These age-appropriate reads feature incredible females in STEM who have used their gifts, grit and determination to break boundaries and make amazing contributions to the world. Check these out with your kiddos and let us know what books or leaders inspire you.
1. 101 Awesome Women Who Transformed Science by Claire Philip, Illustrated by Isabel Muñoz
Learn about the female trailblazers who pushed STEM boundaries with this thoughtful and beautifully illustrated book. Your little one will find their new favorite female role model within these pages of inspirational biographies, quotes, and anecdotes. Suggested reading age: 7-10 years
2. Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World by Rachel Ignotofsky, author and illustrator
Check out this whimsically designed New York Times bestseller with your family to become inspired and informed by 50 notable female leaders in STEM from ancient to modern times. More of Ignotofsky’s works include Women in Art and Women in Sports. Suggested reading age: 10-17 years
3. Everyday Superheroes: Women in STEM Careers by Erin Twamley and Joshua Sneiderman
In this book, readers will learn about many different careers for real-life STEM superheroes from environmental lawyers to robotics engineers. Explore how honing your STEM “superpowers€ like curiosity, problem-solving, collaboration and communication can lead to an exciting STEM career. Suggested reading age: 8-12 years
4. Women Scientists in Math and Coding (Superwomen in STEM) by Catherine Brereton
Your child will become immersed in this book spanning generations with biographies of female leaders in notoriously male-dominated STEM fields like science and mathematics. From NASA’s “human computers€ to Nobel Prize winners, women have made their mark in the history books. Suggested reading age: 8-11 years
5. Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls by Favilli, Elena & Cavallo, Francesca
Tuck yourself in with this book packed with 100 bedtime stories about 100 amazing women past and present. Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls is illustrated by 60 different female artists from all over the world for even more inspiration. Suggested reading age: 5-10 years
6. Girls Garage: How to Use Any Tool, Tackle Any Project, and Build the World You Want to See by Emily Pilloton, illustrated by Kate Bingaman-Burt
Emily Pilloton created an approachable DIY guide for young builders who are ready to tackle their household and community projects head-on! This book is packed with over 175 illustrated tool guides, 11 how-to projects, 21 skills, and 15 inspiring stories from female builders. Recommended reading/building age: 14+
7. Girls Who Build: Inspiring Curiosity and Confidence to Make Anything Possible by Katie Hughes
Author and carpenter Katie Hughes has been teaching young girls how to wield tools for years. Her book Girls Who Build features images and stories of some of these projects and their young builders along with building skills, techniques, and safety tips to help inspire your child’s next project. Recommended reading age: 8-14 years.
