Bright Horizons is a company of women supporting women—our corporate and center teams are made up of 94% women, from our leadership teams to the teachers and staff you see in our centers every day; and what we do through our commitment to education and care supports working women at every age and stage. We are passionate about educating the next generation, and so we know how important it is to highlight the contributions of women and girls.
Women’s History Month offers parents a unique opportunity to uplift and amplify those contributions, and include your children in those conversations. This month, and every month, take the time to talk about history-making women — the women who have come before and made a difference. Show your children that girls can, and should, dream big.
So, where do you start? Children's books can be a great place to begin. Check out our list of educator-approved titles below. Happy reading!
Best Children's Books About Women's History:
- “Dream Big, Little One” by Vashti Harrison (Ages Infant - 3 years): Showcasing women who changed the world, this beautiful board book is the perfect bedtime read to inspire big dreams.
- “Counting with Frida” by Patty Rodriguez and Ariana Stein (Ages Infant – 4 years): This fun book will not only introduce babies and toddlers to numbers in both English and Spanish – but also to one of Mexico’s groundbreaking artists!
- “Parker Looks Up” written by Jessica Curry and illustrated by Brittany Jackson (Ages 4-8): A visit to Washington D.C.’s National Portrait Gallery and a peek at First Lady Michelle Obama’s portrait changes this young narrator’s life forever.
- “Madame Saqui: Revolutionary Rope Dancer” written by Lisa Robinson and illustrated by Rebecca Green (Ages Preschool – 3 years): This riveting picture book biography dives into the life of a tightrope walker during the French Revolution.
- “Pokko and the Drum” by Matthew Forsythe (Ages 4 – 8): “Sometimes making noise is the only way to be heard.” Kids and parents alike will love this book that celebrates both community and individuality.
- “Mary Wears What She Wants” by Keith Negley (Ages 3 – 5): As the title states, this picture book will “encourage readers to think for themselves while gently challenging gender and societal norms.”
- “Joan Procter, Dragon Doctor: The Woman Who Loved Reptiles” written by Patricia Valdez and illustrated by Felicita Sala (Ages 4 – 8): This vibrant picture book is a fun biography of a pioneering female scientist – who loved reptiles!
- “Her Fearless Run: Kathrine Switzer’s Historic Boston Marathon” written by Kim Chaffee and illustrated by Ellen Rooney (Ages 8 – 11): Kathrine Switzer was the first woman to run the Boston Marathon with official race numbers in 1967. This narrative biography takes readers through her journey and shows what can happen when you’re willing to challenge the rules.
- “Counting the Stars: The Story of Katherine Johnson, NASA Mathematician” written by Lesa Cline-Ransome and illustrated by Raúl Colón (Ages 4 – 8): This picture book biography explores the life of mathematician Katherine Johnson, one of NASA’s “human computers” who helped accomplish the first US space launch.
- “Me…Jane” by Patrick McDonnell (Ages 1 – 8): Young readers will learn about Dr. Jane Goodall, a renowned humanitarian, conservationist, animal activist, environmentalist, and United Nations Messenger of Peace in this heartwarming story.
- “Saturday” by Oge Mora (Ages 4 – 8): In this story, a mother-daughter duo faces challenges throughout the day, but ultimately learns that it’s being together that is most important.