6 Picture Books Celebrating Women’s History Month!

Phillis’s Big Test, by Catherine Clinton
This book, set in Boston in 1773, is about a brilliant poet named Phillis Wheatley, the first African American to publish a book of poetry. Phillis Wheatley was a slave, forced to come over to the colonies on a slave ship form her native Africa. No one in Boston could believe that this 17-year old girl could write the poems herself, but Phillis believed in herself and her art and wouldn’t give up. She was forced to take a test in the public hall (in front of the governor of Massachusetts among others) to prove that she was in fact the author. An incredible true story that is sure to inspire another generation of female poets.

Miss Paul and the President: The Creative Campaign for Women’s Right to Vote, by Dean Robbins
I am embarrassed to admit that I had never heard of Alice Paul before opening this book, and this is a woman who deserves to be remembered! Alice was a suffragette out on the front lines fighting for the women’s right to vote. From leading parades down Pennsylvania Avenue to meeting with President Woodrow Wilson himself, this book will inspire any young activist!

Me… Jane, by Patrick McDonnell
This picture book tells the story of a young Dr. Jane Goodall, the famous primatologist and humanitarian. Fittingly, as a child Jane didn’t have an ordinary teddy bear: “Jane had a stuffed toy chimpanzee named Jubilee.” Jane and Jubilee loved to be outside in nature together, and when she was inside she would study all of the animals and plants she saw in her backyard. A lovely introduction to this great woman, complete with an inspiring message from Jane herself at the end of the story.

Viva Frida, by Yuyi Morales
This 2015 Caldecott Honor book showcases the life and work of the amazingly talented Mexican painter Frida Kahlo. The book itself is a visual delight. Yuyi Morales uses bright colors and puppets to paint a portrait of Frida’s vibrant life. The text is in English and Spanish, so this book is bilingual fun. “I create and so I live.” A beautiful message in any language.

Bon Appétit! The Delicious Life of Julia Child, by Jessie Hartland
Julia Child was a pioneer in the way we cook and eat in America. She wrote one of the classic cookbooks, Mastering the Art of French Cooking, that has inspired countless home cooks. She was also a total character, and therefor the perfect subject for a fun and lively picture book! Jessie Hartland takes us from her birth in 1912 in Pasadena, California to her marriage to Paul Child and then off to Paris and beyond. You’re sure to be hungry and smiling by the last page. (Luckily the book ends with a recipe for Julia’s Crepes!)

Hillary Rodham Clinton: Some Girls Are Born to Lead, by Michelle Markel
Politics aside, there’s no denying that Hillary Rodham Clinton is a true trailblazer. She was the first woman in U.S. history to almost make it to the Oval Office, and she did a ton of impressive stuff along the way. This fun and informative picture book does a great job of condensing Ms. Clinton’s impressive journey from Arkansas to Washington DC into a fast 40 (beautifully illustrated) pages. What a ride!