Were you aware March is both Women’s History Month and National Reading Month? What a great opportunity to combine those two themes for some compelling reading about impressive women! We’ve rounded up a collection of fiction and non-fiction books, written by and about women, for students of all ages.
Elementary
Little House on the Prairie series by Laura Ingalls Wilder (fiction)
While these stories are based on Laura Ingalls Wilder’s childhood, most librarians classify them as fiction, rather than autobiography. But what stories they are! They’ll transport young readers to the Midwest for a glimpse into what life was like for 19th century settlers. Young Laura and her family’s perseverance in the face of adversity is an inspiration for any kids who want to explore new frontiers.
Women Explorers: Perils, Pistols, and Petticoats! by Julie Cummins (non-fiction)
You’ve probably never heard of the ten explorers in this book, which is a shame because the bravery and curiosity of these women helped shape our understanding of the world. From Louise Arner Boyd, who ventured to unexplored Arctic seas, to Delia Akeley, who crossed Africa from coast to coast and lived with a pygmy tribe, this book introduces kids (and adults!) to forgotten explorers through a mix of stories and illustrations of their lives.
Sky High: The True Story of Maggie Gee by Marissa Moss (non-fiction)
This is the true story of Maggie Gee, one of only two Chinese-American women to fly for the U.S. Air Force during World War II. From Maggie Gee’s point of view, readers learn how her determination helped make her dream of flying a reality. Keep an eye out for an author’s note that provides a glimpse into where and what the actual Maggie Gee does today as well as period photographs.
Middle School
The Case of the Missing Marquess by Nancy Springer (fiction)
The first in a series, this tale chronicles the adventures of Enola Holmes, the much younger sister of Sherlock Holmes. When her mother disappears on her birthday, Enola knows that she alone can solve the case. Not only does she have to escape villains and find a kidnapped Marquess, but she also has to elude her interfering older brother, all while searching for her mother.
The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank (autobiography)
Anne Frank’s diary from her time spent in hiding during World War II shows the beauty of the human spirit even amidst the darkness of war. Thirteen-year-old Anne and her family faced incredible difficulties, including isolation, cramped quarters, and the constant fear of discovery, and Anne’s records of her experiences reveal both her deepest thoughts and her courage.
Women in Sports: 50 Fearless Athletes Who Played to Win by Rachel Ignotofsky (non-fiction)
Perfect for athletes and non-athletes alike! This book highlights the stories of fifty notable women athletes from the 1800s to today, including trailblazers, Olympians, and record-breakers in more than forty sports. Learn more about famous figures like gymnast Simone Biles and lesser-known champions like skateboarding pioneer Patti McGee–there are even fun illustrations and infographics!
High School
Frankenstein: or, The Modern Prometheus by Mary Shelley (fiction)
Written in response to a friend’s challenge to create a “ghost story” when she was just 18 years old, Shelley’s classic tale is a forerunner to the modern horror genre. This suspenseful tale, told in haunting, beautiful language, will push teens to examine questions of innocence and guilt and explore themes of isolation and the nature of life. Plus, students will finally discover that Frankenstein is the name of the doctor, not the monster!
Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi (graphic memoir)
This isn’t your average memoir! Powerful black-and-white comic strips tell the story of the author’s childhood in Iran during the Islamic Revolution, including the overthrow of the Shah’s regime, the triumph of the Islamic Revolution, and the effects of war with Iraq. Even students who are unfamiliar with memoir will be drawn in by this uniquely-told story and the portrait it paints.
Madame Curie: A Biography by Ève Curie (biography)
Marie Curie was impressive by all counts; she won not just one, but two Nobel Prizes for Physics and Chemistry, and she brought mobile X-ray units to soldiers on the front lines during World War I. Then, one of her daughters went on to become a scientist as well (also winning a Nobel Prize for Chemistry!), and the other became a humanitarian and writer, penning this biography of her mother. Spanning Marie’s childhood in Poland to her marriage to fellow scientist Pierre Curie to her scientific achievements in the study of radioactivity to her untimely death from the radium she studied, this is a great look at an extraordinary woman.