Women’s History Month: 15 Books about Young History Makers

“I am a product of every other black woman before me who has done or said anything worthwhile. Recognizing that I am part of history is what allows me to soar.” – Oprah Winfrey

Women’s History Month recognizes, remembers, and reflects on the stories, accomplishments, and contributions of women in past and present times. In many cases, the women did not set out to make history, but circumstances and events in society pushed them forward to fight for justice or fulfill a need. For some, the realization of their own personal goals in education, the arts, sports, and business, has inspired and motivated others. No matter their claim to fame, the people featured in the books listed have one thing in common, they were all young —some very young—when they made their mark on history. Oprah Winfrey was 19 when she made history as the first Black woman—and the youngest—employed as a news anchor and reporter in Nashville, TN. Carole Boston Weatherford, historian and prolific author of children’s books, wrote Oprah: The Little Speaker, a picture book that focuses on Oprah’s childhood. Hopefully, their stories contain wisdom, authenticity, and life lessons that will influence women and girls everywhere to soar now and in the future. All the titles are nonfiction, except the story of Phillis Wheatley, which is a historical fiction book. Happy Reading!

Game Changers: The Story of Venus and Serena Williams

Oprah: The Little Speaker

Through My Eyes

Ruby Bridges Scholastic Press, 1999 | Amazon | Bookshop | IndieBound

Searching for Sarah Rector: The Richest Black Girl in America

Tonya Bolden | Harry N. Abrams, 2014 | Amazon | Bookshop | IndieBound

At Her Majesty’s Request: An African Princess in Victorian England

Walter Dean Myers | Scholastic Press, 1999 | Amazon

Maritcha: A Nineteenth-Century American Girl

This Promise of Change: One Girl’s Story in the Fight for School Equality

March Forward, Girl: From Young Warrior to Little Rock Nine

Melba Pattillo Beals | Frank Morrison | HMH BYR, 2018 | Amazon | IndieBound

Marley Dias Gets It Done – And So Can You

Marley Dias | Scholastic Press, 2018 | Amazon | Bookshop | IndieBound

Courage to Soar: A Body in Motion, A Life in Balance

You Got This!: Unleash Your Awesomeness, Find Your Path, and Change Your World

Maya S. Penn | Gallery Books, 2016 | Amazon | Bookshop | IndieBound

Turning 15 on the Road to Freedom: My Story of the 1965 Selma Voting Rights March

Mo’ne Davis: Remember My Name: My Story from First Pitch to Game Changer

Grace, Gold, and Glory My Leap of Faith

My Name Is Phillis Wheatley: A Story of Slavery and Freedom

Afua Cooper | Kids Can Press, 2009 | Amazon | IndieBound

Bonus Book for Older Readers:

This book is not categorized as a children’s/YA book, but it tells the seemingly forgotten story of child prodigy and trailblazer, Hazel Scott, and her involvement with the entertainment industry and civil rights movement.

Hazel Scott: The Pioneering Journey of a Jazz Pianist, from Café Society to Hollywood

Karen Chilton | University of Michigan Press, 2010 | Amazon | Bookshop | IndieBound

What do you think about our list of young women history makers? Who would you like to add to the list? Leave a comment below.

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