3 Awesome Children’s Books About Women Who Persevered

Recently, I wrote post about 5 awesome books about perseverance, but I wanted to look into books that were based on real people, in this case, amazing women! I did some research, read a lot of books, and narrowed it down to the 3 books I would start with… the perfect amount to dive in, but not be overwhelming.

1. The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin– Written by Julia Finley Mosca and Illustrated by Daniel Riley
2. Shark Lady– Written by Jess Keating and Illustrated by Marta Álvares Miguéns
3. Wilma Unlimited– Written by Kathleen Krull and Illustrated by David Diaz

The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin: The first awesome story is about Dr. Temple Grandin, an academic and animal behavioral scientist with autism. With a love for animals, she pioneered the way animals were treated, especially, farm animals. This is a beautiful story about how she persevered through the social struggle of autism to greatly influence the agriculture and farming industry. I like this story because it teaches students about how perceived weakness can grow into strengths.

Shark Lady: The second awesome story is about Eugenie Clark, a little girl with a passion for sea life, especially sharks. Her passion evolves into an academic journey of studying the biology of sharks and nautical life. With her love for sharks, she bravely conducts multiple dives in the ocean, even finding new species of sea life. She also was one of the first scientists to prove that sharks are intelligent animals that can learn. I like this story, because it teaches students to pursue passions, learn, and challenge doubters.

Wilma Unlimited: The third awesome is about how Wilma Rudolph became the world’s fastest female runner. She was born weighing less than four pounds and had with a weak immune system as a child. At five, she got scarlet fever and polio. Her leg was initially permanently bent, preventing her to walk. With perseverance, she strengthened her leg, transitioning from using a leg brace to being able to walk again.

Years later, she would compete in the 1960s Olympics as a runner… winning 3 GOLD medals! I like this story, because shows students to not let limitations determine your life. stay close to your family, and to follow your dreams. I loved this book so much; I made an arts integrated school counseling lesson for it on TPT.

If you are interested in having a book option that discusses a lot of influential women in one place, check out the She Persisted series. This series provides with books of both individual women and also groups of women in single books. It is a great option if you are interested in a book series.

All of these options are a great way to teach students about the perseverance of influential women. Have fun reading!