If you Google it, the \u201cYear of the Woman\u201d was back in 1992, when an unprecedented number of women took U.S. Senate seats. That was the first election I ever voted in, and it makes me pretty proud.<\/p>\n
And that was just the beginning! Kamala Harris is the first female vice president in our nation’s history, there are four women on the U.S. Supreme Court, and women make up more than a quarter of all members in Congress—the highest percentage in U.S. history and a significant increase from 1992. <\/p>\n
And that\u2019s just American politics.<\/p>\n
Sisters are seriously doin\u2019 it for themselves \u2014 and there\u2019s a slew of books that prove how women have been making history since the beginning of, well, history. Here are notable nonfiction titles for early and middle grade readers.<\/p>\n
no no 9781524741723 She Persisted<\/i> by Chelsea Clinton, illustrated by Alexandra Boiger <\/p>\n
Introduce your child to 13 persistent women who changed America. This bestselling picture book spotlights activists, politicians, and change-makers who stood up and spoke out for their beliefs. Other books in this series include She Persisted in Science<\/i><\/a> and She Persisted in Sports<\/i><\/a>. 9780593650165 All Rise: The Story of Ketanji Brown Jackson <\/i> by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by Ashley Evans <\/p>\n Whatever she did, wherever she was, Ketanji Brown Jackson rose to the top.<\/i><\/p>\n The first Black woman to serve on the Supreme Court, Ketanji is an inspiration and role model to children of all ages. She represents resilience, integrity, and excellence in the face of challenges and adversity, rising above her life\u2019s many obstacles. Young readers will thoroughly this picture book biography, with its repeating \u201cShe rose\u201d reframe and lively illustrations. 9780142407790 Celia Cruz, Queen of Salsa <\/i> by Veronica Chambers, illustrated by Julie Maren <\/p>\n Get to know Celia Cruz, a renowned Cuban-American singer and performer known for her vibrant voice and infectious energy. From humble beginnings in Havana, Cuba, to becoming a global icon and symbol of Latin music, this vibrant children\u2019s book is a testament to her hard work and talent. 9780593405888 I am Malala Yousafzai <\/i> by Brad Meltzer, illustrated by Christopher Eliopoulos <\/p>\n A Pakistani activist and Nobel Laureate, Malala Yousafzai defied the Taliban and fought for girls’ education, becoming a global advocate for human rights and an inspiration to millions worldwide. Brad Meltzer\u2019s Ordinary People Change the World series offers kids a fun, informative look at important historical figures; this one on Malala is no exception. 9780593403037 She Persisted: Wilma Mankiller<\/i> by Traci Sorell and Chelsea Clinton, illustrated by Alexandra Boiger and Gillian Flint <\/p>\n If your child loves the She Persisted picture books and wants to learn more, they\u2019ll enjoy the chapter books. Easy-to-read text, illustrations, and fun facts make these books perfect for newly independent readers to learn about women like Wilma Mankiller. She became the first woman Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation through her tenacity and hard work. 9780525645856 Mae Makes a Way<\/i> by Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich, illustrated by Andrea Pippins <\/p>\n Fashionistas will enjoy this biography about Mae Reeves, a hat designer who became the first Black woman to own a business on South Street in Philadelphia. Even though she faced many obstacles, her eye for fashion and desire to help women look their best made her a successful entrepreneur. 9781635923223 To the Front!<\/i> by Claudia Friddell, illustrated by Christopher Cyr <\/p>\n Meet \u201cThe Angel of the Battlefield\u201d in this story about Clara Barton. During the American Civil War, Clara and her team worked at the front, nursing the wounded, cooking, and providing medical supplies. Her passion for humanitarian work eventually led her to open the American Red Cross. 9781524793531 Who Was Ruth Bader Ginsburg?<\/i> by Patricia Brennan Demuth and Who HQ, illustrated by Jake Murray <\/p>\n Oh, how I love the Notorious R.B.G.! I will admit, though, that in some ways she was in the shadow of Sandra Day O\u2019Connor, the first woman elected to the Supreme Court. Today, Justice Ginsburg has evolved into her own cultural icon, warmly embraced by millennials. Her lifelong fight for women’s rights paved the way for significant advancements in gender equality, making her a revered figure and inspiration for many. 9781623540951 Troublemakers in Trousers<\/i> by Sarah Albee, illustrated by Kaja Kajfez <\/p>\n Throughout history, some women found it easier to get things done if they dressed in men\u2019s clothing. Young readers will learn about 21 women who crossed fashion boundaries or impersonated men to reach their goals. Kids will learn about these fascinating ladies, from ancient royals to artists and athletes. 9780448478630 Who Is Michelle Obama?<\/i> https:\/\/www.readbrightly.com\/books\/9780448478630\/who-is-michelle-obama-by-megan-stine-illustrated-by-john-obrien\/ by Megan Stine and Who HQ, illustrated by John O’Brien <\/p>\n Before she became the first African-American First Lady of the United States, Michelle was a smart and successful lawyer, having graduated from both Harvard and Princeton. As an activist and self-proclaimed “Mom in Chief”, she championed causes for health, education, poverty awareness, and more. She still serves as a positive role model for young girls who are learning about education, self-respect and family. 9780593224410 Who Was the Girl Warrior of France?: Joan of Arc<\/i> by Sarah Winifred Searle and Who HQ, illustrated by Maria Capelle Frantz <\/p>\n Kids who prefer reading graphic novels will love this full-color biography about Joan of Arc. Readers will learn about the teenager and how she became a fierce warrior and one of the most recognized names in French history. 9781465456885 100 Women Who Made History<\/i> https:\/\/www.readbrightly.com\/books\/9781465456885\/100-women-who-made-history-by-dk\/ by DK <\/p>\n In 100 Women Who Made History<\/i> kids learn how vital women have been to the world’s evolution, milestones, and progress. Be it through art, science, leadership, or entrepreneurship, this book highlights great women who made a mark on history. Funky \u201cbobble-head\u201d illustrations and photos are mixed with fun facts to profile well-known women like Rosa Parks and Catherine the Great, and lesser-known ladies like Wu Zetian, the only female to ever rule China, and Sarah Breedlove, America\u2019s first female self-made millionaire. 9780593224472 Who Sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott?: Rosa Parks<\/i> by Insha Fitzpatrick and Who HQ, illustrated by Abelle Hayford, colors by Hanna Schroy <\/p>\n The legendary story of Rosa Parks comes to life in this full-color graphic novel biography. Kids will learn about her famous bus ride and advocacy work during the civil rights movement. Her courage is still a source of inspiration for countless people today. 9780399578861 Rad Women Worldwide<\/i> https:\/\/www.readbrightly.com\/books\/9780399578861\/rad-women-worldwide-by-written-by-kate-schatz-illustrated-by-miriam-klein-stahl\/ by Kate Schatz, illustrated by Miriam Klein Stahl <\/p>\n Rad Women Worldwide<\/i> tells 40 biographies of amazing women spanning centuries, continents, and sensibilities. There are contemporary Colombian graffiti artists, ancient poets, mountain climbers, Nazi resisters, polar explorers, punk musicians, female kings, female pirates and, of course, Malala Yousafzi, the youngest Nobel Peace Prize winner.<\/p>\n
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