Books about Women in STEM for Kids
These books about women in STEM can inspire kids to reach their dreams. Or even create new ones! Women in STEM fields is one of many under represented groups. These important stories from the past can help shape our future and add more diversity within the STEM space.
The books listed below are alphabetized by title. If there are any I should add to the list, please send me an email at contactnaomimeredith@gmail.com
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Books about Women in STEM: Titles A-E
Born Curious: 20 Girls Who Grew Up to Be Awesome Scientists by Martha Freeman and Katy Wu
“The twenty groundbreaking women—including Rosalind Franklin, Marie Tharp, Shirley Anne Jackson, and more—came from all kinds of backgrounds and had all kinds of life experiences. Some grew up rich. Some grew up poor. Some were always the smartest kid in class. Some struggled to do well in school. But all had one thing in common: They were born curious. Are you curious, too?” (Amazon description)
Computer Decoder: Dorothy Vaughan, Computer Scientist by Andi Diehn
“Elementary-aged children follow Dorothy’s journey from math teacher to human computer and beyond, a journey made difficult because she was an African American woman working during a time of segregation. Dorothy worked incredibly hard to meet the challenges that greeted her at every turn and rose to the level of supervisor, the first black supervisor in the history of her company! But another challenge awaited when a mechanical computer threatened to replace the teams of human computers. How will Dorothy figure out this problem?” (Amazon description)
The Doctor with an Eye for Eyes: The Story of Dr. Patricia Bath by Julia Finley Mosca
“As a girl coming of age during the Civil Rights Movement, Patricia Bath made it her mission to become a doctor. When obstacles like racism, poverty, and sexism threatened this goal, she persevered―brightening the world with a game-changing treatment for blindness!” (Amazon description)
Books about Women in STEM: Titles F-J
Fossil Huntress: Mary Leakey, Paleontologist by Andi Diehn
“What was the world like millions of years ago? Did early humans walk on all fours? Did giant sloths lie in trees? Did dinosaurs have feathers? Even as a young girl, Mary Leakey was fascinated by questions like these! Meet Mary as a girl growing up in France and visiting the site of archeological wonders, such as Pech Merle, Fond de Gaume, and La Mouthe. As an adult, Mary spends much of her life working in the field in Tanzania, making discoveries that change the face of paleontology forever. True grit, passion, and high standards for scientific rigor made Mary a pioneer in the field of paleontology!” (Amazon description)
The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Temple Grandin by Julia Finley Mosca
“When young Temple was diagnosed with autism, no one expected her to talk, let alone become one of the most powerful voices in modern science. Yet, the determined visual thinker did just that. Her unique mind allowed her to connect with animals in a special way, helping her invent groundbreaking improvements for farms around the globe!” (Amazon description)
The Girl with a Mind for Math: The Story of Raye Montague by Julia Finley Mosca
“After touring a German submarine in the early 1940s, young Raye set her sights on becoming an engineer. Little did she know sexism and racial inequality would challenge that dream every step of the way, even keeping her greatest career accomplishment a secret for decades. Through it all, the gifted mathematician persisted―finally gaining her well-deserved title in history: a pioneer who changed the course of ship design forever.” (Amazon description)
Human Computer: Mary Jackson, Engineer by Andi Diehn
“When Mary Jackson was growing up, she thought being an engineer was impossible for her. Why? After all, she was fantastic at math and science. She worked really hard to learn all she could in school. Why did this smart little girl think she couldn’t be an engineer? Readers ages 5 to 8 explore the life of Mary Jackson, who overcame the challenges of segregation and sexism to become the first female African American engineer at NASA!” (Amazon description)
Books about Women in STEM: Titles K-O
Books about Women in STEM: Titles P-Z
Solving the Puzzle Under the Sea: Marie Tharp Maps the Ocean Floor by Robert Burleigh
“This illustrated biography shares the story of female scientist, Marie Tharp, a pioneering woman scientist and the first person to ever successfully map the ocean floor.
Marie Tharp was always fascinated by the ocean. Taught to think big by her father who was a mapmaker, Marie wanted to do something no one had ever done before: map the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean. Was it even possible? Not sure if she would succeed, Marie decided to give it a try.” (Amazon description)
Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World by Rachel Igonotofsky
“Highlights the contributions of fifty notable women to the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) from the ancient to the modern world. Full of striking, singular art, this fascinating collection also contains infographics about relevant topics such as lab equipment, rates of women currently working in STEM fields, and an illustrated scientific glossary.” (Amazon description)
“Meet some incredible and inspirational women who have worked in the field of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) and changed the world. Smart women have always been able to achieve amazing things, even when the odds were stacked against them.” (Amazon description)
Other blog posts you might enjoy:
- List of Books about Creativity for Kids by Naomi Meredith
- Winter STEM Activity & Book Pairing Guide by Naomi Meredith
- How to do a Virtual Read Aloud Tips & Tricks by Naomi Meredith
Have any other books I should add? Feel free to direct message me on Instagram, @naomimeredith_ and I would love to chat with you!
