Two Friends: Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass
Illustrated by Sean Qualls & Selina Alko (Scholastic, January 2016)
Susan B. Anthony is a champion of women’s rights, and Frederick Douglass a champion of African American rights. On a snowy night, the friends meet in Susan’s parlor to to discuss their plans for making the world a better place. They’re ready to go out and fight for what they believe in—after taking a break for a cup of tea.
Miss Paul and the President: The Creative Campaign for Women’s Right to Vote
Illustrated by Nancy Zhang (Knopf, September 2016)
Alice Paul has loads of ideas for convincing President Woodrow Wilson to support voting rights for women, organizing a parade and a demonstration at the White House. He finally comes around to supporting women’s suffrage, with a nudge from his daughter Margaret.
Margaret and the Moon: How Margaret Hamilton Saved the First Lunar Landing
Illustrated by Lucy Knisley (Knopf, May 2017)
Margaret Hamilton grew up wondering why the stars shone and how the planets moved. She threw herself into mathematics to find answers to her questions, then discovered a whole new way to understand the universe: computers! Working with the United States space program, Margaret used this amazing new invention to get astronauts all the way to the moon. And when the first lunar landing went haywire, her brilliant computer programming saved the day.
The Astronaut Who Painted the Moon: The True Story of Alan Bean
Illustrated by Sean Rubin (Scholastic, June 2019)
This adventure story celebrates the only artist to travel in outer space. Alan is both a brave astronaut and a painter who expresses his feelings through art. After the Apollo 12 mission, he pursues a one-of-a-kind dream: painting the magic and mystery of his trip to the moon.
Thank You, Dr. Salk! The Scientist Who Beat Polio and Healed the World
Illustrated by Mike Dutton (Farrar, Straus & Giroux, June 2021)
Jonas Salk is a quiet boy who dreams of relieving the world’s suffering. He grows up to be a scientist who enlists millions of schoolchildren to help him test a vaccine that will conquer the terrible disease called polio. When he makes a breakthrough, the whole world celebrates by saying “Thank you, Dr. Salk!”
The Fastest Girl on Earth!: Meet Kitty O’Neil, Daredevil Driver!
Illustrated by Elizabeth Baddeley (Knopf, August 2021)
Kitty O’Neil loses her hearing as a child but doesn’t let it slow her down—not even a little. Kitty grows up to set speed records for water skiing and boat racing, then prepares to drive her spectacular rocket-powered car faster than any woman on earth!
¡Mambo Mucho Mambo!: The Dance That Crossed Color Lines
Illustrated by Eric Velasquez (Candlewick, October 2021)
Spanish edition: ¡Mambo mucho mambo!: El baile que atravesó la barrera del color
In 1940s New York City, people from different backgrounds aren’t allowed to dance in the same places. But then the Palladium Ballroom opens its doors so everyone can enjoy a thrilling new sound called Latin jazz and a bold new dance called the mambo. When two young dancers meet on the Palladium’s dance floor, their cross-cultural partnership helps spark the civil rights movement that will tear down barriers across the country.
You Are a Star, Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Illustrated by Sarah Green (Scholastic, February 2022)
Ruth is a dreamy girl who wants to do something great in her life. Can she break through barriers for women to become a lawyer who fights for equality and justice? Ruth’s determination take her all the way to the United States Supreme Court, where she sticks up for ordinary people to make the world a better place.
You Are a Star, Jane Goodall
Illustrated by Hatem Aly (Scholastic, April 2023)
Jane Goodall loves animals so much that she keeps earthworms under her pillow and dresses her dog in pajamas. Her childhood dream of studying wildlife in Africa seems impossible, but she saves money for a trip to Tanzania and becomes the first person to observe chimpanzees while living among them. Jane befriends the chimps and also makes groundbreaking discoveries that transform her into one of the world’s greatest scientists.
You Are a Star, Malala Yousafzai
Illustrated by Maithili Joshi (Scholastic, January 2, 2024)
Malala Yousafzai is an 11-year-old Pakistani girl who courageously challenges those who deny her right to an education. She becomes the youngest person to receive a Nobel Prize by giving hope to children around the world.
The Fastest Drummer: Clap Your Hands for Viola Smith!
Illustrated by Susanna Chapman (Candlewick, March 5, 2024)
Viola Smith fell in love with the drums as a little girl, performing in the family jazz band with her older sisters. She became a pioneering female instrumentalist, famous as “The Fastest Girl Drummer in the World!” Viola boldly championed her fellow women players in the 1930s and ’40s, opening doors in the music industry.