25 Best Kids’ Books About Strong Women: Feminist Books For Kids
I did it, yo. Recently, after reading Eira some books with strong female leaders, I realised I had to write this post on books that lift up and celebrate women who have done extraordinary things in their lives. Feminist books for kids that hold up women as front and centre characters not just in their pages, but in their own lives and in society; stories where women save themselves and others, and say ‘no’ to wasting their time and ‘yes’ to themselves and to making the world a better place.
As soon as I’d read these new books of Eira’s (‘Emmeline Pankhurst’ from the Little People, Big Dreams series and ‘Women Who Changed The World’), I wanted to tell everyone about them. It was so nice to be able to read books entirely about women who had done great things- women who were strong and rebellious and who had unshakeable core values. They are on my list of top books for little girls, and these feminist books are for boys too- how much happier and healthier would our society be if we all had a real respect and understanding of each other’s fabulous capabilities and potential?
After devouring Eira’s books I started having a good old dig around online for more feminist kids’ books, and I found this lovely lot (plus a few more that didn’t look as good, I just put the best stuff in here). So whether you have a baby, preschooler, kid or a teenager, there is a feminist book or two about Seriously Cool Women for them!
Feminist Books For Babies
Baby Feminists: This adorable chunky board book for infants shows what some of the coolest women in history would have been like as babies! A simple, easy-to-follow narrative for tots with brilliant illustrations.
Be Bold, Baby (Michelle Obama): A lovely board book celebrating Michelle Obama’s greatest moments, with powerful quotes from the former First Lady.
Feminist Books For Preschoolers
She Spoke: A fantastic book encouraging girls to Speak Up, with audio quotes at the touch of a button from some of the world’s most influential women- including Malala Yousafzai, Maya Angelou and Tammy Duckworth.
Frida Kahlo (Little People, Big Dreams): Follow the unique and thought-provoking artist’s life with this colourful, simple narrative and beautiful illustrations. Perfect for girls who are artists and who may not fit the ‘academic’ box to celebrate their own gifts.
Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History: Learn about the lives of 40 inspiring black women who broke boundaries and exceeded expectations in this beautifully illustrated collection of biographies.
Marie Curie (Little People, Big Dreams): This passionate scientist was responsible for the discovery of two new elements and the pioneered a groundbreaking cancer treatment. Kids will love following her story.
Little Leaders: Visionary Women Around The World: From artists to inventors and scientists to actors, the biographies of these 40 strong women will inspire and empower children to make the best of themselves and dream bigger than ever before.
Maya Angelou (Little People, Big Dreams): Children will love learning about Maya Angelou, and how she overcame a traumatic childhood to become a beloved civil rights campaigner, writer, actress and singer. This book includes extra facts about Maya’s life at the back.
Ella Fitzgerald (Little People, Big Dreams): One of the most loved and influential jazz singers of all time, Ella Fitzgerald is the star of this book following her childhood and adult life. Includes a photo section and some of her most famous quotes.
Rosa Parks (Little People, Big Dreams): A modern day hero, Rosa Parks stood up to injustice and is a fantastic role model for children everywhere. Learn more about her upbringing, the famous Montgomery Bus Boycott and the impact she had on the civil rights movement in this lovely book with extra facts included at the back.
Ladybird Tales Of Adventurous Girls: This collection of stories featuring six headstrong characters tells the tales of girls overcoming the odds with wit, strength and courage. Includes an introduction by beloved author Jacqueline Wilson.
Fantastically Great Women Who Changed The World: Written by Kate Pankurst, descendant of women’s-rights campaigner Emmeline Pankhurst, this book covers the adventures of amazing women from Amelia Earhart to Mary Seattle and many in between. A matching activity book with stickers and puzzles is also available (see the bottom of this page).
Fantastically Great Women Who Made History: A sequel to Great Women Who Changed The World, this book follows the stories of more women who made their mark on the world in a big way. From writer Mary Shelley to American abolitionist and activist Harriet Tubman, children’s eyes will be opened to the incredible things that women throughout history have achieved.
Women In Science: Follow 50 women who made remarkable scientific achievements and contributed in amazing ways to the world in which we live. From women who calculated Apollo 11’s trajectory to the moon to those who discovered medical cures, this book is full of inspiring characters and science stories.
A Galaxy Of Her Own: Amazing Stories Of Women In Space: Jump into another dimension with these courageous women who were determined to not let little things like gravity get in the way of exploration. Written by Libbby Jackson, an expert in human space flight.
Good Night Stories For Rebel Girls: A Sunday Times and New York Times bestseller, this collection of stories turns traditional fairytales on their heads and puts women firmly in the driving seat. Illustrated by sixty female artists from around the world.
Women In Sport: More concerned with what their bodies can do with how they look, these fifty women who excelled in sports are excellent role models for children growing up in a society that equates one version of physical beauty with value and worth.
F Is For Feminism: This fantastic book equips children with the vocabulary they need to stand up for themselves and others. Swap traditional ABC’s for Activism, Brainpower and Compassion in this must-have for children’s book collection.
Feminist Books For 8-11 Year Olds
The Restless Girls: A story about sisterhood and imagination, this feminist fairytale from the author or The Miniaturist is a perfect bedtime read for slightly older children or confident readers.
The Extraordinary Life Of Malala Yousafzai: Children everywhere should hear the tale of bravery and determination that Malala Yousafzai showed in the face of oppression and violence. The campaigner and student is an inspiration to children and adults alike.
Feminist Books For Teens
Feminism Is: A perfect guide to feminism for teenagers, this book asks questions such as “Are we all equal?” and looks at the issues that affect women in the home, at work and surrounding sex and identity. Addresses over 50 topics and includes graphic illustrations.
Feminists Don’t Wear Pink (And Other Lies): This Sunday Times Bestseller is packed full of stories and essays from well-known women and takes an honest yet celebratory look at what it means to be a woman today.
The Feminism Book: A fantastic book that simply breaks down and explains 85 ideas and concepts that have shaped and defined feminism throughout history. Tracing the feminist movement from its origins through the suffragette movement of the 19th century and to modern-day movements such as #MeToo, entries explore and explain each idea in context.
What Is Feminism? Why Do We Need It?: This practical book looks at the areas of Work and Money, Media, Politics and Power, Education and Family and Bodies, and explores how feminist movements have impacted each of these key areas of our lives.
Activities & Related Products
Bad Girls Throughout History Flexi Journal: This stylish journal has stunning illustrations of 50 iconic women throughout the pages, which have plenty of space for writing or drawing. Also includes calligraphy quotes and annotations about each figure.
Women In Science 100 Postcards: Brilliant for fun learning and homeschooling or simply enjoying the gorgeous illustrations, these 100 postcards contain pictures, facts and quotes about 100 women who broke the mould in the world of science.
Women In Science Jigsaw Puzzle and Poster: Challenge your brain with this 500-piece puzzle that features 15 prominent female scientists. Includes a matching poster, perfect for bedroom or playroom walls.
Great Women Who Changed The World Activity Book: Enjoy over 200 stickers, create beautiful postcards and complete challenging activities with this Great Women Who Change The World Activity Book recommended for ages 5-7.
Great Women Who Made History Activity Book: A follow up to the above activity book, get stuck in with another 200 stickers and a ton of activities featuring some of the most incredible women throughout history! Recommended for ages 5-7.
The Feminist Activity Book: This edition for older teens and adults will have you in stitches, meandering through moon cups and burning bras as you enjoy each feminism-fuelled page!
These books and gifts are perfect as Christmas or birthday gifts- fun and educational, they’re also ideal to add to a collection of resources for homeschooling or simply to top up your child’s library.
Thank you for reading! For more posts about homeschooling, check out our collection of home education articles.
Jo Quantrill says
ThAnks for this really useFul. JessiE burton knows how to WRITE about strong women so her book should be good.