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MORE: Big List of Picture Book Biographies of Women Who Changed History: scientists, performers, writers and more! Read these books during Women's History Month, and all year long.

Picture Books about Women's Suffrage

Learn about the women who fought for the right to vote.

Miss Paul and the President: The Creative Campaign for Women's Right to Vote by Dean Robbins, illustrated by Nancy Zhang. Alice Paul, a suffragette and activist organized a protest outside the White House during Wilson's administration. She led parades, went to jail and even met with the president himself. Her creative tactics helped pave the way for the 19th amendment.

I Could Do That!: Esther Morris Gets Women the Vote by Linda Arms White, illustrated by Nancy Carpenter. Introduce your daughters and sons to the spunky Esther Morris, who from her childhood never forgot that "she could do that, too." Not a lot is known about the personal life of Morris, who was an important figure in Wyoming suffrage politics and eventually became a judge, but this picture book gives an entertaining take on what it might be like to be an outspoken female in the 19th century.

Around America to Win the Vote: Two Suffragists, a Kitten, and 10,000 Miles by Mara Rockliff, illustrated by Hadley Hooper. A fun picture book about two women, Nell Richardson and Alice Burke, who travelled across the country with a kitten, and a typewriter to spread the message that women should have the right to vote.

Elizabeth Started All the Trouble by Doreen Rappaport, illustrated by Matt Faulkner. The book starts with a sort of prologue starring Abigail Adams who issues a warning to her husband that if women were not included in the new laws for the United States they would start their own revolution. The story then skips ahead to 1840 when Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott start that very revolution.

MORE: Picture Book Biographies of Women Performers

Picture Books about Women Activists

These tireless women could not tolerate sitting idly by in the face of injustice. They are roll models any child can look up to.

Yours for Justice, Ida B. Wells: The Daring Life of a Crusading Journalist by Philip Dray, illustrated Stephen Alcorn. In post-Civil War America, anti-lynching activist Wells was one of the first successful Black Americans to win a legal battle in court. She wrote tirelessly against Jim Crow laws and refused to back down, even in the face of threats to her life.

The Mother of a Movement by Rob Sanders, illustrated by Sam Kalda. Jeanne Manford was a true mama bear! In 1972, after her son was beaten by police for handing out leaflets calling for gay rights, Manford wrote a letter to the New York Times professing unconditional support for her child. She organized a march and founded PFLAG (Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) to help motivate others to support the LGBTQ community.

MORE: Picture Books about LGBTQ History

Voice of Freedom: Fannie Lou Hamer: The Spirit of the Civil Rights Movement by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by Ekua Holmes. Poems tell the story of Fannie Lou Hamer's life, from her childhood as a sharecropper to her life as an activist. The text is emotional and doesn't gloss over Fannie's hardships; the collage illustrations are stunning.

Malala Yousafzai: Warrior With Words by Karen Leggett Abouraya, illustrated by L. C. Wheatley is a biography of the young Nobel Peace Prize recipient. Malala has become an inspiring voice for peace and education and even though her story is frightening at times, this is a good, age appropriate picture book.

Malala is one of the fearless women on our printable women card coloring pages. Check out all 8 of our featured women cards!

Brave Girl: Clara and the Shirtwaist Makers' Strike of 1909 by Michelle Markel, illustrated by Melissa Sweet. Clara comes to NYC dirt poor but full of grit. She works a miserable, backbreaking job at a garment factory. An extraordinary individual, she taught herself to read and led the largest walkout of women workers in U.S. History, despite being beaten and jailed for participating in labor strikes. Markel tells a valuable story of the history of women workers and the importance of fair labor practices, a story which still resonates today.

MORE: Picture Books about Protest and Civil Disobedience

Coretta Scott by Ntozake Shange, illustrated by Kadir Nelson. Here is a wonderful, lyrical recounting of the civil rights leader and wife of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Shange's words remind the reader of Scott's individuality, and the addition of Kadir Nelson's illustrations bring the story to life. An important addition to any classroom study of King.

MORE: Books about the Civil Rights Movement

Dolores Huerta: A Hero to Migrant Workers by Sarah Warren, illustrated by Robert Casilla. Warren portrays Huerta in her many roles as teacher, parent, protester and more. Her strength and determination to help the farmworkers led her to help organize a strike so they could achieve better working conditions and fair treatment under the law. The book includes great supplemental information in the afterward.

MORE: Books about the History of Labor

Stand as Tall as the Trees, Patricia Gualinga and Laura Resau, illustrated by Vanessa Jaramillo. As a child, co-author Patricia Gualinga lived in Sarayaku, inside the Ecuadorian rainforest. Her mother taught her that humans are connected to nature and to the forest. She describes how, as an adult, she and members of the Indigenous Kichwa went to the Court of Human Rights as part of their campaign to stop oil companies from taking over parts of the rainforest. Spoiler alert: they win. This is a gorgeous, well-written book about a crucial and timely issue.

MORE: Picture Books about the Environment

Write On, Mercy!: The Secret Life of Mercy Otis Warren by Gretchen Woelfle, illustrated by Alexandra Wallner. I love the story of Mercy because not only did she become an accomplished writer and political thinker before, during and after the American Revolution, she was surrounded by men who encouraged and valued her contributions, despite the prevalent belief that woman's role was to cook and sew.

MORE: Picture Book Biographies of Women Writers

Harlem's Little Blackbird: The Story of Florence Mills by Renée Watson, illustrated by Christian Robinson is the story of singer Florence Mills, who used her fame to fight for civil rights in the 1920s. She was well-known for her compassion for the less fortunate and for helping to advance the careers other African-American performers who faced profound racism.

Red Bird Sings: The Story of Zitkala-Sa, Native American Author, Musician, and Activist by Q. L. Pearce, illustrated by Gina Capaldi. Zitkala-Sa, left her home on the Yankton Sioux reservation in South Dakota to go to school in Indiana where she found solace in music. This picture book biography tells her story from her struggles due to being separated from her traditional culture, discovering her love of music as a child, to her activism on behalf of Native Americans.

MORE: Picture Book Biographies of Women Musicians

Jovita Wore Pants: The Story of a Mexican Freedom Fighter by Aida Salazar, illustrated Molly Mendoza. Growing up in rural Mexico in the 1910s, Jovita hated being forced to wear big skirts. So she fashioned her skirts into a pair of pants and went exploring with her brothers. When her father and brothers joined the Cristeros as part of the Mexican revolution, Jovita longed to join them. She eventually becomes involved, but the revolution brings tragedy to Jovita's family. Jovita does not back down, dressing "as Juan" and leading an army of peasants against the government. Back matter includes a lengthy and informative author's note.

MORE: Picture Book Biographies of Hispanic and Latino Luminaries

Aani and the Tree Huggers by Jeannine Atkins, illustrated by Venantius J Pinto. Atkins was inspired to write this book by events that took place in 1970, in India. Villagers protested the cutting down of their venerated trees by holding on to them. In this story, Aani, a young girl, leads the fight to protect the trees from tree-cutters who have official orders to cut them down. The trees are a source of food, shelter and comfort for the villagers. This is an interesting book to talk to kids about the many forms of protest. It's not always a march or a strike. It could be—literally—tree-hugging.

Picture Books about First Ladies

First ladies of the United States did not sit idly by while their husbands conducted business. Whether their contributions were political, social or cultural, many first ladies expressed a fierce devotion to making their country better for everyone.

Kids' Guide to America's First Ladies by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Anna DiVito. This is not a picture book, but I found it an excellent resource and goes beyond the dry facts of each women's life as first lady. Each woman's section can be read with your child as a discreet unit if you prefer. Includes first ladies through 2017.

Amelia and Eleanor Go for a Ride by Pam Muñoz Ryan, illustrated by Brian Selznick. I love this book which captures Eleanor Roosevelt's adventurous, convention-defying spirit. In 1933, two risk-loving women sneak away from a stuffy dinner party and go for the ride in the sky! Brian Selznick's black and white pencil illustrations capture the era perfectly.

Dolley Madison Saves George Washington  by Don Brown. Dolley was a popular first lady, whom many underestimated and lazily wrote off as a "socialite." It was Dolley, however, who stepped up to the plate as the soldiers fled the White House during the War of 1812 and rescued valuable state papers from the mansion, as well as the now-famous portrait of the first Commander-in-Chief. This book is great fun but also a serious look at the importance of courage.

Miss Lady Bird's Wildflowers: How a First Lady Changed America by Kathi Appelt, illustrated by Joy Fisher Hein. A picture book biography of Lady Bird Johnson's life and dedication to bringing the beauty of nature to America, including her role in the Highway Beautification Act.

When Jackie Saved Grand Central: The True Story of Jacqueline Kennedy's Fight for an American Icon by Natasha Wing, illustrated by Alexandra Boiger. Jackie Kennedy may have been a style icon, but she had grit and determination to make the world beautiful. This biography focuses onJackie Kennedy Onassis' role in the campaign to keep Grand Central from going the way of Penn Station.

Picture Books about Women Candidates and Legislators

Women run for office, serve the public as representatives and senators. This sampling of biographies tell the stories of these trailblazing politicians.

She Was the First!: The Trailblazing Life of Shirley Chisholm by Katheryn Russell-Brown, illustrated by Eric Velasquez. Russell-Brown's engaging biography of Chisholm narrates her journey from a young child with a talent for leadership to her life in politics. Readers will learn about how her experiences growing up in Barbados and New York influenced her desire to make change and fight on behalf of others. With the growing diversity in high political offices, this is an important read for children to learn about the long trajectory of the fight for representation and justice.

Hillary Rodham Clinton: Some Girls are Born to Lead by Michelle Markel, illustrated by LeUyen Pham. There are several picture book biographies about Hillary Clinton, I like this one as it offers an inspiring and positive message in the way it focuses on Hillary's journey in leadership, service and activism as a girl, young adult and grown woman in education, the law and politics. I also love Pham's appealing illustrations, especially the final pages which show Hillary in a group of her fellow inspiring female leaders.

Ballots for Belva: The True Story of a Woman's Race for the Presidency by Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen, illustrated by Courtney Martin. A fun biography of a woman who ran for president in 1884. Belva Lockwood was a determined woman. When her law degree was denied she appealed directly to President Grant and won. She argued a case before the Supreme Court, and she had the audacity to run for the highest office at a time when women couldn't even vote.

Sharice's Big Voice: A Native Kid Becomes a Congresswoman by Sharice Davids & Nancy K. Mays, illustrated by Joshua Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley. Sharice Davids, a member of the Ho-Chunk nation, became one of the first female Native American representatives in the U.S. Congress. In this memoir picture book, Davids describes her path growing up as a person who always looked for ways to serve others. After a time where she studied martial arts, worked in customer service and gave back to her community, she went to law school, eventually deciding to run for congress in the state of Kansas.

MORE: Picture Book Biographies of Native Americans

Phemonenal AOC: The Roots and Rise of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez by Anika Aldamuy Denise, illustrated by Loris Lora. While she may be a lighting rod for political arguments with your neighbor, this thoughtful and inspiring biography of Ocasio-Cortez, or "AOC" brings her humanity to the foreground. Growing up in suburban New York, AOC quickly noticed how few people in the community looked like her family, and that there were strong disparities of resources between neighborhoods, depending on the wealth of their inhabitants. She worked hard to succeed in school, got involved in activism and politics, and eventually became the youngest elected member of the House of Representatives.

Madam President: Five Women Who Paved the Way by Nichola D. Gutgold, and Abigail S. Kennedy, illustrated by Jane Ramsey. The book includes the stories of Margaret Chase Smith, Shirley Chisholm, Patricia Schroeder, Elizabeth Dole, and Hillary Clinton.

Picture Books about Women Lawyers and Judges

I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark by Debbie Levy, illustrated by Elizabeth Baddeley. I love this charming book about how Ginsburg never stopped disagreeing with ideas that put women and other underprivileged persons at a disadvantage.

Sonia Sotomayor: A Judge Grows in the Bronx / La juez que crecio en el Bronx by Jonah Winter, illustrated by Edel Rodriguez. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor's story will inspire everyone. The book follows Sonia as she grows up in poverty in the Bronx and gets an education. The book has a great, positive message and emphasizes how important it is to be surrounded by supportive friends and family.

When Esther Morris Headed West, Women, Wyoming and the Right to Vote by Connie Nordhielm Woldridge, illustrated by Jacqueline Rogers. If you made it to the end of this list congratulations, you probably noticed this is the second book about Ester Morris. I didn't know if I should include her under suffragettes or judges (women never stay in pat little boxes, do they?) so I thought what the heck, I'll just do both. This book focuses more on Morris in Wyoming rather than her childhood, but both books are worth reading.

The post Children's Books about Women in Politics and Women Activists appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

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MORE: Big List of Picture Book Biographies for Women's History Month - includes biographies of women in the arts, social sciences and more!

Natural Scientists and Biologists

Read and learn about women trailblazers who worked as doctors, naturalists, oceanographers, environmentalists and biologists.

The Doctor with an Eye for Eyes: The Story of Dr. Patricia Bath by Julia Finley Mosca, illustrated y Daniel Rieley. This is a wonderful biography Dr. Bath, who made significant contributions to medicine, including a treatment for blindness. Written in rhyme, the narrative flows well and the illustrations are engaging. End material, including a letter from Dr. Bath, photographs, a timeline and further details about Dr. Bath's life and work make this biography extra special.

Who Says Women Can't Be Doctors?: The Story of Elizabeth Blackwell by Tanya Lee Stone, illustrated by Marjorie Priceman. This fun picture biography brings to life a woman who persistently followed her goals and broke 19th century barriers to be allowed into medical school, faced the rejection of her fellow students and then her colleagues, all the while proving she was smarter than they were. I love the vibrant, energetic illustrations.

Just Wild Enough: Mireya Mayor, Primatologist by Marta Magellan, illustrated by Clémentine Rocheron. Cuban-American Mireya Mayor grew up in Miami with a passion for animals and dance. Eventually becoming a primatologist, she struggled to be taken seriously when others judged her based on her appearance. She became the first woman wildlife TV reporter for National Geographic and discovered a new species of lemur in Madagascar. I particularly loved how this biography emphasized that scientists can have lots of different interests.

MORE: Biographies of Latinx and Hispanic Luminaries

Life in the Ocean: The Story of Oceanographer Sylvia Earle by Claire A. Nivola. This book starts out with the quiet "investigations" of a girl watching a pond. When her family moves to Florida, Slyvia Earle starts her investigations of the Gulf of Mexico. Earle's love for the ocean and its life drift off the page, and this is a surprisingly moving book with lovely detailed illustrations that invite explore. It's a wonderful book to start a conversation with your kids, not only about the importance of ocean life to the planet, but how one's own interest can lead to a greater purpose.

MORE: Nonfiction Books about the Ocean and Marine Life

The Watcher: Jane Goodall's Life with the Chimps by Jeanette Winter. Winter's picture book biographies, with her spare but deliberate illustrative style, are very readable. Winter describes the out-of-the-box research and life of Jane Goodall and kids will come away with a richer understanding of what being a primatologist (and "a watcher") really is. For another Goodall biography, read Me . . . Jane by Patrick McDonnell.

The Tree Lady: The True Story of How One Tree-Loving Woman Changed a City Forever by H. Joseph Hopkins, illustrated by Jill McElmurry. In 1881, Katherine Olivia Sessions was the first woman to graduate from the University of California with a degree in natural science. After moving to a nearly tree-less city in San Diego, she advocated and spearheaded a campaign that transformed the area to a lush green land. I hope Sessions's story inspires other kids to make a difference in their community.

MORE: Books about Women in Politics and Women Activists

Summer Birds: The Butterflies of Maria Merian by Margarita Engle, illustrated by Julie Paschkis. One of the first known female naturalists, 13-year-old Maria has to catch and study insects in secret otherwise her 17th Century neighbors will accuse her of witchcraft. The metamorphosis of butterflies and moths, or “summer birds,” was not well-understood at the time and such creatures were considered “beasts of the devil.”

Rachel Carson and Her Book That Changed the World by Laurie Lawlor, illustrated by Laura Beingessner. Rachel Carson's groundbreaking book, Silent Spring, was a wake up call about the impact our use of chemicals has on the environment. Lawlor's biography looks at Carson's life from the beginning through the publication of her iconic work.

MORE: Books to Inspire Care for the Environment

Mama Miti: Wangari Maathai and the Trees of Kenya by Donna Jo Napoli, illustrated by Kadir Nelson. In 2004, Wangari Maathai was the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition for her work restoring trees to Kenya. Maathai’s story emphasizes the importance and cooperation of an extended community of women, and will make kids aware of the power of individuals to bring positive, long-lasting global change. As always, Kadir Nelson’s illustrations are stunning.

Wangari is one of the fearless women on our women cards coloring page! Click here to print the women cards coloring page for free!

The Elephant Scientist by Caitlin O'Connell and Donna M. Jackson, photography by Caitlin O'Connell and Timothy Rodwell. This book is a text-heavy book suitable for kids 8 and up, or for younger kids who may have an intense interest in elephants. Scientist Caitlin O'Connell studied elephants in Africa and made important discoveries about their behavior and how they communicate with each other. This is actually a really fascinating book, full of information not just about O'Connell, but about elephants and their habitat.  Adults will enjoy reading it just as much as the kids.

MORE: Middle Grade Books for Women's History Month

Women Inventors and Engineers

In addition to the selected books below, view our full list of biographies of women inventors, and inspire your kids with these fiction picture books about little inventors.

Classified: The Secret Career of Mary Golda Ross, Cherokee Aerospace Engineer by Traci Sorell, illustrated by Natasha Donovan. Guided by her Cherokee heritage and principles, Mary Golda Ross spent her life striving to excel. In school, she was the only female in her math class, which simply spurred her on even more. During WWII she worked on aircraft design and afterwards she was instrumental in developing secret projects at Lockheed. I hope this children's biography of Mary Golda Ross becomes part of every classroom's STEM curriculum!

The World is Not a Rectangle: A Portrait of Architect Zaha Hadid by Jeanette Winter. Born in Iraq, and educated in London, Hadid designed intriguing buildings around the world. As a Muslim woman, the road was not easy and she had to overcome the hurdle of prejudice. This biography is written simply, making it a great choice for the early elementary set. Make sure to look at photographs of Hadid's beautiful buildings, too.

Maya Lin: Artist-Architect of Light and Lines by Jeanne Walker Harvey, illustrator Dow Phumiruk. This beautifully illustrated picture book tells the story of Chinese-American Maya Lin, the architect and artist who created the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. It traces her journey from a girl who was fascinated by nature, building and learning about the art of structures to the college student who enters a contest to design the Memorial. An author's note gives further information.

Marvelous Mattie: How Margaret E. Knight Became an Inventor by Emily Arnold McCully. Mattie started inventing things when she was just a girl. She figured out how to make faster sleds, better kites and when she was twelve, she invented a device to protect loom workers. She also invented a machine to manufacture paper bags. The illustrations in this book are wonderful, flowing watercolors are accompanied by blueprint like drawings of Mattie's inventions.

Girls Think of Everything: Stories of Ingenious Inventions by Women by Catherine Thimmesh, illustrated by Melissa Sweet is actually not a 32 page picture book biography but I am sneaking it onto the list anyway. This book is a collection of stories about fascinating women and their inventions. Ages 8 and up.

Women Mathematicians, Physicists and Chemists

Nothing Stopped Sophie: The Story of Unshakable Mathematician Sophie Germain by Cheryl Bardoe, illustrated by Barbara McClintock. Despite the efforts of others, Sophie Germain was determined to pursue her interest in mathematics. Nothing, not even the French Revolution, could stop her. Her resilience and perseverance paid off and her work led to predicting vibration patterns, used later in architectural design.

Listening to the Stars: Jocelyn Bell Burnell Discovers Pulsars by Jodie Parachini, illustrated by Alexandra Badiu. This lyrical biography of Irish astrophysicist tells the story of how Burnell fought back against educators who insisted women couldn't study physics and went on to a successful career, leading to her discovery of how pulsing sound wave comes from a neutron star.

Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race by Margot Lee Shetterly, illustrated by Laura Freeman. This is the story of four amazing mathematicians, Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Christine Darden, who contributed to NASA's success by providing important calculations. But it wasn't easy and they had to overcome strong racial and gender barriers to succeed.

How to Hear the Universe by Patricia Valdez, illustrated by Sara Palacios. This is a fun biography about Gabby González that also introduces young kids to Albert Einstein’s theory about ripples in space-time (bet you didn't see that coming)! Decades after Einstein, González immigrated to the U.S. from Argentina, became fascinated by Einstein's theory, and set out to prove it.

Look Up!: Henrietta Leavitt, Pioneering Woman Astronomer by Robert Burleigh, illustrated by Raúl Colón. This book focuses on the intellectual life of woman who is now considered one of the most important astronomers. After she graduated, she got a job at Harvard Observatory, where–with other women–she counted stars for the male astronomers. However, Leavitt made discoveries about star brightness and distance calculations that made the other astronomers realize her value. Colon's illustrations are top notch, as usual.

Ada Byron Lovelace and the Thinking Machine by Laurie Wallmark, illustrated by April Chu. I love this illustrated biography of a woman who has recently been "discovered" as the first computer programmer. The daughter of the notorious poet, Lord Byron, Ada's math-loving mother raised her away from her. Ada has an inquisitive, curious mind and when she meets Charles Babbage (who invented the first mechanical computer), it is Ada who figures out how to program it. A fascinating and gorgeous book with fun details that will fascinate children.

Grace Hopper: Queen of Computer Code by Laurie Wallmark, illustrated by Katy Wu. From and early age, Hopper loved to figure out how things worked. Encouraged by her parents to study math and science, despite the domination of the field by men, Hopper's curious mind helped her persevere and her strength of mind led her to enlist in WAVES, the women’s division of the Naval Reserve, during WWII. Hopper remained in the Navy until she was 80 (!) solving incredibly complex computer programming problems.

Margaret and the Moon: How Margaret Hamilton Saved the First Lunar Landing by Dean Robbins, illustrated by Lucy Knisley. Margaret Hamilton grew up from being a curious girl who loved to solve problems to an MIT graduate who worked for NASA. She wrote a computer code that could solve any problem a spacecraft would encounter (which sounds like an impossible feat to me!)

MORE: Books about the Moon Landing

Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed, illustrated by Stasia Burrington. Not as text heavy as many picture book biographies, this is a wonderful book about the first African-American in space, Mae Jemison. The narrative focuses on the young Mae and her dreams to see the earth from space. When she learns she needs to be an astronaut to go into space, she learns as much as she can about the stars and what it takes to be an astronaut. Her parents encourage her to dream big, even in the face of others' skepticism.

MORE: Nonfiction Books about Space

Of Numbers and Stars: The Story of Hypatia by D. Anne Love, illustrated by Pam Paparone. In the 4th century Egypt, Hypatia, the daughter of a mathematician, received the kind of education most women were denied. The story follows Hypatia from childhood as her father dedicates himself to teaching her everything he knows, from activities like fishing, to the importance of grammar. When she grew up, men and women alike sought her advice on many topics. Fortunately, Hypatia's death at the hands of a mob is relegated to the author's note so that kids can focus on her learning and accomplishments.

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We March by Shane W. Evans

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We March is one of my favorite book on this list. The spare text and brilliant illustrations make this a wonderful book for children as young as 3 years old. The light, first person narrative tells the story of a family getting ready to march in the historic event. Illustrations depict crowds of people from all walks of life and celebrate the excitement the event generated and the power of peaceful protest.

A Sweet Smell of Roses by Angela Johnson, illustrated by Eric Velazquez

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A young girl, with her red-ribboned teddy bear, describes her experience as she and her sister slip out of their house to join a freedom march. The focus is very much on the sensory experience. They stand, "waist high" in the "bright light", "clapping in time with [their] feet." There's no mention about which march it is, but we know it takes place under Dr. King's leadership. This is another lovely book that emphases how children were an integral part in the fight for freedom and readers can pick out the plucky protagonist in the illustrations by her bear's ribbon, which matches the stripes in the flag.

MORE: Picture books by Black authors

Elementary School (and up)

Share these fantastically illustrated books about Martin Luther King, Jr with children ages 5 to 105.

I Have a Dream, speech by Martin Luther King, Jr, illustrated by Kadir Nelson

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Kadir Nelson's gorgeous illustrations accompany an excerpt from Dr. King's most famous speech. The paintings cover a broad range of images–from close ups of clasped hands, to views of the national landscape, to the crowd at the Washington Monument. The hardcover book includes a CD of the official recording and the entire speech is included at the end of the book. I find it impossible to listen to the speech without weeping; it's an essential experience for everyone.

Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by Doreen Rappaport, illustrated by Bryan Collier

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This is an excellent beginner's guide to MLK. It's informative, but not overly long as some picture book biographies can be. It gives a solid introduction to King's life and work, and is beautifully illustrated. This is a great choice for a kindergarten or first grade classroom.

Coretta Scott by Ntozake Shange, illustrated by Kadir Nelson

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Here is a wonderful, lyrical recounting of the civil rights leader and wife of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Although Shange's words remind the reader of Scott's individuality, the addition of Kadir Nelson's illustrations bring the story to life. An important addition to any classroom study of King.

A Place to Land: Martin Luther King Jr. and the Speech That Inspired a Nation by Barry Wittenstein, illustrated by Jerry Pinkney

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Written in free verse, Wittenstein and Pinkney's gorgeous book tells the backstory of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s famous speech. It's a fascinating look at the behind the scenes story and helps kids understand the work that goes into creating historical moments.

As Good as Anybody: Martin Luther King, Jr., and Abraham Joshua Heschel's Amazing March toward Freedom by Richard Michelson, illustrated by Raul Colón

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King experienced racism in the American South; Heschel endured antisemitism in Poland and Germany. Heschel was able to escape the tragic fate of family by immigrating to American. Witnessing racism in America reminded Heschel of antisemitism, spurred him to join the fight for equal rights, and he and King walked alongside one another. This is an excellent addition to your reading, and teaches kids about some of the allies that Black Americans had during the civil rights movement.

MORE: Picture books about Peace and Peacemakers

Middle School (and up)

The following titles are a selection of picture books, a graphic novel and biographies. With guidance, they can also be used for upper elementary students.

Martin Rising: Requiem for a King by Andrea Davis Pinkney, illustrated by Brian Pinkney

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This is a moving portrait of King told in a series of poems. Pinkney focuses on the last few months of King's life and readers will get a sense of the civil rights leader as a complex individual. I highly recommend reading the verse out loud. Includes extensive notes, timelines and sources at the end of the book.

Memphis, Martin, and the Mountaintop: The Sanitation Strike of 1968 by Alice Faye Duncan, illustrated by R. Gregory Christie

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In early 1968, two black sanitation workers were killed as a result of faulty machinery, leading to labor strikes. Several months later, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. came on to the scene to help, and on April 3 delivered his last notable speech, "I've Been to the Mountaintop." Duncan narrates the story through the voice of a 9-year-old girl, with the text alternating between verse and prose. Historical details and sources are included.

March On! the Day My Brother Martin Changed the World by Christine King Farris, illustrated by London Ladd

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Christine King Farris recounts her memories surrounding the March on Washington and listening to her brother's "I Have a Dream" speech. Reading Farris' narrative gives children an intimate and emotional look at the writing and delivering of King's speech. Ladd's bold illustrations reflect both the seriousness and the excitement of the time.

Ain't Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me 'round: My Story of the Making of Martin Luther King Day by Kathlyn J. Kirkwood,illustrated by Steffi Walthall

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I've always loved verse memoirs! Kirkwood describes her journey as an activist to her push to secure Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday as a recognized, national holiday. Her story will inspire kids to pursue their own passions and fight for what is right.

March (trilogy) by John Lewis, Andrew Aydin, and Nate Powell

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John Lewis, the congressman from Georgia is one of our greatest civil rights heroes. This graphic novel trilogy is Lewis' first hand account of his experiences during the civil rights movement and the "good trouble" he got up to. Lewis provides many personal details and focuses on the non-violent philosophy of the movement. Readers will be inspired to, in the words of Lewis, "When you see something that is not right, not fair, not just, you have to speak up. You have to say something; you have to do something."

Martin and Bobby: A Journey Toward Justice by Claire Rudolf Murphy

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Murphy's fascinating double biography is told in two parts. Part one looks at the events of April 1968 and part two looks at the years 1925-1967, focusing on the events that led the two men to shape their philosophies, and their growth as leaders. Readers will come away with a richer understanding, not just of the two men, but as to how their lives were deeply interwoven with each other and 20th century events.

MORE: President Books for Middle School

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We love these books for classroom use because each of them uses a unique approach to teaching kids about the presidents. Some of them take a wide-angle approach to the leader, but some zoom in on a particular aspect with illuminates the kind of person they were.

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For older children: Presidential biographies for middle school that teach critical thinking

George Washington

Action Presidents: George Washington by Fred Van Lente, illustrated by Ryan Dunlavey. For kids who love to get their facts and stories in a comic book format, the Action Presidents series is a good place to start. Lente and Dunlavely fit a surprising amount of information and juicy tidbits in an amusing and entertaining package. (So far there are also Action President books about Abe Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, and JFK)

Dear Mr. Washington by Lynn Cullen, illustrated by Nancy Carpenter. This is a funny picture book about the children of George Stuart, George Washington's portraitist. The story contains fun details about the life in the 18th century as described in the epistolary narrative by Charlotte Stuart.

John, Paul, George & Ben by Lane Smith. Yes, I do realize that John and Paul were never president. This book is best appreciated by kids who already know their history, and also by adults. I always appreciate a children's book with jokes adults will find humorous. The book takes well-known characteristics about the men (Hancock's signature, Washington and the cherry tree, etc.) and turns them into a witty joke. Notes at the end of the book separate fact from fiction.

Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson: Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Everything by Maira Kaiman. I like Kaiman's balanced look at Jefferson. She discusses his intellectual life, friendships with the other "Founding Fathers," as well as contradictions such as the disconnect between his views on slavery and his actual practices. Kaiman's whimsical, colorful illustrations take readers on a journey through Jefferson's life that, unlike many picture book presidential biographies is not overwritten.

Thomas Jefferson Builds a Library by Barb Rosenstock, illustrated by John O'Brien. This presidential biography celebrates Jefferson's intense love of books. It traces his life as it relates to books and his love of reading, from his origins and a book-loving kids to a father who insisted his kids read, to the writing of the Declaration of Independence, his Presidency and the founding of the Library of Congress. This is a lively discussion and portrait and includes an author's note with more detailed information.

MORE: Civics and government books for middle schoolers

John Quincy Adams

Dangerous Crossing: The Revolutionary Voyage of John Quincy Adams by Stephen Krensky, illustrated by Greg Harlin. Here's a presidential adventure tale! This book tells the story of how, in 1778, John Adams took his son on a secret mission to France. I found this to be a fascinating and engaging tale about an event I knew nothing about. Vivid and detailed text describes the hardships as well as excitement of the voyage and the atmospheric illustrations add to the experience.

James Madison

Dolley Madison Saves George Washington is a nice change from the usual presidential biography. Life in politics is not all about making laws and fighting with Congress. Dolley was a popular first lady, whom many underestimated and wrote off as a "socialite." It was Dolley, however, who stepped up to the plate as the soldiers fled the White House during the War of 1812 and rescued valuable state papers from the mansion, as well as the now-famous portrait of the first Commander-in-Chief. Great fun but also a serious look at the importance of courage.

Abraham Lincoln

Lincoln Tells a Joke: How Laughter Saved the President (and the Country) by Kathleen Krull and Paul Brewer, illustrated by Stacy Innerst. Not only is this a clever and quirky approach to a biography of the 19th century's greatest president, but it suggests that we all might approach life with a little humor.

Abe Lincoln's Dream. I'm a big fan of Lane Smith's illustrations, although I sometimes think as an author he doesn't quite hit the mark. However, I really enjoyed his unique take on Lincoln's story. A young African-American girl meets Lincoln's ghost on a White House tour. The two of them go flying across the country and share their dreams, both large and small, while also telling jokes. Quincy (the girl) fills Abe in on some of the progress the country has made, while also suggesting more progress is necessary.

MORE: Big list of books about African-American history

The Roosevelts

Teedie: The Story of Young Teddy Roosevelt by Don Brown tells the story of Teddy as frail but intelligent boy who relied on his strong mind to overcome the shortcomings of his health. (He was asthmatic and didn't even know how nearsighted he was until the age of 13!) The focus is on Teddy's youth, but the book covers his rise as a child of one of New York's wealthiest families (I dislike when books gloss over the privileged background of many of the country's leaders; thankfully this book did not do that.) all the way through to his becoming a leading political figure and eventually the president.

The Camping Trip that Changed America by Barb Rosenstock, illustrated by Mordecai Gerstein. After reading a book by naturalist John Muir, Theodore Roosevelt sought out the man to show him the wilderness. The two men went on a solo camping trip in Yosemite Valley (a gorgeous place I highly recommend visiting) and Muir regaled Roosevelt with stories of his experience as well as discussing the importance of protecting the land from development. The result of the trip was that Roosevelt went back to Washington and started a campaign to preserve the wilderness.  Gerstein's illustrations are full of movement that mirrors the exuberant, boyish fun the two men have on their adventure.

Amelia And Eleanor Go For A Ride. by Pam Muñoz Ryan, illustrated by Brian Selznick. You would be hard pressed to discuss the years of FDR without mentioning his formidable wife. I love this book which captures Eleanor Roosevelt's adventurous, convention-defying spirit. In 1933, two convention-defying, risk-loving women sneak away from a stuffy dinner party and go for the ride in the sky! Brian Selznick's black and white pencil illustrations capture the era perfectly.

MORE: Picture book biographies of women in politics

John F. Kennedy

Kennedy Through the Lens: How Photography and Television Revealed and Shaped an Extraordinary Leader by Martin W. Sandler. This is a text heavy book that is geared for middle school kids and up but I found it fascinating and my kids enjoyed looking at the photos and we used them to discuss Kennedy's legacy as a President and the big role the visual media plays in current presidential life. My astute 10 year old drew parallels between JFK's children and the Obama girls. It's also a gorgeous book.

MORE: Books about the Civil Rights Movement

Barack Obama

Barack Obama: Son of Promise, Child of Hope by Nikki Grimes, illustrated by Bryan Collier. Acclaimed poet Nikki Grimes penned this biography within the framework of a mother and son watching Obama on the television, and the mother then telling the story of Obama's youth. The story focuses on Obama's childhood experiences in Hawaii, Indonesia, his relationship with his father and his search for a way to try and bring people together. A great talking point with your kids after reading this book would be how they view their own community, and what kind of leadership role they can take in it.

Books about All the Presidents

Yo Millard Fillmore!: (And all those other Presidents you don't know) by Will Cleveland and Mark Alvarez, illustrated by Tate Nation. This is not actually a picture book, yet my older son did enjoy looking through it even though he describes himself as "not that into history." Lots of random facts about each man and a clever way for remembering everyone's names keeps kids interested.

Rutherford B., Who Was He?: Poems About Our Presidents by Marilyn Singer, illustrated by John Hendrix. This look at the presidents through poetry is a fun addition to your President's Day reading. I don't really recommend reading them all at once; it can be a bit overwhelming, but use the book as a supplement or read a few poems each day. Since we incorporate poetry in our daily life, this was a fun book for us. An author's note includes a very brief biography of each man.

MORE: Books about elections and voting

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Check out these fascinating fact books on all kinds of subjects. You're sure to find just the right book to mesmerize your little knowledge-seeker. And don't forget, you can find even more topics in the index of all our kids book lists.

(Note: this post contains affiliate links that earn from qualifying purchases.)

Fact Books for Pre-K and Lower Elementary Kids

These first fact books are excellent choices to spark the curiosity of 4-7 year olds, but the information will astound even the oldest among us!

National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Why by Amy Shields. What kid doesn't ask a ton of why questions! I adore this series from National Geographic. The large hardcover books are easy to hold in a lap and full of gorgeous photos. The why answers in this book cover everything from the human body to space. Plus! My favorite part is that the book encourages kids to apply the knowledge with easy to do activity suggestions.

Fact Books for Upper Elementary and Middle School

The complexity and subject matter of these fact books are great for kids ages 8 through middle school, although even high schoolers may enjoy the secrets that hide between the covers!

FACTopia (series) by Kate Hale. The outstanding FACTopia series includes several themed volumes. The short and fascinating details of outrageous facts peak in these books peak kids' curiosity. What I love about FACTopia! is that it takes readers on a journey rather like a game, in which the readers is led down a trail of information which is all somehow connected, but still distinct. Think of it as "400 degrees of Kevin Bacon."

5,000 Awesome Facts (About Everything!) from National Geographic Kids. I believe we had this book checked out of the library for six months! My kids could not get enough of it. My older son, especially, LOVED it and seemed remembered every detail!

MORE: These nonfiction books about the ocean will enchant sea-loving kids

Ultimate Weird but True: 1,000 Wild & Wacky Facts and Photos from National Geographic Kids. Who doesn't like random and totally bizarre facts? There are several compact versions of Weird but True books, perfect for traveling, with 300 facts each, including my favorite one focusing on history: Ye Olde Weird but True: 300 Outrageous Facts from History.

Quiz Whiz: 1,000 Super Fun, Mind-bending, Totally Awesome Trivia Questions. At the risk of sounding like a National Geographic advertisement, I will recommend yet ANOTHER book series from them. What can I say, the NG people really know their stuff. Be prepared, however, to be the recipient of many quizzes after you put this book in the hands of your child.

The Way Science Works by Robin Kerrod. DK Publishing has loads of these large, illustrated, encyclopedia type books. The format includes copious photographs and explanations that kids can delve into.

How to Be a Genius: Your Brain and How to Train It from DK Publishers. Wouldn't we all love to know the answer to that question!!! My older son also loves the companion book, How to Be a Math Genius. The book explains the facts behind how the human brain processes and stores information, as well as including a plethora of puzzles, brain teasers and activities to keep growing minds busy (and learning).

MORE: Lots more math facts in these fun math reference books for upper elementary kids

G Is for Googol: A Math Alphabet Book and Q Is for Quark: A Science Alphabet Book, by David M. Schwartz. Don't be fooled by the "alphabet book" style of these books. They are not books for preschoolers! From A is for Algebra to Z is for Zzzzzz (I'm not giving that one away!), there are some intensive, yet approachable explanations for kids who love their S.T.E.M subjects.

MORE: 55 Science picture books for kids

National Geographic Kids World Atlas. If your kids love geography and maps be sure to have a good atlas! I like this one because not only does it include loads of facts, but there are games and puzzles to help kids learn and retain the information. Be sure to check you are getting the most recent edition!

MORE: Books for kids who love geography

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This list includes nonfiction and fiction books. Both types of stories offer viewpoints that help readers gain perspective about historical events and experiences, as well as how they affect policies and attitudes of present day Americans.

(Note: this post contains affiliate links that earn from qualifying purchases.)

Nonfiction

Turning 15 on the Road to Freedom: My Story of the Selma Voting Rights March by Lynda Blackmon Lowery, as told to Elspeth Leacock and Susan Buckley, illustrated by PJ Loughran. This book is an appealing, conversation-style first person narrative by the youngest person to march all the way from Selma to Montgomery. Lowery describes her experience being jailed nine times (all before the age of 15) and beaten on Bloody Sunday in Selma, Alabama in a way that speaks directly to children and tells them they have a voice and can be history makers, too.

MORE: Civil Rights Picture Books for Kids

28 Days: Moments in Black History that Changed the World by Charles R. Smith, Jr., illustrated by Shane W. Evans. For each day in February, the book introduces readers to a different African-American who made an impact. Three Supreme Court decisions and a constitutional amendment are also included. Although the format of the book does not support in-depth biographies, the book is chock full of interesting and important information that will inspire kids to seek out further resources.

The Port Chicago 50: Disaster, Mutiny, and the Fight for Civil Rights by Steve Sheinkin is about a little known event in 1944 in which war and civil rights collided. 244 African-American soldiers refused to follow a command which they felt would have put them at unnecessary risk. For their stand, they were charged with mutiny. Sheinkin's book looks at the event, what led up to the mutiny and how differently the armed services treated its white and black soldiers. Fascinating.

Never Caught, the Story of Ona Judge: George and Martha Washington’s Courageous Slave Who Dared to Run Away (Young Readers Edition) by Erica Armstrong Dunbar and Kathleen Van Cleve. Dunbar and Van Cleve have written an extremely readable biography detailing what Ona Judge’s life would have been like, how the Washingtons viewed slavery, how they treated their slaves, and crucially, how they pursued Judge after she escaped. This book is an eye-opener for children whose views of Washington were formed around the cherry tree myth. Did you know Washington attempted to break his own fugitive law in order to capture Judge? Not exactly the picture of a fair and just leader. That said, even though the author’s sympathies clearly lie with Judge, the book does not demonize the president.

MORE: Biographies of African-American Women

Fiction

The People Could Fly by Virginia Hamilton. Celebrated children’s author, Virginia Hamilton, wrote this wonderful collection of Black American folktales. There are several categories of tales ranging from animal trickster legends, stories of the supernatural and tales of freedom. At the end of each short story, Hamilton includes her notes on the origin of the tale and its dialect.

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor. Published in 1976, (and on my list of must read books from the 1970s) this is the story of how Cassie and her family are deeply affected by racism during the 1930s in rural Mississippi. The novel touches on the importance of land ownership for Black Americans.

MORE: African-American History Books for Kids

The Lions of Little Rock by Kristin Levine, is set during the 1958 Little Rock school closures. Marlee makes friends with Liz, the new girl, but when Liz suddenly leaves school Marlee discovers Liz was "passing." The two continue the friendship in secret while Marlee joins a group that works to reopen the schools. Marlee faces the typical social challenges of being 13 but also sees the ugliness of institutionalized racism and how frightening and dangerous it can be.

Elijah of Buxton by Christopher Paul Curtis. In the 1860s Elijah becomes the first free child born to runaway slaves in a colony in Canada. His family sees him as "fragile", crying too easily or getting scared or hurt. The first part of the book is filled with humorous antics surrounding the community of Buxton. Later, Elijah makes the decision to travel to America to help a friend recover money that was stolen from him and the nature of freedom stares him straight in the eye.

The Way to Stay in Destiny by Augusta Scattergood. Just after the war, Theo lives with his uncle, a Vietnam vet, in a boarding house. While he tries to solve a local mystery involving a famous baseball player, Theo makes friends with the proprietor of the dancing school, who lets him play the piano.

MORE: Middle Grade Books by Black Authors

One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia. It's 1968 when 11-year-old Delphine and her sisters travel from New York to Oakland to stay with the mother who abandoned them seven years earlier.  Their mother enrolls them in a day care run by the Black Panthers. Williams-Garcia's writing is splendid, with interesting characters. It was a hard-to-put-down kind of book and an great story to show kids how politics infuses daily regular life.

The Harlem Charade by Natasha Harpley. Good deeds bring Jin and Alex together. When they meet the homeless Elvin, he tells his new friends about a mystery surrounding his grandfather, who was just attacked and is now in a coma. Rare paintings by a mysterious artist of the 1960s is at the heart of it all. Harpley has deftly woven past and present in this spirited tale in which the culture and vibrancy of Harlem are center stage.

MORE: Anti-Bias Middle Grade Books

Chains (series) by Laurie Halse Anderson. A compelling trilogy of slavery in the North. During the American Revolution a 13-year-old slave belonging to a ruthless Loyalist family, Isabel, yearns for freedom. She meets Curzon who encourages her to spy for the Rebels. The second book, Forge, is told from Curzon's, point of view. in the final book, Ashes, Curzon and Isabel seek to free Isabel's sister, Ruth, who is enslaved in the South.

The post Middle Grade Books for Black History Month (Ages 8-13) appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

Use these children's books and picture book biographies to start a conversation with your children, helping them find their passions, and overcome obstacles, whether perceived or real. Talk about the steps the books' characters took that helped them achieve their goals.

Your reward will be the joy you see in your children's faces as they take a leap towards fulfilling their dreams!

Note: this list contains Amazon and Bookshop affiliate links. Purchases made through these links may earn a commission for this blog. Bookshop also supports independent bookstores.

Fiction

Nigel and the Moon by Antwan Eady, illustrated by Gracey Zhang

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Nigel loves to look at the moon and imagine the person he could become, but he fears that he might not be able to achieve all that he hopes. With career day on the horizon, Nigel worries that his parents' jobs aren't glamorous enough. However, he is pleasantly surprised when his classmates show a keen interest in his parents' jobs and Nigel gains the confidence to share his own dreams with others. A wonderful, wonderful book! Ages 4 and up.

The Treasure by Uri Shulevitz

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Isaac has a dream that he should go and look for treasure under the bridge by the Royal Palace. He feels quite foolish doing so, but cannot ignore the command. The poor, elderly man sets off on the journey only to find a heavily guarded bridge and a guard with his own dream. Isaac's reverse journey has an interesting narrative repetition. The overall story is different than the others on this list, and I encourage you to spend time talking about it with your children. It's a rather quiet tale of trust and faith, with the message "sometimes one must travel far to discover what is near." Ages 5 and up.

The Magical Yet by Angela DiTerlizzi, illustrated by Lorena Alvarez

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As a parent or educator, you may be familiar with the advice to teach kids the power of "yet." The Magical Yet encourages children who might be struggling to find motivation to achieve a goal. They might feel they can't do something. Add a single word, "yet," to an "I can't" sentence and they can transform their attitude and try new things! I love the vivid illustrations and the optimistic, bouncy rhythm of the text. Ages 4 and up.

A Sky-Blue Bench by Bahram Rahman, illustrated by Peggy Collins

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Aria, who lives in Afghanistan, has a prosthetic leg which prohibits her from sitting with her peers. But she is determined not to let that stop her from joining school lessons. A bench would allow her to sit comfortably, but since there is no money to purchase a bench, Aria must come up with a creative solution. A wonderful book about having a dream to get an education, and working within the constraints of hardships, community support and perseverance. Ages 4 and up.

Biographies

Emmanuel's Dream: The True Story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah by Laurie Ann Thompson, illustrated by Sean Qualls

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Emmanuel was born in Ghana with only one leg. Most children with disabilities didn’t go to school, but Emanuel was determined and hopped two miles each way to attend school. After his mother died, he decided to honor her last words by proving “that being disabled does not mean being unable.” He completed the astounding feat of bicycling 400 miles in 10 days. An author’s note describes his continuing work and successes on behalf of disabled persons in Ghana. Ages 5 and up.

Drum Dream Girl: How One Girl's Courage Changed Music by Margarita Engle, illustrated by Rafael López

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This wonderful picture book is inspired by the life of Millo Castro Zaldarriaga, a Chinese-African-Cuban girl. Millo bucked Cuba's taboo against female drummers and became a famous musician, even playing the bongos at a birthday celebration for FDR. The book is a poem, following a girl's longing to beat on all sorts of drums: congas, bongos, and timbales. She practices secretly until finally she is allowed to share her gift with the world. Rafael López's illustrations are absolutely stunning. Ages 4 and up.

MORE: Biographies of Hispanic and Latine Luminaries

A Splash of Red: The Life and Art of Horace Pippin by Jen Bryant, illustrated by Melissa Sweet 

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Horace Pippin was a self-taught painter. After being shot in the arm during WWI, he worked steadily to learn how to use his arm again to create art. There are so many things I love about this book, and you come away from it with a strong sense of how Pippin used art to interpret the world. Pippin suffered from poverty, the psychological and physical costs of war, but still, his talent propelled him to create. Ages 5 and up.

Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed, illustrated by Stasia Burrington

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Not as text heavy as many picture book biographies, this is a wonderful book about the first African-American in space, Mae Jemison. The narrative focuses on the young Mae and her dreams to see the earth from space. When she learns she needs to be an astronaut to go into space, she learns as much as she can about the stars and what it takes to be an astronaut. Her supportive parents encourage her to dream big, even in the face of others' skepticism. Ages 4 and up.

Who Says Women Can't Be Doctors?: The Story of Elizabeth Blackwell by Tanya Lee Stone, illustrated by Marjorie Priceman

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This entertaining book brings to life the story of a woman who persistently followed her goals and broke 19th century barriers. Elizabeth Blackwell refused to be defeated by social definitions, attended medical school, faced the rejection of her fellow students and then her colleagues, all the while proving she was smarter than they were. Ages 5 and up.

MORE: Picture Book Biographies of Women Who Changed the World

The Boy Who Drew Birds: A Story of John James Audubon by Jacqueline Davies, illustrated by Melissa Sweet

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John James could do a lot of things, but what he loved to do best was watch birds from morning till night. Born in France, his father sent him to America when he was eighteen, where–predictably–he obsessed over birds. Davies describes how Audubon relentlessly observed the habits of birds, making important discoveries about migration. Kids can learn a lot from Audubon's patience, determination and passion for learning. Ages 6 and up.

Dare the Wind by Tracey Fern

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In the 19th century, women did not navigate ships, but Ellen's father saw his daughter's love of the sea and nurtured it. She grew up, married a sea captain and accompanied him on his merchant voyages. In 1851 the Flying Cloud, in large part due to the navigational skills of Ellen, sailed around Cape Horn from New York to San Francisco in a record-breaking 89 days, 21 hours. Both the text and the illustrations will make your child feel as though he is on the sea, with Ellen and the clipper. Ages 5 and up.

MORE: Books about Explorers and Adventurers

Fifty Cents and a Dream: Young Booker T. Washington by Jabari Asim, illustrated by Bryan Collier

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Asim tells Washington's story in beautiful free verse. Born a slave, Washington was determined to get an education. After Emancipation, he walked 500 miles with a dream of earning a college degree. Washington's persistence is inspiring and doubly so when considering the hardships, hate and obstacles he faced. Collier's illustrations are absolutely gorgeous. Ages 4 and up.

MORE: Biographies of Lesser Known Black Heroes

The Right Word: Roget and His Thesaurus by Jen Bryant, illustrated by Melissa Sweet

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When someone says "inspiring people" you might not immediately think of Peter Roget (or at all), but the boy who loved to make lists and had a passion for words grew up to be not just an accomplished doctor, but an inventor and the man whose name now graces the shelves of every serious wordsmith. The book shows us that you can be a quiet person, but with passion and a love for learning, thinking and tinkering, you can follow your dreams and achieve much. Lovely, lovely artwork by Melissa Sweet and an interesting historical note make this a must read book. Ages 6 and up.

Jim Thorpe's Bright Path by Joseph Bruchac, illustrated by S.D. Nelson

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Thorpe had a traumatic childhood. His parents and brother died, and he was sent to an Indian boarding school. These boarding schools were designed to strip Native Americans of their cultural identity, and the students were expected to enter society as servants and manual laborers. Thorpe avoided this bleak prospect to become one of the greatest athletes of all time. Publisher Lee and Low has an excellent teacher's guide to go along with the book. Ages 7 and up.

MORE: Native American and Indigenous Biographies in Picture Books

Sonia Sotomayor: A Judge Grows in the Bronx / La juez que crecio en el Bronx by Jonah Winter, illustrated by Edel Rodriguez

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Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor's story will inspire everyone. The book follows Sonia as she grows up in poverty in the Bronx and gets an education. The book has a great, positive message and emphasizes how important it is to be surrounded by supportive friends and family. (Bilingual) ages 4 and up.

MORE: Biographies of Women Activists

Me . . . Jane by Patrick McDonnell

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Jane Goodall's childhood is full of dreams. She spends her days out in the natural world and dreams of helping and living with animals. As she grows up she moves from butterflies to small animals and finally to the chimps for which she is so famous. I particularly like the way McDonnell juxtaposes photographs of Jane Goodall with his illustrations, capturing Jane's hopes in both her childhood dreams and her eventual realization of those dreams. Ages 3 and up.

Wilma Unlimited: How Wilma Rudolph Became the World's Fastest Woman by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by David Diaz

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Wilma grew from a 4 pound baby to be one of the fastest women in the world and competing at the Olympics. This is amazing, considering that after a childhood bout with polio, doctors thought her leg was permanently damaged. Wilma worked through her injury as a young girl, earned an athletic scholarship and won three Olympic gold medals. My kids were fascinated with the idea that she won her medals even though she had a twisted ankle! Ages 6 and up.

MORE: Picture Book Biographies of Women in Sports

Trombone Shorty by Troy Andrews, illustrated by Bryan Collier

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Troy Andrews wrote this autobiographical picture book about how he grew up in a music-rich environment. When he found a broken instrument he started playing the trombone, he earned the nickname, Trombone Shorty. He played and practiced hard and grew up to be a Grammy nominated multi-instrumentalist. Ages 4 and up.

The post Best Books to Inspire Kids to Follow Their Dreams appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

Most of the books on this list are picture book biographies, focused on a single individual, but a few are middle grade chapter books or collections. The biographies and autobiographies describe the inspiring lives of people across a wide spectrum of experiences, from artists to athletes, from scientists to politicians!

A quick note on identity as it pertains to this book list. Latino and Hispanic designations encompass a wide range of identities and experiences. A few books focus on members of Indigenous communities who may not consider themselves "Latino." Terminology in this list may vary, because for individual reviews I use terms that appear in that specific book.

Note: this list contains Amazon and Bookshop affiliate links. Purchases made through these links may earn a commission for this blog. Bookshop also supports independent bookstores.

The Flying Girl: How Aída de Acosta Learned to Soar by Margarita Engle, illustrated by Sara Palacios

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In June 1903, before the Wright brothers, Hispanic-American Aída de Acosta became the first woman to fly a motorized aircraft. While visiting Paris as a teenager, she meets the Brazilian inventor, Alberto Santos-Dumont, and convinces him to let her pilot his airship. The rhyming text is fun to read aloud, and a great way to introduce very young children to a pioneering woman. Ages 4 and up. Also available in Spanish.

The Astronaut with a Song for the Stars by Julia Finley Mosca, illustrated by Daniel Rieley

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Author-Illustrator team Mosca and Rieley have several great books about women in STEM fields. This one introduces readers to Dr. Ellen Ochoa, a Cuban-American scientist who became a NASA astronaut and the first Latina in space. Written in rhyme, it makes a delightful read aloud, with plenty of informative back matter. Ages 5 and up.

Mario and the Hole in the Sky: How a Chemist Saved Our Planet by Elizabeth Rusch, illustrated by Teresa Martinez

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Rusch's picture book biography of Mexican-born chemist Dr. Mario Molina begins with a childhood spent inspecting everything under a microscope. His mother encouraged his scientific curiosity, removing the toilet from the bathroom so he could use it for a laboratory. It's a good thing she did because her son would go on to help solve the problem of the rapidly depleting ozone layer in the atmosphere. Ages 6 and up. Also available in Spanish.

Just Wild Enough: Mireya Mayor, Primatologist (She Made History series) by Marta Magellan, illustrated by Clémentine Rocheron

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Cuban-American Mireya Mayor grew up in Miami with a passion for animals and dance. Eventually becoming a primatologist, she struggled to be taken seriously when others judged her based on her appearance. She became the first woman wildlife TV reporter for National Geographic and discovered a new species of lemur in Madagascar. I particularly loved how this biography emphasized that scientists can have lots of different interests. She also has six children! Kids wanting to learn more about Mayor can visit her website. Ages 6 and up.

How to Hear the Universe by Patricia Valdez, illustrated by Sara Palacios

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This is a fun biography about Gabby González that also introduces young kids to Albert Einstein’s theory about ripples in space-time (bet you didn't see that coming)! Decades after Einstein, González immigrated to the U.S. from Argentina, became fascinated by Einstein's theory, and set out to prove it. Ages 4 and up.

Sharuko: El Arqueólogo Peruano Julio C. Tello / Peruvian Archaeologist Julio C. Tello by Monica Brown, illustrated by Elisa Chavarri

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Tello was a part of a Quechua-speaking Indigenous people community in Peru and the first first Indigenous archaeologist in the Americas. He started off in medical school and developed an intense curiosity of skulls. Using his skills to improve the lives of Peru's Indigenous people, he was tireless in working to preserve Indigenous history and culture. Note: Publisher Lee and Low has a teacher's guide here. Ages 6 and up.

Path to the Stars: My Journey from Girl Scout to Rocket Scientist by Sylvia Acevedo

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In her autobiography for young readers, Acevedo describes growing up in a Mexican-American community in the 1960s. She felt out of place, as her interest in science diverged from most of her friends. She didn't want to follow the prescribed path set out for her on account of her gender. Joining the Girl Scouts presented new and exciting experiences that satisfied her need for adventure and set her on a path to becoming a scientist. Ages 8 and up (middle grade). Also available in Spanish.

MORE: Books about Cubans and Cuban-Americans

Danza!: Amalia Hernández and Mexico's Folkloric Ballet by Duncan Tonatiuh

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Amalia Hernández always knew she would be a dancer and she studied a variety of dance forms. She traveled all over Mexico, learning traditional dances of each region. She then formed El Ballet Folklórico de México, which combined ballet with these folk dances. Tonatiuh's illustrative style, which evokes Mixtec artwork, is great fun. If you are lucky, you might catch some the company's next performance! Ages 6 and up.

Sing with Me: The Story of Selena Quintanilla by Diana López, illustrated by Teresa Martinez

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Selena grew up in Texas as part of a large, musical family. This vibrant biography focuses on Selena's youth and her determination to work hard. Selena learned Spanish so she could sing the Tejano music her audience wanted, sewed her own costumes and spent time on the road taking her music to different locations in Texas. The text does not mention the cause of her death, but an afterward gives more information. Ages 5 and up.

When Angels Sing: The Story of Rock Legend Carlos Santana by Michael Mahin, illustrated by Jose Ramirez

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As I write this I can hear Santana's version of "Oye Como Va" playing in my head. (Incidentally, the song was originally composed by Tito Puente, whose biography is also on this list!) The colorful illustrations, reminiscent of Huichol yarn art, are the perfect backdrop for an introduction to Santana's early life, his discovery of the guitar and the music he made with The Santana Blues Band. Ages 6 and up.

My Name is Celia/Me llamo Celia: The Life of Celia Cruz/la vida de Celia Cruz by Monica Brown, illustrated by Rafael López

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This lively bilingual biography tells the story of Cuban-born Celia Cruz, an important salsa singer and performer. The narrative traces Celia's journey, starting with her love of music and through her experience as a refugee escaping the communist regime in Cuba. She brought her musical art to Miami and New York, fighting racial stereotypes and never giving up. The text evokes the rhythm of salsa music and makes a good read aloud. Ages 5 and up.

Dancing Hands: How Teresa Carreño Played the Piano for President Lincoln by Margarita Engle, illustrated by Rafael López

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Engle's poetic text and López's marvelous illustrations shine in this picture book biography of a little-known musician. Carreño and her family came to the United States when revolution broke out in her home country of Venezuela. But in the U.S., Civil War was disturbing the peace. Nevertheless, Carreño continued to practice the piano, learning different musical styles and then, at the age of 10, Lincoln invited her to play at the White House. Ages 4 and up. Also available in Spanish.

Frida Kahlo and Her Animalitos by Monica Brown, illustrated by John Parra

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You can find many biographies of Kahlo on the library shelves and I like this one because it focuses on the animals that inspired many of Kahlo's paintings. Kahlo had a number of pets including monkeys, birds, turkeys, even a fawn. The text draws comparisons between the artists love of her animalitos, Azetc culture and her Mexican heritage, commenting on their influence in her art. Major life events are briefly mentioned, but they are not the focus of the biography. Ages 4 and up. Also available in Spanish.

Drum Dream Girl: How One Girl's Courage Changed Music by Margarita Engle, illustrated by Rafael López

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This wonderful picture book is inspired by the life of Millo Castro Zaldarriaga, a Chinese-African-Cuban girl. Millo bucked Cuba's taboo against female drummers and became a famous musician, even playing the bongos at a birthday celebration for FDR. The book is written as a poem, following a girl's longing to beat on all sorts of drums: congas, bongos, and timbales. She practices secretly until finally she is allowed to share her gift with the world. Rafael López's illustrations are absolutely stunning. Ages 4 and up.

Tito Puente, Mambo King/Tito Puente, Rey del Mambo, by Monica Brown, illustrated by Rafael Lopez

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The swinging, jazzy text tells the story of Puente's life from the time when he was a small child banging out catchy rhythms on pots and pans through his time in the Navy, at Julliard, all the way to the end of his career when he was recognized with 5 Grammys. Swirling illustrations take the reader on a colorful journey. There is a biographical note at the end.  Here's is Puente's original "Oye Como Va." (See Carlos Santana book, above) A Pura Belpré Honor Award Book. Ages 5 and up.

A Girl Named Rosita: The Story of Rita Moreno: Actor, Singer, Dancer, Trailblazer! by Anika Aldamuy Denise, illustrated by Leo Espinosa

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This biography of Rita Moreno begins with her family's immigration from Puerto Rico to New York City, where she feels like a fish out of water. She begins dancing lessons and discovers a love for the stage. She struggles with being typecast because of her ethnicity but eventually becomes the first Latino to win an Academy Award. An author's note provides information on Moreno's work and activism in the years after West Side Story. Ages 4 and up.

Esquivel! Space-Age Sound Artist by Susan Wood, illustrations by Duncan Tonatiuh

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You may not know the name, "Juan García Esquivel," but you've certainly heard his lounge music! Although it's fun to read about Esquivel's experimentations with musical instruments and his popularity in Mexico and the U.S., my favorite part of the book is Tonatiuh's illustrations! Listen to some of Esquivel's groovy music here! Ages 6 and up.

Nacho's Nachos: The Story Behind the World's Favorite Snack by Sandra Nickel, illustrated by Oliver Dominguez

Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

In our home, we love nachos. Nachos for lunch, nachos for snacks, nachos for dinner. The only nachos we don't like are those gross ones you get at ball parts with the plastic, shiny cheese on top. Here's the fascinating story of how nachos were invented in the mid 20th century in a restaurant just over the border by a gentleman named–yes–Nacho. Ages 6 and up.

Roberto Clemente: Pride of the Pittsburgh Pirates by Jonah Winter, illustrated by Raúl Colón

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Clemente made his first baseball bat from the wood of a guava tree in Puerto Rico and when he didn't have a ball, used an empty soup can. His talent eventually led him to play professional baseball in Puerto Rico and later in the major leagues for the Pittsburgh Pirates. His amazing success as a ball player didn't prevent racism from rearing it's ugly head but he continued to play. Winter's straightforward approach to Clemente's tragic death emphasizes the generous nature of Clemente's talent and spirit. Ages 6 and up.

Selena Gomez (Hispanic Star series) by Claudia Romo Edelman and Sara E. Echenique, illustrated by Manuel Gutierrez

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Your young readers will be inspired by reading this chapter book biography of a performer they know and love. Born in Texas, Gomez got her start as a child television performer and went on to become one of Time magazine’s most influential people. The Hispanic Star series also includes books about Roberto Clemente, Sylvia Rivera, Ellen Ochoa, among others. Ages 8 and up (chapter book). Also available in Spanish.

Pelé King of Soccer by Eddy Simon, illustrated by Vincent Brascaglia

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This graphic novel biography of Brazilian fútbol star, Pelé is fantastic. You know a book is good when it's about sports and I can't put it down. Author/Illustrator team Simon and Brascaglia convey the storied life of the greatest soccer player, from his youth, when his father taught him to love the game, to his amazing career and work as a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador. Translated from French. Ages 8 and up. Also check out our list of sports-themed graphic novels.

Child of the Flower-Song People: Luz Jiménez, Daughter of the Nahua by Gloria Amescua, illustrated by Duncan Tonatiuh

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The story begins with Luz Jiménez, a member of the Nahua community, who are descendants of the Aztecs, learning how to farm, and listening to folk stories. Luz wanted to learn how to read and the government offered free schooling. However, the Mexican government was attempting to persuade the Indigenous population to conform to European colonial standards of language, dress and culture. Later, when anthropologists are seeking to record the "lost" culture of Indigenous communities, Luz assists them. Back matter offers further, detailed information. Ages 6 and up.

Separate Is Never Equal: Sylvia Mendez and Her Family's Fight for Desegregation by Duncan Tonatiuh

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This book tells the story of school desegregation 10 years before Brown v. the Board of Education. In 1944, Sylvia's family moved to a new community. When she tried to attend school, she was told that she would have to go to "the Mexican school". Sylvia and her family fought back and eventually won a very important court battle, setting the stage for future desegregation cases. This is a great book to teach kids that segregation extended beyond the Jim Crow laws of the South. Ages 6 and up.

Building an Orchestra of Hope by Carmen Oliver, illustrated by Luisa Uribe

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Favio Chávez, an Argentinian who loves music, heads to Paraguay. Cateura is a small village built on a landfill, where the population spends their days searching through the refuse for items they can sell. Favio wants to teach the children music but he doesn't have enough instruments and comes up with a solution to build the instruments from trash. An inspiring story. Ages 5 and up.

Harvesting Hope: The Story of César Chávez by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Yuyi Morales

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I'm quite a fan of illustrator Yuyi Morales, which is why I chose this particular picture book about civil rights leader Chávez. The biography begins with Chávez as a young boy, who was "not a fighter," and follows him as his family leaves Mexico during a drought. When they arrive in California, the family experiences the hardship, racism and the brutal treatment rained down on migrant workers. Chávez was roused to take action and organized a 340 mile peaceful protest march on behalf of farmworkers. Ages 7 and up. Also check out our list of children's books about the history of labor.

Dolores Huerta: A Hero to Migrant Workers by Sarah Warren, illustrated by Robert Casilla

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Dolores Huerta is another leading civil rights activist your kids should know. Author Sarah Warren describes Huerta in her many roles from a teacher to parent to protester and more. Her strength and determination to help the farmworkers led her to help organize a strike so they could achieve better working conditions and fair treatment under the law. The book includes terrific supplemental information in the afterward. Ages 6 and up.

Soldier for Equality: José de la Luz Sáenz and the Great War by Duncan Tonatiuh

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José de la Luz Sáenz left his teaching job in Texas in hopes that enlisting in the United States Army would convince white Texans to treat Tejanos fairly and equally. In 1918 he served in France in the intelligence office, but was not treated equally with his fellow soldiers. Upon returning to Texas after the war, Luz saw that his service made no difference as to how he was treated and so he organized and worked as an activist with other Tejanos. Tonatiuh tells the story of a fascinating individual and introduces children to a lesser know story in the fight for civil rights. The book includes historical notes and a timeline. Also available in Spanish. Ages 6 and up.

Stand as Tall as the Trees, Patricia Gualinga and Laura Resau, illustrated by Vanessa Jaramillo

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As a child, co-author Patricia Gualinga lived in Sarayaku, inside the Ecuadorian rainforest. Her mother taught her that humans are connected to nature and to the forest. She describes how, as an adult, she and members of the Indigenous Kichwa went to the Court of Human Rights as part of their campaign to stop oil companies from taking over parts of the rainforest. Spoiler alert: they win. This is a gorgeous, well-written book about a crucial and timely issue. Ages 7 and up.

Marti's Song for Freedom / Martí y sus versos por la libertad by Emma Otheguy, illustrated by Beatriz Vidal

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Inspired by the natural world around him, José Martí started writing poetry. He then used his writing gift to speak out against the Spanish colonizers of his beloved home in Cuba. The government declared him an enemy of Spain and forced him to leave Cuba. Living in exile, he continued to compose poetry inspired by nature. RIF has supplemental activities for educators, based on this book. Ages 8 and up.

Jovita Wore Pants: The Story of a Mexican Freedom Fighter by Aida Salazar, illustrated Molly Mendoza

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Growing up in rural Mexico in the 1910s, Jovita hated being forced to wear big skirts. So she fashioned her skirts into a pair of pants and went exploring with her brothers. When her father and brothers joined the Cristeros as part of the Mexican revolution, Jovita longed to join them. She eventually becomes involved, but the revolution brings tragedy to Jovita's family. Jovita does not back down, dressing "as Juan" and leading an army of peasants against the government. Includes a lengthy and informative author's note. Ages 7 and up.

Small Room, Big Dreams by Monica Brown, illustrated by Mirelle Ortega

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Inspired by the activism and perseverance of their mother and grandmother, Mexican-American twins, Julián and Joaquin Castro started careers in politics. Brown's narration starts with their childhood in which they shared a room with their abuela and competed against each other in sports and school. She emphasizes the family's values around education and community and includes context about different Spanish-speaking populations and migration. A worthy biography of two contemporary change-makers. Ages 4 and up. Also available in Spanish.

Phemonenal AOC: The Roots and Rise of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez by Anika Aldamuy Denise, illustrated by Loris Lora

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

While she may be a lighting rod for political arguments with your neighbor on the opposite side of the political spectrum from you, this thoughtful and inspiring biography of Ocasio-Cortez, or "AOC" brings her humanity to the foreground. Growing up in suburban New York, AOC quickly noticed how few people in the community looked like her family, and that there were strong disparities of resources between neighborhoods, depending on the wealth of their inhabitants. She worked hard to succeed in school, becoming involved in activism and politics, and eventually became the youngest elected member of the House of Representatives. Ages 5 and up.

The Beloved World of Sonia Sotomayor (Young Readers edition) by Sonia Sotomayor

Find it: Amazon |Bookshop

First of all, let's discuss how adorable that cover photo of Sotomayor as a girl is! This is Sotomayor's adaptation of her memoir, My Beloved World, for young readers. Sotomayor tells her story of growing in the Bronx and following her dreams with the support of her family and community. She presents a nuanced picture of the challenges and achievements which put her on the path to becoming the Supreme Court's first Latina justice. Ages 10 and up. For her autobiographical picture book, read Sotomayor's Turning Pages.

Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré by Anika Aldamuy Denise, illustrated by Paola Escobar

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Pura Belpré immigrated from Puerto Rico in 1921. She was New York City's first Puerto Rican librarian. She was also a storyteller and puppeteer who championed bilingual literature. This is an absolutely gorgeous book and a useful author's note give further background on this important trailblazer. Ages 4 and up.

Digging for Words: José Alberto Gutiérrez and the Library He Built by Angela Burke Kunkel, illustrated by Paola Escobar

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José Alberto Gutiérrez works as a garbage collector in Bogotá, Colombia. On his rounds he keeps a lookout for books. Recognizing the transformative power of reading, he uses those books to start a library. Author, Angela Burke Kunkel, creates a parallel, fictional story of another José in Bogotá. This José is a young boy who looks forward to visiting the library every Saturday. I particularly loved the illustrations by Colombian illustrator, Paola Escobar, which depict scenes from books mentioned in the text. Ages 4 and up.

Pablo Neruda: Poet of the People/Poeta del Pueblo by Monica Brown, illustrated by Julie Paschkis

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This picture book biography of Chile's famous poet, focuses first on Neruda's childhood, when he spent time observing nature, reading books and fostering a love for words and language. As he grew up, his love for the people of Chile, and desire to help the poor, motivated him to become an activist. Ages 4 and up.

Imagine by Juan Felipe Herrera, illustrated by Lauren Castillo

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Herrera, a the first Chicano Poet Laureate, penned this lovely autobiographical picture book that encourages young readers to use their imagination. Using free verse, Herrera describes the change in landscape as he moves from rural California to the city and how he discovered a love for words which set him on the path to write poetry. Absolutely beautiful! This makes a lovely bedtime book, too. Ages 4 and up.

Tomás and the Library Lady by Pat Mora, illustrated by Raul Colón

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Tomás Rivera went on to become the first minority chancellor at the University of California. As the son of migrant workers, Tomás listened every night to stories told by his grandmother. Then one day, a librarian opened up a whole new world for him. It's an inspiring story about of the power of education and reading which will ring true for all children, no matter what their backgrounds. Ages 6 and up. Also available in Spanish.

My Name Is Gabriela/Me llamo Gabriela by Monica Brown, illustrated by John Parra

Find it: Your Library | Amazon

Gabriela Mistral was the first Latina to win the Nobel Prize. Brown's bilingual biography tells the story of how Mistral's imaginative spirit and love for words and sounds inspired her to become a poet. When she was fifteen she became a school teacher, sharing her passion for reading, writing and education with the children of her home country of Chile. Ages 5 and up. For more biographers of authors, take a look at our book list of women writers and poets.

Areli is a Dreamer by Areli Morales, illustrated by Luisa Uribe

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DACA recipient, Morales, begins her story describing life in Mexico, living with her abuela and waiting for phone calls from Mamá and Papá in America. Later, she travels to New York to reunite with her parents and brother. She poignantly describes life as an undocumented resident, both her complicated emotions over being considered "illegal," as well as the excitement of going new places. Ages 4 and up. Also available in Spanish.

My Shoes and I: Crossing Three Borders/ Mis zapatos y yo: Cruzando tres fronteras by René Colato Laínez, illustrated by Fabricio Vanden Broeck

Find it: Your Library | Amazon

In this autobiographical, bilingual picture book the author begins with a gift of new shoes that his mother, who is in the U.S., has sent him. Wearing the shoes brings him joy and he revels in running and jumping. Then, he and his father set out on to make the difficult journey from El Salvador to United States, which transforms the shoes. Ages 6 and up. More: Picture books about refugees.

Once I Was You: Finding My Voice and Passing the Mic (Young Readers edition) by Maria Hinojosa

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When Hinojosa's father takes a professorship in Chicago, she and her family leave Mexico City. Award winning journalist, Maria Hinojosa describes her experience as a Latina immigrant living the United States, where she encounters opportunity, but also prejudice. Weaving in the stories of migrants with her own, Hinojosa guides readers to consider questions of identity, imposter syndrome, class and gender. Ages 10 and up (middle grade).

Latinitas: Celebrating 40 Big Dreamers by Juliet Menéndez

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Menéndez is able to convey a surprising amount of information with one page biographies of forty different Latina women. She looks at the lives of women from the 17th century to the present, featuring a wide array of individuals from writers to athletes and scientists to activists. Collage-style watercolor illustrations round out the collection. Ages 7 and up.

Bravo! Poems About Amazing Hispanics by Margarita Engle, illustrated by Rafael López

Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

One of the reason I love children's books is that I am always learning something new! Most of the figures in this poetry collection were new to me. End matter includes extra biographical information about each individual. Older children will also enjoy Yes! We Are Latinos: Poems and Prose About the Latino Experience by Alma Flor Ada and F. Isabel Campoy. Ages 8 and up.

Portraits of Hispanic American Heroes by Juan Felipe Herrera, illustrated by Raúl Colón

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Herrera's collection features twenty Hispanic and Latinx American figures from all walks of life and professions, including both well-known individuals and less-known luminaries. Ages 8 and up. A Pura Belpré Author Honor Book.

Hear My Voice/Escucha Mi Voz: The Testimonies of Children Detained at the Southern Border of the United States, compiled by Warren Binford, various illustrators

Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

This collection of interviews from 61 migrant children, ages 5-17, makes it impossible to argue that non-citizens shouldn't have the same human rights as citizens. The first person narratives are written in the original Spanish and translated into English. Although this book is appropriate for a middle school audience, I recommend reading it along with your students and children. Seventeen Latino illustrators bring the children's words to life in imaginative and thought-provoking ways. The forward and end notes add context and history to the children's experiences. Ages 8 and up.

The post 46 Biographies of Hispanic-American and Latinx Luminaries appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

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Picture Books about Hair

These children's picture books about hair are good choices to read aloud in a classroom or at home. The books encourage children to develop an attitude of inclusivity, support children's self-confidence, teach body positivity and help them see hair as positive self-expression.

I LOVE MY HAIR by Natasha Anastasia Tarpley and E. B. Lewis

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

No book list about hair love would be complete without Tarpley's modern classic! Keyana describes the love with which her mother tends to her hair every night. She acknowledges that the brushing can be painful, but her mother encourages her to think of her hair as beautiful. Thus begins an utterly delightful and imaginative narration of the types of hair styles she can wear. Tarpley also wrote Bibbity Bop Barbershop about a boy's first trip to the barbershop.

DALIA'S WONDROUS HAIR / EL CABELLO MARAVILLOSO DE DALIA by Laura Lacamara

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

This whimsical, bilingual story is set in Cuba. Dalia wakes one morning to find her hair has magically grown sky-high. Dalia then proceeds to add items from the natural world into her hair and turns it into quite a mess, or so others tell her. Before going to bed, she wraps her hair up and by morning it has transformed into a butterfly garden. The joy of this book is Dalia's delight in doing whatever she wants to her hair and reveling in the results!

THE GOOD HAIR DAY Christian Trimmer, illustrated by J. Yang

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

Noah is making a long list of what he wants for his birthday, but he doesn't feel brave enough to ask for the one thing he really wants. He goes for a haircut and is devastated when he gets a buzzcut. Afterwards, he puts a shirt on his head, imagining that he has long hair, instead. His loving family comes to understand Noah's unspoken wish and give him the perfect birthday gift.

MORE: Books that Challenge Gender Stereotypes

MY FADE IS FRESH by Shauntay Grant, illustrated by Kitt Thomas

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

This rhyming, up-beat book is fun to read aloud. A girl heads into a barbershop where everyone suggests various hairstyles for her to choose from. However, she knows what she wants and stays true to herself. She wants a fade and she wants it fresh!

WANDA THE BRAVE by Sihle-Isipho Nontshokweni, illustrated by Chantelle and Burgen Thorne

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Wanda goes to her Aunty Ada's hair salon in South Africa. Wanda wants a particular braided hairstyle but Ada wants to straighten Wanda's hair. When the chemicals start to burn her scalp, Wanda and her friend, who has come to the salon with her, speak up for themselves. They relate how others make fun of their natural hair but they still don't want the chemical straighteners.

HAIR LOVE by Matthew A. Cherry, illustrated by Vashti Harrison

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

This wonderful picture book shows that dads can try new things too! Zuri's dad can problem solve, fix hair and bond with his daughter all at the same time. Zuri's hair "has a mind of its own," and she needs help. Lucky for her, dad steps up to the plate. After a few failed tries, Zuri shows him the products and the how-to video he needs to get things right. When mom comes home, she is mighty impressed. Joyful! You can also watch the Oscar-winning short film of Hair Love on YouTube here.

HAIR TWINS Raakhee Mirchandani, illustrated by Holly Hatam

Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

This is a wonderful story about a father and daughter bonding over a shared hairstyle. (I bet you can count on one hand the books which are about that subject!) Father and daughter both wear their hair in the Sikh tradition. The girl describes how somedays they wear it long, other days their hair is tied up and in a bun–his under a turban. When they visit the park, the scene includes a diverse range of families and hairstyles.

MORE: Anti-bias and inclusive picture books

HAPPY TO BE NAPPY by bell hooks, illustrated by Chris Raschka

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This is a lively board book that begs to be read aloud. The short, bouncy text is filled with positive messages about the glory of natural hair.

MY HAIR IS MAGIC! by M. L. Marroquin, illustrated by Tonya Engel

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

A girl celebrates her hair in this empowering story. I really love the way the narrator expresses confidence in her appearance and asserts her own agency. Her hair is big and magical and she loves it! She describes her hair in emotional terms and details questions people sometimes ask her about it, as well as her answers. A delightful and joyful book that shares the power of hair as self-expression.

BEDTIME BONNET by Nancy Redd, illustrated by Nneka Myers

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Many parents are familiar with the struggle that ensues when trying to convince their child of the benefits of wearing a hat on a sunny day. I imagine there might be a similar tussle when a toddler is faced with wearing a bonnet to protect their hair at bedtime. Fortunately, parents have this lovely picture book ode to the bedtime bonnet! All the members of a family, from dad to grandma, wear a bonnet or head wrap to bed. When a girl's bonnet goes missing, the whole family joins in the search to find it.

MORE: Best Books for 3-Year-Olds

CROWN: ODE TO A FRESH CUT by Derrick Barnes

Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

I absolutely love this book and its energetic illustrations. A strong, rhythmic text describes a boy going into the barbershop and the experience of getting a new, fresh haircut and all the excitement that surrounds the possibilities of what a new haircut might bring–such as a look from a girl, or acing an exam.  

MORE: Must-Read Picture Books by Black Authors

DON'T TOUCH MY HAIR by Sharee Miller

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Our narrator, Aria, has a gorgeous head of hair. It's so beautiful that everyone wants to touch it. But, as Aria explains, she doesn't like it when they do. Miller uses humor to show all the ways Aria evades the outstretched hands that attempt to reach her hair. The illustrations are dynamic and full of comedic detail. 

MORE: Picture Books about Consent

MY POWERFUL HAIR by Carole Lindstrom, illustrated by Steph Littlebird

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An Indigenous girl narrates her experience waiting for her hair to grow long. She describes how her mother and grandmother were denied long hair for different reason. However, the narrator knows that hair is a source of power, memories, connection and strength for Native peoples. The woodcut illustrations are marvelous. Back matter gives more information on the importance of hair in Indigenous cultures and the history behind White people's attempt to erase Native culture by cutting their hair.

MORE: Picture Books by Native American and Indigenous Authors

PRINCESS HAIR by Sharee Miller

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I love this celebration of hair! The colorful, happy illustrations and text share the joy of all different types of hair, both natural and styled!

MY HAIR IS A GARDEN by Cozbi A. Cabrera

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Mackenzie is teased by her classmates for her unruly hair but finds comfort and direction from her neighbor, Miss Tillie. I love the way Mackenzie learns to treasure her black hair. In the endnotes, there is even a hair care guide and recipes for natural hair products.

WHAT'S SILLY HAIR DAY WITH NO HAIR? by Norene Paulson, illustrated by Camila Carrossine

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There is definitely a need for some good, widely available, books about kids with alopecia. Bea's school is planning a Silly Hair Day during Spirit Week, and Bea is feeling left out. All her hair fell out when she was 4 and she doesn't know if it will ever grow back. A friend tries to be supportive and the two girls try and reject a range of ideas. Finally, a change to Silly Hair Day offers a solution.

UNDER MY HIJAB by Hena Khan, illustrated by Aaliya Jaleel

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What a delightful book filled with strong female role models! A girl narrates her observations of how six women in her life wear (or don't wear) the hijab. The women are shown in a variety of occupations both at work and at home. At the end of the book, the narrator tries on her own hijab and looks forward to her future and how and when she will wear the hijab over her hair.

MOMMY'S KHIMAR by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow, illustrated by Ebony Glenn

Find it: Amazon

A young girl admires the scarves her mother wears to cover her hair. She takes joy in looking through the closet, dancing with them, trying them on and imagining the possibilities of when she will wear her own. No matter what the reader's background, every child will see themselves in the young narrator as she celebrates the khimar and the loving relationship she has with her mother.

MORE: Children's Books Featuring Muslim Protagonists

BEAR'S BRAID/KuūNUx Saripiíšu̕ by Joelle Bearstail, illustrated by Denise Ta

Find it: Your Library | Mascot Books | Amazon (Kindle only)

I loved this story of Bear and his friend, Ben, two Indigenous boys with long braids. At school, Bear is bullied because of his hair, but when he confides in his grandmother, she relates to him the important role of hair in their culture and history. Together, Bear and Ben come up with a culture-sharing project that will help their classmates understand why they take pride in their cultural traditions. I also really loved all the photographs of real-life people sporting their braids in the end note! If this book is not at your library, I hope you put in a request that that obtain a copy!

COWLICK! by Christin Ditchfield, illustrated by Rosalind Beardshaw

Find it: Your library | Amazon

As someone who has one large cowlick at the very front of my forehead and one equally large on on the back of my head, I could not resist this short, whimsical bedtime story. At night, while two brothers sleep soundly, a cow sneaks into their room and licks their hair. When they awake, their "once flat hair" is now "standing tall!"

MY RAINBOW by Trinity and Deshanna Nea, illustrated by Art Twink

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Trinity is autistic and although she wants to have long hair, she hates the way it feels when it touches her neck. Fortunately, she has a supportive mom who works with Trinity's older sibling to create a beautiful, rainbow wig for Trinity. The story also addresses gender expression and is based on the relationship and experiences of the mother-daughter authors.

MAGIC LIKE THAT by Samara Cole Doyon, illustrated by Geneva Bowers

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As a girl waits for her mother to style her hair, she describes all the different hairstyles she sometimes sports. She likens each one to natural phenomenon, expressing wonder and how marvelous her hair transformations are.

STELLA'S STELLAR HAIR by Yesenia Moises

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This book is so fun! Stella has aunties all over the galaxy and when it's time to style her hair for the Big Star Little Gala, she goes to visit each one in search of the perfect hairstyle. An author's note describes the best hairstyle for the environment on each of the planetary locations Stella visited.

THE HAIR OF ZOE FLEEFENBACHER GOES TO SCHOOL by Laurie Halse Anderson, illustrated by Ard Hoyt

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

Zoe's hair has a mind of its own. It can perform amazing tasks like petting the cat, pouring a glass of juice, or turning on the TV. This year, Zoe's teacher has declared that unruly hair is not to be tolerated, but taming Zoe's hair is easier said than done. When Zoe's hair interferes with a school science lesson, it's the teacher who learns a thing or two. Great fun and wonderful illustrations!

MORE: Best Diverse Back-to-School Picture Books

STEPHANIE'S PONYTALE by Robet Munsch, illustrated by Michael Martchenko

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Stephanie is a trendsetter whether she wants to be or not. Stephanie notices that none of her peers wears their hair in a ponytail so she decides that will be her hairstyle of choice. But the very next day, all the other kids have their hair pulled back in the same fashion. So Stephanie changes her look... and so do all the other kids. You can see where this is going. Things get a little out of hand, but Stephanie finds a way to fool them all. It's a surprise ending that will have your kids either giggling or gasping–perhaps both!

BAGHEAD Jarrett J. Krosoczka

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Giving oneself a bad haircut is a universal experience. We've all done it, even if it's just our bangs. Krosoczka's funny tale of a boy who decides that a bag over the head is the only solution to his botched handiwork. No one at home or school thinks this is a good idea, but he persists. When he finally reveals why he is wearing a bag on his head, his sister comes up with the perfect (or at least, the most "doable") solution.

MELISSA PARKINGTON’S BEAUTIFUL, BEAUTIFUL HAIR by Pat Brisson, illustrated by Suzanne Bloom

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Melissa is tired of everyone admiring her hair. She wants to be appreciated for more than just her long, black locks. She tries out new activities that she hopes will win her more meaningful praise like art, sports, and helping others. Then, when she sees a hair salon asking for donations to make wigs for children who have trouble growing their own hair, Melissa knows just what to do.

HAIR FOR MAMA by Kelly Tinkham, illustrated Amy Bates

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Sometimes hair takes on an emotional resonance we aren't expecting. In Hair for Mama, Marcus' mama has lost her hair due to chemotherapy treatments and she wants to skip the annual family portrait. Marcus hopes to find a solution, yet it isn't so easy. His mama, however, recognizes her son's love and instead of letting him down, wraps her head in a gele for the photo.

Nonfiction

Many of the picture books on this list give some historical and cultural context about hair. Add in these nonfiction books about hair to your reading for further learning!

HAIR!: ANIMAL FUR, WOOL, AND MORE by Marilyn Singer, illustrated by Julie Colombet

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For kids who love to learn about nature and biology, Singer's book will show them how to place their human hair in the grand scheme of the natural world. Photographs, speech bubbles, direct questions and "Trivial Fursuit," make this an engaging and interactive read.

MORE: Children's Books about the Human Body

WONDERFUL HAIR: THE BEAUTY OF ANNIE MALONE by Eve Nadel Catarevas, illustrated by Felicia Marshall

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This picture book biography introduces readers to, Annie Turnbo Malone who ran her own hair products business. Malone was the first self-made African-American female millionaire. Malone saw that Black women were suffering harm to their scalps from beauty products that weren't designed for Black hair and so she started a line of hair products, beginning with the fabulously named, "Wonderful Hair Grower." Readers will be inspired by Malone's perseverance and her insistence of the dignity of Black women.

MORE: Picture Book Biographies of Lesser Known Black Heroes

Middle Grade

Tween readers of middle grade books can enjoy these books where the protagonists learn to control (literally and figuratively) their hair!

FRIZZY by Claribel A. Ortega, illustrated by Rose Bousamra

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Marlene hates going to the hair salon to have her hair straightened. Her mother insists that Marlene tame her frizzy hair into "good hair." Marlene resents how others judge her natural hair, but she doesn't know how to style it. Enter her Tía Ruby, who also has a head full of boisterous curls. Tía Ruby empowers Marlene with instructions and products to help her wear her hair the way she wants. This revelation is followed by another which helps bring Marlene and her mother closer together. This wonderful graphic novel isn't just about one girl's battle with society's beauty standards, it's a window into how kids can learn to speak up for themselves.

ONYEKA AND THE ACADEMY OF THE SUN (series) by Tọlá Okogwu

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The Onyeka series is excellent for readers who are fans of Percy Jackson. Onyeka has always had big hair that seems to have a mind of its own, but one day when her friend is in trouble, her hair reveals its true power. Onyeka's mother tells her that, like her father, she is actually a Solari and she must leave England to attend the Academy of the Sun in Nigeria, where Solari are trained how to use their powers.

The post 32 Children's Books about Hair appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

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Voting

These books about voting help middle schoolers understand how voting rights have historically been granted unequally, how marginalized groups fought for the right to vote, and how the election system in the United States operates.

BECAUSE THEY MARCHED: THE PEOPLE'S CAMPAIGN FOR VOTING RIGHTS THAT CHANGED AMERICA by Russell Freedman

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The combination of Freedman's readable prose, meticulous research and documentary photographs make his book about the events surrounding the 1965 voting rights march from Selma to Montgomery essential reading material. Some people level the criticism that children shouldn't know about or have to see photographic evidence of the brutality inflicted on people fighting for voting rights. I say, "Respect your children enough to tell them the truth." Ages 11 and up.

YOU CALL THIS DEMOCRACY? by Elizabeth Rusch

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Here's a wonderful book about elections, democracy and the importance of advocacy, perfect for middle and high schoolers (and adults, as well, considering the sorry state of civics literacy). Rusch clearly explains the current electoral process in the United States and details its many challenges. She covers the electoral college, money in politics, gerrymandering, voter suppression, and more. But this is ultimately an encouraging book. Rusch explains the impact activism can have, and shares ways young people can be part of progress and change. Ages 10 and up.

MORE: Books about Voting and Elections

FINISH THE FIGHT by Veronica Chambers

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Finish the Fight is a collection of biographical sketches of women of color and queer women activists compiled by the staff of The New York Times. Missing from many history books, but not from this one, are women across the spectrum, from Native American, Latinx, Asian and African-American backgrounds. Readers will come away with a fuller picture of the fight for voting equality than they might have gotten otherwise. Essential reading. Ages 8 and up.

MORE: Middle Grade Books for Women's History Month

Civil Rights

The fight for civil rights is never over, middle school students can use these books to learn about specific groups of people who have had to protest their unequal treatment by the government. Readers will be inspired to keep working to make sure all people are treated equally, justly and humanely.

WE ARE STILL HERE! NATIVE AMERICAN TRUTHS EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW by Traci Sorell, illustrated by Frané Lessac

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This is a great follow up book to Sorell and Lessac's marvelous We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga (read it first, if you haven't already! –Ages 4 and up) . The text is structured around 12 Native American students sharing presentations for Indigenous Peoples' Day about the past, present and future of Native lives. The students' presentation cover a wide range of subjects from how the US government treated the indigenous population, to environmental, enrollment and language concerns. As the book continues, we learn about the resiliences of Native citizens and their dedication to protect their heritage and build strong economies and institutions. A glossary, timeline and more information are found in the end notes. Ages 7 and up.

MORE: Middle Grade Books by Indigenous Authors

HEAR MY VOICE/ESCHUCHA MI VOZ: THE THE TESTIMONIES OF CHILDREN DETAINED AT THE SOUTHERN BORDER OF THE UNITED STATES, compiled by Warren Binford, various illustrators

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This collection of interviews from 61 migrant children, ages 5-17, makes it impossible to argue that non-citizens shouldn't have the same human rights as citizens. The first person narratives are written in the original Spanish and translated into English. Although this book is appropriate for a middle school audience, I recommend reading it along with your students and children. Seventeen Latino illustrators bring the children's words to life in imaginative and thought-provoking ways. The forward and end notes add context and history to the children's experiences. Ages 8 and up.

PRIDE: AN INSPIRATIONAL HISTORY OF THE LGBTQ+ MOVEMENT by Stella Caldwell

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This is not just an introductory history of the LGBTQ+ civil rights movement in the United States, but an acknowledgement that queer people have always existed. Its easy-to-read and colorful format includes personal narratives, side notes, timelines, quotes and photographs that introduce readers to important events and significant individuals throughout history. Ages 9 and up.

MORE: LGBTQ History Books

WE'VE GOT A JOB: THE 1963 BIRMINGHAM CHILDREN'S MARCH by Cynthia Levinson

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In May 1963, four thousand Black children and teens marched in order to end segregation in the South. Today's middle schoolers will be provoked to wonder if they would have been willing to endure the hardships of the march, and if they would have been willing to go to jail as many of the children did. Levinson grounds her narrative in the stories of four unique participants, a nine-year-old and three teenagers. As most adults are unfamiliar with the events detailed in the book, I suggest every parent read it, too. Ages 10 and up.

MORE: African-American History Books

Citizenship

These books share with students that citizenship is more than residency in a particular country, it is a privilege that allows them to take care of their community in a way that protects and lifts everyone up.

THIS BOOK IS ANTI-RACIST: 20 LESSONS ON HOW TO WAKE UP, TAKE ACTION, AND DO THE WORK by Tiffany Jewell, illustrated by Aurélia Durand

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Instead of lecturing children, Jewell inspires readers to think about their own identity in the context of society. She poses questions to readers to inspire them to think critically about how their identity plays a role in how they perceive and treat others and how others might perceive and treat them. Sections of the book are punctuated with activities which can be prompts for discussion or journal writing. Jewell's book is uplifting and readers come away with a deeper understanding of what it means to build a community where everyone is valued. Ages 10 and up.

MORE: Anti-Bias Middle Grade Books

HOW TO CHANGE EVERYTHING: THE YOUNG HUMAN'S GUIDE TO PROTECTING THE PLANET AND EACH OTHER by Naomi Klein, with Rebecca Stefoff

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Citizenship is more than voting in elections, it's working for positive change both in your neighborhood and on a global scale. Klein and Stefoff have written an informative book about how the climate is changing and how young citizens can take meaningful action to protect it. But this book doesn't just cover rising temperatures and climate science, middle schoolers (and high schoolers!) will learn about environmental justice issues, the impact of economic issues on climate health, and read about real teens and young adults affecting change. Ages 11 and up.

BREAKING THE NEWS: WHAT'S REAL, WHAT'S NOT AND WHY THE DIFFERENCE MATTERS by Robin Brown

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Published by National Geographic, this volume aims to illuminate journalism, the dissemination of news through the media and how kids can be proactive in spotting bias and propaganda. With loads of illustrations, photographs, sidebars, call out boxes filled with digestible and sometimes amusing facts, examples from ancient to contemporary history as well as tips to make smart choices, the book is easy to read and full of an incredible amount of information. Highly recommended! Ages 10 and up.

MORE: Books to Help Kids Spot Misinformation and "Fake News"

Documents of Democracy

The books on this list are focused on the United States and the following two books are excellent introduction for children to learn about the two most important founding documents of U.S. democracy.

THE SIDE-BY-SIDE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE by David Miles

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This is one of the best books about the Declaration of Independence I have ever read. Miles is exceptionally talented at decoding the archaic text of the 200+ years old document for both kids and grown-ups. I learned more about the document from this book than I ever did in civics class, AND it was entertaining, even humorous! Collage style illustrations present the original text, amusing narrators/explainers, give contemporary context and invite the reader to think critically about the document. Superb. Ages 9 and up.

MORE: Best Books about the Presidents for Middle School

FAULT LINES IN THE CONSTITUTION by Cynthia Levinson and Sanford Levinson

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This book is written for middle school and high school students but frankly I learned just as much as they will. This fearless look at the Constitution is so fascinating. This text will teach kids not just to see and discuss its imperfections and think critically about its role as a governing document, but to be thoughtful and active citizens. Ages 10 and up.

The post Civics and Government Books for Middle School appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.