Reading aloud with your child—even if they can already read themselves—has many benefits. Children whose parents read aloud to them are more likely to have better literacy skills and language than those whose parents do not. In addition to promoting these skills, it also enhances the parent-child bond and relationship. And, of course, reading with your child can help foster a love of language and books.
March is Women’s History Month, which celebrates the contributions and achievements women have made over the course of history. March 8th is International Women’s Day, which is a “global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.” This year’s theme is “#EmbraceEquity,” particularly when it comes to gender equity.
Related: 17 must-have children’s books to celebrate International Day of the Girl.
We’ve rounded up some great picture books and other books to read aloud with your child—and don’t be fooled by the picture books: they’re great for any age, and they really lend themselves to reading aloud.
Add these books about inspiring women to your child’s bookshelf
This is a fun, informational illustrated collection of 40 profiles of women around the world—you might recognize Schatz from her other books: “Rad American Women A-Z”or “Rad Girls Can“. From Buffy Sainte-Marie to Josephine Baker to Poly Styrene to Venus and Serena Williams, this book is full of historical and contemporary women who made a difference. This one is probably most appealing for those 10 and up—reading aloud to them is important, too!—because of the layout and style, although those a little younger might also like it as well.
This gorgeous book—a Coretta Scott King Honor book, Christopher Award winner, and Junior Library Guild Selection—tells the story of Harriet Tubman in a way many people might not know. It traces her life before we knew her as Harriet. We see her as a suffragist, spy, liberator, little girl, nurse and more. There is an informative author’s note and resources in the back of the book.
Ever since she was two years old, Jazz knew she was a girl, not a boy. This picture book is based on Jennings’ own story and shares what it was like for Jazz as a little girl. It’s a great introduction to Jennings, an activist who was the youngest person ever featured in Out magazine’s “Out 100.”
Frida Kahlo is known for her self-portraits and colorful art. She also had many pets, and this book is a whimsical look at Kahlo’s life and the animals that inspired her art. The story looks at all of Kahlo’s pets that she had, and how she shared characteristics with each one—bravery, inquisitiveness and more.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg, or RBG, was known for her scathing and incisive dissents—but they were also thoroughly thought-out and detailed. She chose her words carefully, and though she was known for being outspoken, she was also known for her unlikely friendships with those with whom she disagreed. This biographical picture book tells the story of RBG and is sure to become a favorite.
They’ve likely heard of Rosa Parks, but there were many inspiring people behind the Montgomery bus boycott. Expand their view of history with the lesser-known story of Claudette Colvin–the teen whose activism set off the chain of events nine months earlier.
Celebrate the hardships and milestones of 12 Latina women born in the United States with this bilingual book that highlights extraordinary women in the areas of sports, journalism, science, aviation, activism, politics, airspace, arts and literature.
Written by the first Latina Supreme Court Justice, Sonia Sotomayor, this children’s book tells the story of growing up with a love of reading and how books helped her dream of a future in which anything is possible.
From singing in her family’s band to cementing herself as an icon of male-dominated Tejano music, this colorful and vibrant picture book depicts the life of trailblazing singer, Selena Quintanilla.
At just 16, Greta Thunberg is one of the world’s leading activists on the climate crisis. What started as a lone protest outside of the Swedish Parliament building with a sign that read “School Strike for Climate,” she’s paved the way for aspiring change makers and shown that even the youngest person can make a difference in the world.
This book in Harrison’s Little Leaders series collects the stories of 35 women creators from around the world. Profiles include Ada Lovelace, Marie Curie, Chien-Shiung Wu, and Zaha Hadid. While younger kids might like Harrison’s board books better, this book is a great read aloud for elementary and middle-schoolers.
This fun oversized board book is perfect for encouraging little ones to dream big and follow their dreams. The illustrations show women trailblazers and explorers with easy-to-follow text, and more information about each woman in the back of the book.
This non-fiction rhyming book features 11 Latinas who achieved greatness in various fields such as medicine, science, sports and politics. It’s written in both english and spanish and features Dolores Huerta, Selena and Sonia Sotomayor along with 8 additional outstanding women.
Mae Jemison was the first Black woman to travel to space, and this beautifully illustrated picture book tells the story of Mae as a young girl, wanting to be an astronaut. Not only is it perfect for those wanting to learn more about Jemison, but it’s an encouraging story for kids to follow their dreams.
On June 19, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, informing enslaved African Americans that they were finally free and that the Civil War was over. But it wasn’t until 2021 that it would be honored as a federal holiday. Celebrate the vision and tenacity of one of the women who made it happen–activist Opal Lee, the “Grandmother of Juneteenth” with a message of hope, unity, joy, and strength.
With unrelenting curiosity and a deep love of animals, Jane Goodall’s contributions to the world are hard to overstate. This gorgeous picture book paints a fascinating portrait of a life filled with wonder and discovery.
Fearless and fierce, Malala Yousafzai refused to follow the rules of the Taliban and nearly died for her defiance. Her infraction? Seeking education. This picture book tells the harrowing story of how she spoke out and teaches children that your voice really can make difference. (Note that it is obviously not light subject matter, so you may want to read it yourself before reading aloud and be ready for bigger discussions after.)
With awesome illustrations from Christian Robinson, this book he takes you on a beautiful journey through artist and activist Josephine Baker’s life. From her earliest days in the slums of St. Louis to the dazzling stages of Paris, she took her frustrations and turned them into amazing art. Through sharing her story with our children we can teach them that art is powerful and healing and oh-so-necessary.
Since the overwhelming success of their 2016 Kickstarter, Rebel Girls has graced the bedtime story routine of millions of young girls (and boys!) in 49 languages in over 85 countries. Their latest amplifies the amazing stories of 100 Black women and girls who have made their mark and celebrates Black girl magic all around the world. A thrilling addition to an ever-growing collection.
A board book for young and old that celebrates awesome women throughout history who have made amazing strides and changes.
A version of this post was published March 2, 2021. It has been updated.
