Inspiring Picture Book Biographies About Women in STEM
by Rosemary D'Urso
These inspiring picture book biographies celebrate remarkable women who have overcome obstacles, pursued their passions, and made groundbreaking contributions to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). I am deeply grateful for the trailblazers highlighted in these stories and the countless unsung heroes who have shown future generations the path to dreaming big and achieving greatness.
These captivating biographies are perfect for reading during Women’s History Month and all year long!
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Sisters in Science
Available from:Many have heard of the famed Nobel Prize-winning scientist Marie Curie, but did you know her equally skilled sister, Bronia, was also a scientist? This gorgeous story explores their fascinating lives and the unwavering support that helped them become leaders in science and academia.
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The Girl Who Built an Ocean
Available from:When talented dressmaker Jeanne Villepreux-Power moved to the coast, the ocean’s beauty captivated her so much that she traded her scissors for sea life. She invented the world’s first aquarium, revolutionizing the study of marine creatures. This inspiring tale showcases the extraordinary achievements that come from following one’s passion.
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How to Hear the Universe
Available from:Inspired by Einstein’s Theory of General Relativity, Gaby González dedicated herself to detecting gravitational waves, making groundbreaking discoveries in space-time research. Spanning a century of scientific progress, this engaging story reveals how her work confirmed Einstein’s theory and unlocked new secrets of the universe.
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The Girl Who Tested the Waters
Available from:Ellen Swallow tested the waters both literally and figuratively. Her childhood love of nature ignited a passion for science that propelled her to become the first woman admitted to the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Despite facing discrimination, she persevered and acquired the knowledge necessary to study water systems and fight for a healthier environment. This ecological hero’s legacy spread like ripples in a pond, inspiring future generations to advocate for the right to education and a cleaner environment.
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Birdlore
Preorder from:Prepare to feast your eyes on this stunning book celebrating how one woman’s adoration of birds emboldened others to respect and protect them. From childhood, Florence Merriam Bailey was captivated by birds. She dedicated her life to educating others about their beauty and brilliance, sparking a nationwide passion for birdwatching.
(On sale: 3/18/2025)
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Joan Proctor, Dragon Doctor
Available from:Imagine having a crocodile as a pet. How about a Komodo dragon? Joan Proctor had both! Her lifelong love of reptiles led her to become the curator of the Natural History Museum and later design and run the reptile house at the London Zoo. Joan became an influential defender of Komodo dragons and educated others about these magnificent creatures.
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The Story of Barbie and the Woman Who Created Her (Barbie)
Available from:After watching her daughter mix and match paper doll outfits, Ruth Handler created the Barbie doll, one of the most iconic toys of all time. Ruth’s invention inspired girls worldwide, showing them that, like Barbie, they could dream big and achieve anything. Ruth’s legacy continues today as Barbie’s popularity continues to soar.
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Ocean Speaks
Available from:The incredible Marie Tharp managed to map the mid-ocean range, Earth’s largest geographic feature, from the confines of a small lab. Though Marie longed to explore the sea in person, a silly superstition that women are bad luck on boats restricted her ability to work in the field. Instead, she dove headfirst into the data her colleagues collected and discovered a giant underwater mountain range that reshaped our knowledge of the seafloor.
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Margaret and the Moon
Available from:Unsung space hero Margaret Hamilton's code helped astronauts land on the moon, highlighting her problem-solving genius and her monumental contribution to NASA. Margaret and the Moon is an inspirational tale that excites kids about math, science, and the power of curiosity, making Hamilton's legacy accessible and thrilling.
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The Leaf Detective
Available from:This mesmerizing biography follows Meg Lowman as she fearlessly explored and studied rainforests when few dared to. Though full of danger, the rainforest is also full of wonder, and Meg dedicated herself to uncovering the secrets of its exotic plants and animals. Quotes from Meg and informative breakout boxes offer deeper insights into her journey and the rainforest, introducing children to the pioneering scientist and an extraordinary ecosystem.
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The Watcher
Available from:A natural-born observer, Jane Goodall loved studying animals in their natural habitats. As a young woman, she fulfilled her dream of traveling to Africa, where she transformed our understanding of chimpanzees and dedicated her life to their protection. Animal lovers will find a kindred spirit in this passionate advocate and researcher.
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The Girl Who Could Fix Anything
Available from:Beatrice Shilling was a one-of-a-kind engineer who tackled complex challenges with ingenuity. One of her innovative and cost-effective inventions gave British pilots a crucial advantage in WWII, helping them win the war. Amusing illustrations enhance the charm of this engaging tale commemorating this remarkable woman’s life. Additionally, an author’s note further highlights her numerous other impressive achievements.
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Rebel Girls STEM Stars: 25 Tales of Women in Science
Preorder from:This incredible collection of 25 fearless female trailblazers in science, technology, engineering, and math is filled with fascinating facts, quotes, and vivid portraits of each awe-inspiring woman. These rousing tales teach readers about many lesser-known heroes who deserve to have their names in the spotlight.
(On sale: 4/29/2025)
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