Extraordinary Black Women in American History

Kids can learn a lot from real-life heroes who stood up for justice and equality, made a name for themselves in their chosen fields, and made their country and the world a better place. This list offers picture books, biographies, memoirs, and nonfiction stories of women who had the strength and perseverance to overcome obstacles, break barriers, and make history, from Harriet Tubman to Rosa Parks, first African American female astronaut Dr. Mae Jemison to first Black U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris. For other inspiring stories, check out Books with Stories of Extraordinary Women and Civil Rights Books.

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Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race Poster Image
BOOK

Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race

age 4+

Picture book intro to important, inspirational story.

Jazz Age Josephine Poster Image
BOOK

Jazz Age Josephine

age 4+

Jazzy bio of Josephine Baker inspiring, bittersweet.

By: Jonah Winter (2012)
Kamala Harris: Rooted in Justice Poster Image
BOOK

Kamala Harris: Rooted in Justice

age 4+

Inspiring, colorful story of senator's lifetime of work.

By: Nikki Grimes (2020)
Mae Among the Stars Poster Image
BOOK

Mae Among the Stars

age 4+

Simple bio of first African American female astronaut.

By: Roda Ahmed (2018)
Rosa Poster Image
BOOK

Rosa

age 4+

Spectacular illustrations spotlight Parks' historic protest.

By: Nikki Giovanni (2006)
All Rise: The Story of Ketanji Brown Jackson cover: Ketanji Brown stands smiling in front of the Supreme Court building wearing a judge's robe; blue sky and clouds above.
BOOK

All Rise: The Story of Ketanji Brown Jackson

age 5+

Inspiring story of the history-making Supreme Court justice.

I Am Harriet Tubman: Ordinary People Change the World Poster Image
BOOK

I Am Harriet Tubman: Ordinary People Change the World

age 5+

Courage, doing the right thing are themes in thrilling bio.

By: Brad Meltzer (2018)
Justice Rising cover.
BOOK

Justice Rising: 12 Amazing Black Women in the Civil Rights Movement

age 5+

Exceptional picture book about civil rights heroes.

Bessie the Motorcycle Queen cover.
BOOK

Bessie the Motorcycle Queen

age 6+

Upbeat, adventurous story about motorcycling pioneer.

The First Step: How One Girl Put Segregation on Trial Poster Image
BOOK

The First Step: How One Girl Put Segregation on Trial

age 6+

Inspiring, educational story of 1800s civil rights heroes.

By: Susan E. Goodman (2016)
Jump at the Sun cover: young girl, wearing overalls, stands in a field and jumps up towards the bright sky.
BOOK

Jump at the Sun: The True Life Tale of Unstoppable Storycatcher Zora Neale Hurston

age 6+

Shining story about adventurous life of celebrated writer.

By: Alicia D. Williams (2023)
Nina: A Story of Nina Simone Poster Image
BOOK

Nina: A Story of Nina Simone

age 6+

Bold story of famed singer's life and civil rights activism.

By: Traci N. Todd (2021)
Painting of Coretta Scott King held by three children.
BOOK

She Persisted: Coretta Scott King

age 6+

Inspiring true story of the civil rights legend.

Ida B. Wells: Discovering History's Heroes Poster Image
BOOK

Ida B. Wells: Discovering History's Heroes

age 7+

Inspiring biography of courageous civil rights pioneer.

By: Diane Bailey (2019)
Ketanji Brown Jackson: A Justice for All cover: illustrated image of Ketanji Brown Jackson smiling in a justice robe in front of the Supreme Court building with an American flag waving in the background.
BOOK

Ketanji Brown Jackson: A Justice for All

age 7+

Poetic tribute to groundbreaking judge's journey.

By: Tami Charles (2023)
The Legendary Miss Lena Horne Poster Image
BOOK

The Legendary Miss Lena Horne

age 7+

Solid intro to singer, movie star, civil rights activist.

Counting the Stars: The Story of Katherine Johnson, NASA Mathematician Poster Image
BOOK

Counting the Stars: The Story of Katherine Johnson, NASA Mathematician

age 8+

Beautiful, detailed Katherine Johnson bio for older kids.

By: Lesa Cline-Ransome (2019)
Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History Poster Image
BOOK

Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History

age 8+

Inspirational bios of trailblazing African American women.

By: Vashti Harrison (2017)
Madam C.J. Walker Builds a Business Poster Image
BOOK

Madam C.J. Walker Builds a Business

age 8+

Inspiring bio of wealthy Black female entrepreneur in 1800s.

By: Rebel Girls (2019)