Posted by Cassandra
For every well-known woman who has made her mark on history, there are countless other women who were just as significant
and indispensable to the past but whose names aren’t always as familiar.
In celebration of Women’s History Month, here are summaries of Children’s
Biographies detailing the lives of three fascinating, intelligent, and brave
women whose names and contributions aren’t always as recognizable (particularly
to children) but whose stories are powerful and must be shared.
Margaret Hamilton was a curious and clever little girl (with
a particular interest in mathematics) who grew up to invent the term “software
engineer” because the computer programming she was doing needed an official
title. Margaret was inquisitive, intelligent, and inventive and is best known
for the detailed computer code she wrote that allowed Apollo 11 to land on the
moon even though it was experiencing several computer errors at the time. With simple yet endearing illustrations and
an educational Author’s Note in the back to elaborate on Margaret’s life story,
this book is a great option for the curious and clever little girls (and boys!)
in your life.
The daughter of an artist and a poet, Maya Lin grew up
learning to use both her hands, her heart, and her head in equal measure. As a
young adult, lines and interesting architecture fascinated her and Maya knew
she wanted to create interesting structures as well. It was during her senior
year of college when Maya submitted an entry into the contest which would
choose the design of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial; she was shocked to find out
she had won! However, not everyone was thrilled with the news of her
accomplishment and Maya had to fight for her vision. This book provides a
glimpse into not only the life of Maya Lin but into the conviction behind the
Vietnam Veterans Memorial and that is surely worth a read for young and older
alike.
Adults can check out Maya Lin: Thinking with Her Handsby Susan Rubin, available through inter-library loan.
Wangari Maathai was an environmental activist who bravely
fought against the deforestation of her beloved country, Kenya. She planted
trees, united the Kenyan people, and battled against powerful government
officials who had her imprisoned numerous times. Wangari Maathai: The Woman
who Planted Millions of Trees is the fascinating story of her life, her struggles,
and her victories.
Adults can check out Wangari Maathai’s autobiography Unbowed:A Memoir for an even closer look at Wangari’s captivating life.
For even more children’s books highlighting the lives of strong, courageous, and intelligent women, visit the Women’s History Month book display in the Children’s Library or check out these additional titles:
·
JB BLACKWELL Who Says Women Can’t be Doctors? The Story of Elizabeth Blackwell by Tanya Lee Stone, Illustrated by Marjorie Priceman
·
JB COMSTOCK Out of School and Into Nature: The Anna Comstock Story by Suzanne Slade, Illustrated by Jessica Lanan
·
JB GARBER Miss Mary Reporting: The True Story of Sportswriter Mary Garber by Sue Macy, Illustrated by C.F. Payne
·
JB GINSBURG I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark by Debbie Levy, Illustrated by Elizabeth Baddeley
· J BIOS HIDDEN
Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black
Women and the Space Race by Margot Lee Shetterly, Illustrated by LauraFreeman
