligan, Sarah Walsh (Illustrator) · Stories That Shook Up the World series

Discover fifty women who defied limits and changed the world.

112 pages· 35,448 words· Est. 5 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 699 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Explore the lives of fifty extraordinary women who defied expectations and transformed history. From astronauts to activists, each story reveals childhood dreams, challenges faced, and groundbreaking achievements. This inspiring collection celebrates the power of women to overcome obstacles and make a lasting impact. Will their stories inspire the next generation to dream big and break barriers?
Who Was Jane Austen?
Sale price
$674
Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 2017

Who Was Jane Austen?

By Sarah Fabiny, Who HQ, Jerry Hoare (Illustrator) · Who Was . . . ? series

Uncover the secretive life of a timeless author who critiqued Georgian society.

107 pages· 7,816 words· Est. 1 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 648 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Explore the enigmatic life of Jane Austen, whose novels like 'Pride and Prejudice' and 'Emma' critiqued the British gentry and the pursuit of marriage. Despite initial anonymity, her works have become timeless classics, inspiring countless adaptations. Discover the private world of this influential author and the societal norms she challenged.
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Women In History Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about women in history for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Coco Chanel
Series
Sale price
$1599

Coco Chanel

Ages 4–8 · 2016

Orphaned girl rises to become a legendary fashion icon.

Nurse, Soldier, Spy
Sale price
$995

Nurse, Soldier, Spy

Ages 6–9 · 2011

A woman disguises as a man to fight and spy in the Civil War.

Fearless Mary
Sale price
$1699

Fearless Mary

Ages 4–8 · 2019

A former slave becomes the first African American woman stagecoach driver, facing danger in the Wild West.

Georgia O'Keeffe
Series
Sale price
$1599

Georgia O'Keeffe

Ages 6–8 · 2018

Discover how a young dreamer became a groundbreaking artist.

Harriet's Ruffled Feathers
Sale price
$1799

Harriet's Ruffled Feathers

Ages 4–8 · 2022

A hat-loving society woman learns birds are dying for fashion and decides to fight back.

Louisa Learns to Write
Sale price
$1999

Louisa Learns to Write

Ages 7–10 · 2026

A spirited girl scribbling in her journal grows up to write a beloved classic.

Marjory's River of Grass
Sale price
$1899

Marjory's River of Grass

Ages 4–8 · 2025

Everyone called it a worthless swamp. One determined woman saw a river worth saving.

Venus
Sale price
$3564

Venus

Ages 7–10 · 2015

Explore Venus's myths and her role in Roman lore.

Taking Off
Sale price
$1899

Taking Off

Ages 4–8 · 2022

A young pilot defies wartime bans to deliver fighter planes, shaping history and fulfilling her flying dreams.

View all women in history picture books
Browse by age

Women In History Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about women in history for developing and independent readers.

Who Was Betsy Ross?
Series
Sale price
$699

Who Was Betsy Ross?

Ages 8–11 · 2014

Did Betsy Ross sew the first American flag? Discover her untold story.

Hamilton and Peggy!
Sale price
$1799

Hamilton and Peggy!

Ages 13–+ · 2018

In a war-torn world, Peggy navigates loyalty, love, and danger alongside Alexander Hamilton.

Matilda Bone
Sale price
$799

Matilda Bone

Ages 10–12 · 2000

A sheltered girl faces the chaos of Blood and Bone Alley, learning life's true lessons beyond books.

Isabel
Series
Sale price
$1095

Isabel

Ages 9–12 · 2000

A princess defies political schemes to choose her own destiny.

Love & War
#2 in Series
Sale price
$1099

Love & War

Ages 12–+ · 2018

War tests their love; can Alex and Eliza's marriage survive new battles?

Women Inventors 1
Sale price
$2393

Women Inventors 1

Ages 8–+ · 1995

Meet women whose clever inventions, from paper-bag machines to medicines and toys, changed everyday life.

Sonia Sotomayor
Sale price
$599

Sonia Sotomayor

Ages 7–9 · 2016

Discover the journey of the first Hispanic Supreme Court Justice.

View all women in history chapter books