Common Sense reading list: Stories of extraordinary women

Photo above by Seven Shooter used by permission via Unsplash.

Biographies of women and girls who’ve made their mark on history make great reading for girls and boys. With short takes and vibrant art, these books are inspiring all kids to dream big and work hard to accomplish great things.

The profiled women have broken barriers in science, the arts, politics, and more. Their stories show kids women who made a difference in the past and encourage kids to soar in the future.

During Women’s History Month, or any time of year, check out the book list below. And to find more awesome life stories, check out the Common Sense lists of Biographies and Civil Rights Books.

She Persisted: 13 American Women Who Changed the World

Short, inspiring profiles of groundbreaking women. For age 4+ 

By: Chelsea Clinton (2017)

She Persisted Around the World: 13 Women Who Changed History

Inspiring tales of great women who followed their dreams. For age 4+ 

By: Chelsea Clinton (2018)

She Persisted in Science: Brilliant Women Who Made a Difference

Inspiring bios of diverse pioneering women scientists. For age 4+ 

By: Chelsea Clinton (2022)

She Persisted in Sports: American Olympians Who Changed the Game

Lively stories of girls who broke barriers, smashed records. For age 4+ 

By: Chelsea Clinton (2020)

Ada Lovelace Cracks the Code

Inspiring bio of woman who published first computer code. For age 6+ 

By: Rebel Girls (2019)

Bold & Brave: Ten Heroes Who Won Women the Right to Vote

Lively tales of 10 who led the fight for women’s voting rights. For age 6+ 

By: Kirsten Gillibrand (2018)

Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls, Book 1

Inspiring, kid-friendly tales of extraordinary women. For age 6+ 

By: Elena Favilli, Francesca Cavallo (2016)

Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Real-Life Tales of Black Girl Magic

Inspiring stories of girls who became important Black women. For age 6+ 

By: Lilly Workneh (2021)

Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls 2

Stunning collection spotlights more bold girls and women. For age 6+ 

By: Francesca Cavallo, Elena Favilli (2017)

Muslim Girls Rise: Inspirational Champions of Our Time

Lively bios of remarkable Muslim women inspire, entertain. For age 6+ 

By: Saira Mir (2019)

Rebel Girls Lead: 25 Tales of Powerful Women

Exciting biographies of women leaders sure to inspire. For age 6+ 

By: Rebel Girls (2021)

She Persisted: Claudette Colvin

Well-crafted story telling of a teen civil rights hero. For age 6+ 

By: Lesa Cline-Ransome, Chelsea Clinton (2021)

She Persisted: Harriet Tubman

Humanizing story of a fierce, tender, trailblazing woman. For age 6+ 

By: Andrea Davis Pinkney, Chelsea Clinton (2021)

She Persisted: Helen Keller

Inspiring story of blind and deaf advocate for equal access. For age 6+ 

By: Courtney Sheinmel (2021)

She Persisted: Sally Ride

Inspiring biography of a groundbreaking female astronaut. For age 6+ 

By: Atia Abawi, Chelsea Clinton (2021)

She Persisted: Sonia Sotomayor

Engrossing look at first Latina Supreme Court justice. For age 6+ 

By: Meg Medina, Chelsea Clinton (2021)

She Persisted: Temple Grandin

Inspiring biography of brave woman with autism. For age 6+ 

By: Lyn Miller-Lachmann, Chelsea Clinton (2022)

Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Immigrant Women Who Changed the World

Inspiring tales of women pursuing dreams in a new land. For age 7+ 

By: Elena Favilli (2020)

Rad American Women A-Z: Rebels, Trailblazers, and Visionaries Who Shaped Our History … and Our Future!

Artful profiles of groundbreakers are fresh, inspiring. For age 7+ 

By: Kate Schatz (2015)

The Rebel Girls Handbook

Electrifying tales of girls’ positive impact over history. For age 7+ 

By: Rebel Girls (2022)

Rebel Girls Awesome Entrepreneurs: 25 Tales of Women Building Business

Inspiring stories and how-to guide for starting a business. For age 7+ 

By: Rebel Girls (2022)

Madam C.J. Walker Builds a Business

Inspiring bio of wealthy Black female entrepreneur in 1800s. For age 8+ 

By: Rebel Girls (2019)

Little Dreamers: Visionary Women Around the World

Inspiring bios of female artists and scientists worldwide. For age 8+ 

By: Vashti Harrison (2018)

Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History

Inspirational bios of trailblazing African American women.  For age 8+ 

By: Vashti Harrison (2017)

Women Who Dared: 52 Fearless Daredevils, Adventurers, and Rebels

Lively, bite-size bios of fearless females.  For age 8+ 

By: Linda Skeers (2017)

Rad Girls Can: Stories of Bold, Brave, and Brilliant Young Women

Inspiring stories of girls who made their mark on the world.  For age 10+ 

By: Kate Schatz (2018)

Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World

Lively, illustrated bios encourage girls to pursue STEM. For age 10+ 

By: Rachel Ignotofsky (2016)

Rad Women Worldwide: Artists and Athletes, Pirates and Punks, and Other Revolutionaries Who Shaped History

Engaging profiles of 40 amazing women in 31 countries. For age 11+ 

By: Kate Schatz (2016)

Girls Who Run the World: 31 CEOs Who Mean Business

Inspiring profiles of women who started their own companies. For age 12+ 

By: Diana Kapp (2019)

Brazen: Rebel Ladies Who Rocked the World

Lively, inspiring mini-bios of women who made a difference. For age 13+ 

By: Penelope Bagieu (2018)

These resources are provided by Common Sense Media. Check out their website for more guidance on how to choose quality books, movies, shows, and more for your kids.

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