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Reading has always been such a great way to learn, and when it comes to celebrating amazing women, books are such an awesome way to do it.
I really love how these 15 middle-grade books are filled with stories of women who faced challenges, pushed boundaries, and changed the world.
It’s perfect for Women’s History Month, but really, anytime is a great time to dive into these books.
The characters in these stories are such great role models, who show that anything is possible when you believe in yourself.
Plus, I’m all for reading more in general – it helps us understand the world better, and honestly, it’s just a fun way to spend time!
1. The Eagle Huntress: The True Story of the Girl Who Soared Beyond Expectations by Aisholpan Nurgaiv and Liz Welch
Aisholpan Nurgaiv isn’t your average girl – she’s the first girl to ever compete in Mongolia’s eagle hunting competition.
This book is all about her journey, from capturing her eagle to winning the competition, breaking barriers every step of the way.
It’s a story that shows just how far a girl can go when she sets her mind to something!
2. Flora La Fresca & the Art of Friendship by Veronica Chambers
Flora is one of those girls who always looks at the bright side, even when things get tough.
When her best friend Clara moves away and she’s stuck with a sister who’s obsessed with her quinceañera, Flora has to figure out what true friendship really means.
This is a super fun, heartwarming story about growing up, making new friends, and surviving family drama.
3. Sky of Bombs, Sky of Stars: A Vietnamese War Orphan Finds Home by Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch
Tuyet’s life is turned upside down when she’s rescued from war-torn Vietnam and taken to the U.S. to start a new life.
This book is about her struggles – polio, culture shock, and surgeries – but it’s also about how she finds hope, love, and strength.
4. A Girl Named Faithful Plum: The True Story of a Dancer from China and How She Achieved Her Dream by Richard Bernstein
Faithful Plum – aka Zhongmei Lei – grew up poor, but that didn’t stop her from dreaming big.
She wanted to be a dancer, and she worked her butt off to make it happen, even as far as traveling for hours just to audition.
This book shows that with grit, determination, and a lot of hard work, you can make your dreams come true.
5. Red Scarf Girl: A Memoir of the Cultural Revolution by Ji-li Jiang
Ji-li Jiang’s world turns upside down when the Cultural Revolution takes over China.
With her family being targeted, she faces the hardest choices of her life.
This memoir is all about her courage to stand up for what she believes in, even when everything around her is falling apart.
It’s powerful and emotional and shows what happens when a girl refuses to back down.
6. Amina’s Voice by Hena Khan
Amina has always stayed out of the spotlight, but when she faces bullying and her best friend starts hanging with the “cool kids,” she’s forced to figure out who she really is.
After her mosque is attacked, Amina’s journey to find her voice and stand up for what’s right is inspiring.
This book is a beautiful story of friendship, self-discovery, and finding strength when it matters most.
7. Amazing Women of the Middle East: 25 Stories from Ancient Times to Present Day by Wafa Tarnowska, Illustrated by Various Artists
This book takes you through 25 inspiring stories of women from the Middle East, from ancient legends to modern-day heroes.
Each one broke boundaries and left a legacy, and they show that women can shape history in incredible ways.
This is simple the most perfect way for kids to learn about strong women who changed the world.
8. Women Who Dared: 52 Stories of Fearless Daredevils, Adventurers & Rebels by Linda Skeers
If you love a good story about someone doing something wild and brave, this one’s for you.
It’s packed with stories of 52 amazing women who didn’t follow the rules – they made their own.
From explorers to revolutionaries, these women showed that you don’t need permission to live your dream.
9. RBG’s Brave & Brilliant Women: 33 Jewish Women to Inspire Everyone by Nadine Epstein
In this book, Ruth Bader Ginsburg celebrates 33 Jewish women who changed the world, from activists to artists.
These women didn’t just make waves – they created entire movements. RBG’s passion for lifting up other women shines through.
And, it’s the perfect read for anyone who wants to get inspired by incredible real-life role models.
10. Malala: My Story of Standing Up for Girls’ Rights by Malala Yousafzai
Malala Yousafzai’s story is nothing short of incredible.
After standing up to the Taliban to fight for girls’ education, she was shot, but Malala didn’t let that stop her.
She became the youngest-ever Nobel Peace Prize winner and continues to inspire millions.
This book tells the story of a girl who fought for what’s right, no matter the cost.
11. Sisters of the War: Two Remarkable True Stories of Survival and Hope in Syria by Rania Abouzeid
This book tells the stories of two sets of sisters surviving the war in Syria.
Living in a country torn apart by conflict, they face unimaginable challenges but their love for each other and their strength to keep going is what keeps them alive.
It’s a heartbreaking, powerful read about resilience in the darkest of times.
12. Dear World: A Syrian Girl’s Story of War and Plea for Peace by Bana Alabed
Bana Alabed was only seven years old when she began tweeting about the horrors of the Syrian civil war.
Her words reached millions, making her a voice for children caught in war.
This book is a heartbreaking yet hopeful look at the power of one voice to bring attention to injustice and to keep pushing for peace.
13. Girls Who Rocked the World: Heroines from Joan of Arc to Mother Teresa by Michelle Roehm McCann, Amelie Welden, Illustrated by David Hahn
This book is full of 46 amazing young women who changed the world before they even hit twenty.
From Joan of Arc to Maya Lin, each one of these girls proves that age doesn’t matter when you’re determined to make an impact.
It’s a celebration of bold, fearless girls who didn’t let anything stop them from reaching for the stars.
14. The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly
Calpurnia Tate is eleven years old and living in 1899 Texas, where being a girl means you’re supposed to learn how to cook and sew.
But Calpurnia wants to study nature, so with her grandfather’s help, she embarks on an adventure of curiosity and discovery.
This book is a heartwarming and funny coming-of-age story about a girl who refuses to follow the traditional path and instead follows her own.
15. Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan
Esperanza’s life is turned upside down when her family’s ranch in Mexico is taken from them, and they’re forced to move to a migrant camp in California during the Great Depression.
But Esperanza doesn’t give up. She rises above the challenges, learns to adapt, and fights to protect her family.
It’s a powerful story about resilience, hope, and the strength it takes to face life’s hardest challenges.
If you’re looking for more great book ideas, make sure to check out my related posts!
I’d also love to hear what books you’re excited to read or any favorites you think should be on the list – drop a comment below and let’s chat!
