Learn about women's contributions
with biographies for kids
Abzuglutely! Battling, Bellowing Bella Abzug
by Sarah Aronson

Shining a spotlight on the trailblazer who helped kickstart the modern women's movement, this compelling biography introduces readers to
the iconic and outspoken Jewish politician and activist who showed
the world a vision for the future—one where a woman's place was
in the House of Representatives. 
A Life Made by Hand: The Story of Ruth Asawa
by Andrea D'Aquino

Ruth Asawa (1926-2013) was an influential and award-winning
sculptor, a beloved figure in the Bay Area art world, and a devoted activist who advocated tirelessly for arts education. Delightful and substantial, this engaging title for young art lovers includes a page
of teaching tools for parents and educators..
Lucy! How Lucille Ball Did It All
by Amy Guglielmo

Lucy was not a proper little girl. She was sassy. She was bold. She
was funny. She was a rule-breaking, chance-taking, comedy pioneer. Can't act? Can't sing? Can't dance? Lucy proves them all wrong - and then has the last laugh when she finally lets her inner funny girl shine.
In 1951, the hit show I Love Lucy took television by storm, and has
made millions laugh ever since. Lucy! is the true story of how Lucille
Ball overcame the odds to become the world's Queen of Comedy.
Little People, Big Dreams: Beyoncé
by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara

As a child, Beyoncé was quiet but enjoyed singing and dancing.
She knew she was destined for a bigger audience. Today, she has received more grammy nominations of any artist in history. She is
one of the most influential people in the world - not just a performer,
but also a mother, a businesswoman, a philanthropist, and a role
model for all those who want to reach for the stars.
Revolutionary Mary: The True Story of One Woman, the Declaration of Independence,
and America's Fight for Freedom
by Karen Blumenthal

When the American Revolution started, Mary Katharine Goddard published important news that helped the fight against the British –
even if it meant that if she was caught, she’d be punished for treason.
In 1776, Mary became the only woman whose name is printed on the Declaration of Independence.
Claudette Colvin: I Want Freedom Now!
by Claudette Colvin

In 1955 Alabama, 15-year-old Claudette Colvin refuses to give up her bus seat, showing how one act can create lasting change, in a book written by the civil rights icon.
A Voice of Hope:
The Myrlie Evers-Williams Story
by Nadia Salomon

Honoring the remarkable life of the civil rights activist and singer,
this beautifully illustrated picture book chronicles her fight for equal
rights alongside her husband, Medgar Evers, and her journey to performing at Carnegie Hall to share her message of hope with
the world.
Make a Pretty Sound: A Story of Ella Jenkins, the First Lady of Children's Music
by Traci N. Todd

Learn about Ella Jenkins, an American folk singer dubbed
“The First Lady of Children's Music,” who grew up in Chicago,
found her calling in classrooms and seized an opportunity to raise
her voice for freedom alongside Martin Luther King Jr. 
Love Is Hard Work:
The Art and Heart of Corita Kent
by Dan Paley

Paints a portrait of the little-known but immensely influential pop-art
nun Frances Kent (a.k.a. Sister Corita), a Catholic nun and art teacher whose messages are just as relevant today as they were in years past.
Amazing Annie: The Spectacular and Mostly True Adventures of Annie Kopchovsky
by Stephen Krensky

Amazing Annie tells of one woman's remarkable adventure as
she cycled around the world, captivating local audiences along the
way with fancifully exaggerated stories of her escapades, and
proving that a Jewish immigrant woman can do much, much more
than society expects.
Up Periscope! How Engineer Raye Montague Revolutionized Shipbuilding
by Jennifer Swanson

After being assigned an impossible task by the US Navy, Raye
Montague designs a groundbreaking program that revolutionizes
the way ships and submarines are built, setting her on a path to becoming the Navy's first female program manager of ships.
Courage Like Kate:
The True Story of a Girl Lighthouse Keeper
by Anna Crowley Redding

This empowering picture book biography recounts the true story of
Kate Moore, a lighthouse keeper in the 19th century who kept the
flame lit to guide ships to safety, listened for cries of help and, time
and again, pulled men to safety.
A Crown of Stories: The Life and Language
of Beloved Writer Toni Morrison
by Carole Boston Weatherford

This inspiring true story of the Pulitzer Prize- and Nobel Prize-winning author shows how she went from being the only Black child in her
first-grade classroom—and the only student who could read—to becoming one of the greatest writers in modern history.
The Heartbeat Drum: The Story of
Carol Powder, Cree Drummer and Activist
by Deidre Havrelock

This jubilant celebration of preserving Indigenous traditions,
finding your voice and speaking out presents a powerful biography
of a Cree activist and musician to recount how she, despite
disapproval, formed her own drumming group called Chubby Cree,
led by women and children, to spread joy, healing and unity.
Bea Breaks Barriers!
How Florence Beatrice Price's Music
Triumphed Over Prejudice
by Caitlin DeLems

One of two Black students to be accepted to the New England Conservatory of Music, Florence Beatrice “Bea” Price pushed past systemic racism and sexism to become one of the greatest Black classical musicians.
Katie, Big and Strong: The True Story of the Mighty Woman Who Could Lift Anything
by Jenny Cooper

Explores the life story of circus strongwoman Katie Sandwina, who
not only lifted women athletes into the public eye but also fought for
the suffragette movement during the early years of the 20th century.
Bridges Instead of Walls:
The Story of Mavis Staples
by Mavis Staples

Painting a beautiful portrait of the civil rights activist and legendary
singer who's still performing in front of large audiences at 85 years
old, this picture book brings her story and her inspiring message of
love, faith and justice to young people.
Swinging into History: Toni Stone, Big-League Baseball's First Woman Player
by Karen L. Swanson

Young readers will cheer for Toni “Tomboy” Stone, the first woman
(and the first Black woman) to break into professional baseball, as
she overcame racism and inequality to make headlines when her performance in her first pro game left the crowd chanting her name.
Guts for Glory: The Story of Civil War
Soldier Rosetta Wakeman
by JoAnna Lapati

Through scratchboard art and quotes from the subject's letters, this picture book biography follows the life of Sarah Rosetta Wakeman,
who served in the Union army disguised as a man. Back matter
materials include an author's note, two glossaries, recommended reading, a timeline of events, and additional historical information.
Dream a Dress, Dream a Poem:
Dressmaker and Poet, Myra Viola Wilds
by Nancy Johnson James

This lyrical, gorgeously illustrated picture book biography celebrates
this little-known poet and includes a biography that provides context
to her life—the Great Migration, Jim Crow segregation—as well a photograph and a small selection of her poems. 
River Forest Public Library
735 Lathrop Ave, River Forest, Illinois 60305
(708) 366-5205
https://www.riverforestlibrary.org/