For Women’s History Month, let’s recognize the accomplishments of some amazing women scientists. I’m highlighting 10 female scientists and sharing 20 picture books about them. Head to the library and check out a few.
Picture Books about Inspiring Women Scientists
Life Sciences and Conservation
These women have added much to the field of conservation and their respective studies. Be inspired to make a difference in our world.
Jane Goodall
She is most famous for her work with chimpanzees, but Jane Goodall has done a lot for conservation over the years. She is an amazing advocate for caring for the animals in our world.
Read
The Watcher: Jane Goodall’s Life with the Chimps
Rachel Carson
She wrote Silent Spring in 1962 about the effects of DDT and other chemical on our environment. Her story started the modern environmental movement and is responsible for many of our laws regarding chemicals.
Read
Rachel Carson and Her Book that Changed the World
Spring after Spring: how Rachel Carson Inspired the Environmental Movement
Wangari Maathai
She the first African woman and environmentalist, to win a Nobel Peace Prize for “her contribution to sustainable development, democracy and peace.” Her environmental organization, the Green Belt Movement, focused on reforestation, conservation, and women’s rights.
Read
Seeds of Change: Wangari’s Gift to the World
Wangari’s Trees of Peace: A True Story from Africa
Planting the Trees of Kenya: The Story of Wangari Maathai
Eugenie Clark
She became known as “Shark Lady” after her childhood fascination for sharks turned into a passion and career.
Read
Shark Lady: The True Story of How Eugenie Clark Became the Ocean’s Most Fearless Scientist
Swimming With Sharks: The Daring Discoveries of Eugenie Clark
Evelyn Cheesman
She was in charge of the London Zoo insect house. She travelled the world collecting over 70,000 insect specimens and discovering new species in her adventures.
Read
Evelyn the Adventurous Entomologist: The True Story of a World-Traveling Bug Hunter
Space Science and Engineering
These women are pioneers in the fields of engineering, computer science, and space science. They will inspire you to reach for a dream and keep going.
Mae Jemison
She was the first black woman in space. In 1992, she traveled aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour.
Read
Blast Off Into Space Like Mae Jemison
Ellen Ochoa
She was the daughter of immigrants who dreamed of being a professional flute player. In college, she fell in love with engineering and shattered barriers to become an astronaut.
Read
The Astronaut With A Song For The Stars: The Story of Dr. Ellen Ochoa
Katherine Johnson
She was one of NASA’s “human computers.” She calculated the flight path that helped return Apollo 13 safely home after a malfunction occurred on board.
Read
Counting on Katherine: How Katherine Johnson Saved Apollo 13
You Should Meet: Katherine Johnson
Raye Montague
Her greatest accomplishment was kept a secret for decades due to sexism and racism. Raye persisted as an engineer and mathematician and changed the world of naval ships forever.
Read
The Girl With A Mind for Math: The Story of Raye Montague
Wu Chien Shiung
She was the first female instructor at Princeton University, the first female President of the American Physical Society, and the first scientist to have an asteroid named after her when she was still alive.
Read
Queen of Physics: How Wu Chien Shiung Helped Unlock the Secrets of the Atom
