5 Inspiring Picture Books That Show How Women Have Changed the World
Dr. Anna Iacovetta | The Children’s Book Review | September 24, 2019
Women have changed the world more than one may think! From innovative filmmaking and painting to writing and spreading hope and inspiration for future generations, the power of women is very real and is here to stay!
Here are a few newer books that tell the stories of some of these women. You may even learn a few new names!
Dancing Through Fields of Color
Written by Elizabeth Brown
Illustrated by Aimée Sicuro
This is a story for budding artists who think and paint outside the lines! Helen Frankenthaler, an abstract artist from the 1950s, created an art movement simply based on her own style of painting which was unlike any other. Her unconventional techniques and tools created eccentric and exciting pieces of art that will go on to inspire future generations. The watercolor illustrations that are reminiscent of Frankenthaler’s own art leave the reader mesmerized and wanting more.
Order a Copy Now: Amazon | Indiebound
Ages 4-8 | Publisher: Harry N. Abrams | March 19, 2019 | ISBN-13: 978-1419734106
Lights! Camera! Alice! The Thrilling True Adventures of the First Woman Filmmaker
Written by Mara Rockliff
Illustrated by Simona Ciraolo
Alice Guy-Blache isn’t a household name, but soon will be after this special read. Author, Mara Rockliff and Illustrator Simona Ciraolo created a cleverly formatted book much like that of a silent movie to share the story of this one-of-a-kind filmmaker. Alice took her love for storytelling one step further as she created stories for the silver screen using methods and ideas never before attempted. Her bold vision seeps through the pages of this easy-to-read story creating inspiration for all readers!
Order a Copy Now: Amazon | Indiebound
Ages 6-9 | Publisher: Chronicle Books | September 11, 2018 | ISBN-13: 978-1452141343
Mama Africa!: How Miriam Makeba Spread Hope With Her Song
Written by Kathryn Erskine
Illustrated by Charly Palmer
Miriam Makeba’s music and social activism comes to life through Kathryn Erskine’s words and Charly Palmer’s visually brilliant illustrations. “Mama Africa” used her voice and music to speak out against apartheid in South Africa. As the story of her struggles and challenges continue, her voice only became stronger and louder. She even became an inspiration to Nelson Madela who worked to end the harsh laws of inequality. Though, she may be gone, her music lives on as a reminder to us all.
Order a Copy Now: Amazon | Indiebound
Ages 6-10 | Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux | Oct. 10, 2017 | ISBN-13: 978-0374303013
Grandma Gatewood Hikes the Appalachian Trail
Written and Illustrated by Jennifer Thermes
This is an inspirational, true story of Grandma Gatewood who left rural Ohio at age 67 to become the first woman to walk the Appalachian Trail, “the longest footpath in the world.” From Georgia to Maine, the story shares her adventures of how she weathered storms, encountered animals, and relied on strangers for help. The book is beautifully crafted by Thermes with full page illustrations and double page spreads. A must-have for your personal or classroom library!
Order a Copy Now: Amazon | Indiebound
Ages 5-7 | Publisher: Harry N. Abrams | May 8, 2018 | ISBN-13: 978-1419728396
She Made a Monster: How Mary Shelley Created Frankenstein
Written by Lynn Fulton
Illustrated by Felicita Sala
It all began with a dream! As the night began to fall and the thunder sounded outside her bedroom window, a young Mary Shelly drifted asleep in hopes to be inspired to write a scary story that was commissioned to her. Eerie shadows and sounds fed her imagination creating a creepy manlike creature “with bulging yellow eyes” named Frankenstein. Lynn Fulton story-telling creates a suspenseful feeling that readers connect with especially with the dark illustrations by Sala.
Order a Copy Now: Amazon | Indiebound
Ages 4-8 | Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers | September 18, 2018 | ISBN-13: 978-0525579601
The book list 5 Inspiring Picture Books That Show How Women Have Changed the World was curated by Anna C. Iacovetta, Ph.D.. Discover more books like the titles listed here by following along with our reviews and articles tagged with Inspirational Figures, Non-Fiction, Picture Books, and Women’s History.
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